Aaron Werner welcomes Dr. Ben Thayil for a thoughtful conversation on refraction, identity, leadership, and the evolving role of the modern optometrist. Together they explore whether too much weight is placed on refraction, how doctors can unintentionally tie their identity to one task in the exam lane, and why the real value of care goes far beyond a prescription. From patient problem-solving and practice systems to change management and internal confidence, this episode looks at what truly defines an optometrist and the lasting impact doctors have on patients’ lives.

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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Wolfe discusses the Vision Source D25 program with Mick Kling, exploring its origins, benefits, and how it fosters community and value among independent optometrists. Discover how the program reinvests in practices and strengthens the independent optometry community.

Chapters

00:00 Weather Talk and Introduction

 resources

Vision Source Official Website - https://visionsource.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickkling/

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https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

"Aaron sits down with Dr. Kyle Klute to talk about what it really takes to build a stronger practice. They discuss why being busy is not the same as being effective, how better systems lead to better patient care, and why lasting growth comes from intentional mindset, clear metrics, and step-by-step implementation rather than quick fixes. It is a practical conversation about building pillars like myopia management, dry eye, and glaucoma care in a way that actually works.

Links referenced in the discussion:

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

In this episode, we take an honest look at one of the habits many of us developed long

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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

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https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

 https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?eventid=4970954&groupId=6158316&key=6D958B67035A8B4047B2FBD06AE4F38A&sessionid=1&sourcepage=register?partnerref=website&target=reg20.jsp

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https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

Dr. Katie Chu shares her journey from 30 years serving an immigrant community in the San Gabriel Valley to rediscovering purpose after COVID, divorce, and isolation. She breaks down how she “cleared the noise” through therapy tools, healthier friendships, and firmer boundaries—and how one bold decision created a ripple effect into a breakout year of creativity. Katie also unpacks the heart behind Chewie’s Bold Move, the music and lullabies tied to her books, and her big vision for a future “living masterclass” leadership retreat at sea.

Connect with Katie, get the books and hear the music:

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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/basketball-in-the-last-60-seconds-ben-sasse-on/id1378389941?i=1000750173300

Aaron Werner, Brianna Rhue, and first-time Book Nerds guest Dr. Ben Thayil unpack Seth Godin’s Tribes through the lens of real-world practice leadership. They explore what separates leaders from managers, why tribes thrive on member-to-member communication, and how fear is often less about failure and more about blame. The conversation digs into innovation timing (and the penalty for being late), practical ways to evaluate risk, and how to empower teams through delegation, alignment, and freedom to make mistakes—plus tactical takeaways like daily KPI texts, the “rope theory,” and a simple question to spark ownership: What change do you want to lead, and why?