In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sophia Leung, an exceptional Optometrist specializing in cornea and anterior segment disease. Part one dives into Dr. Leung’s journey to becoming a cornea specialist, including her transition from private practice to a residency in Oklahoma, relationships she’s developed working alongside ophthalmology, and a day in the life as a corneal specialist in Calgary, Alberta. Whether you’re a student exploring optometry specialties or a practicing OD considering a deeper focus in corneal care, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration!

The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

Resources mentioned:

In this episode of our New Grad Case Reflection series, Dr. Kar shares an interesting case of one (small but mighty) dot hemorrhage causing chaos for the doctor and the patient. How far would you go to investigate one minor finding in the retina?

Join Dr. Kar as she reflects on the case that was shared by her colleague, who saved a patient’s vision from permanent damage. What would you have done in her shoes? Share your thoughts with us by tagging @foureyesoptom in your Instagram stories!

The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

In this episode of our New Grad Case Reflection series, we dive into the challenges of managing a patient who consistently abused their contact lens wear. Patient education on contact lens hygiene is vital, but what happens when they ignore your advice? 

Join Dr. Bilkhu as she reflects on her experience as a new grad optometrist, dealing with a patient who resisted her professional advice. What would you have done in her shoes? Share your thoughts with us by tagging @foureyesoptom in your Instagram stories!

The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

Dr. Bilkhu and Dr. Kar dive into an alternative perspective on myopia that challenges the traditional medical approach. While current treatments often focus on myopia as a problem of it’s own, Dr. Bilkhu shares insights on why myopia may actually be a symptom of a deeper problem: near visual stress. Together, the hosts explore how the behavioral approach suggests that as long as the eyes are under stress, myopia will continue to worsen, regardless of the treatment applied.

Tune in to hear how optometrists can expand their understanding of myopia progression, incorporating behavioral practices to complement their medical treatment plans. This episode invites you to think outside the box and consider the underlying root causes of myopia that general optometry may not fully recognize. A must-listen for anyone ready to rethink their approach to myopia management and provide more holistic care to their patients!

The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

Check out the Art and Science course by OEPF

Check out these books discussing Myopia and Nearpoint Stress:

In this episode, Drs. Kar and Bilkhu share their personal tips to help new grad ODs master refraction skills. Learn from their experiences to reduce pesky prescription redos, create an exceptional patient experience, and even boost optical sales as an associate OD. These insights will help you build trust with your patients and ensure they leave your office feeling truly appreciated from just a simple refraction. Tune in, and take your skills to the next level!

The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

Join Dr. Kar and Dr. Bilkhu as they interview Dr. Michael Neal, an Optometrist and founder of Build My Team – an innovative company transforming how optometry practices hire staff members. Dr. Neal discusses the limitations of traditional interview methods and shares how Build My Team identifies the strengths and weaknesses of candidates to place them in roles where they can excel. We also discuss how these assessments apply to associate Optometrists to ensure they are a great fit for the practice. Tune in for valuable insights and advice to take your hiring process to the next level!

In this episode, we dive deep into the revolutionary role of AI in clinical trials and patient care with George Magrath, MD, an esteemed ophthalmologist and the CEO of a cutting-edge pharmaceutical company specializing in ophthalmic drug development. Dr. Magrath shares his expertise, having trained in ocular oncology at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

Dr. Magrath shares the innovative ways AI is being used in clinical trials, from patient selection to the development of new eye care medications. He also discusses how AI can accelerate the availability of effective ocular treatments and address wealth inequality in US health care. Lastly, we'll look ahead to the future prospects of AI in transforming ophthalmic pharmaceutical developments.

Tune in to discover how AI is reshaping the landscape of eye care and improving patient outcomes!

The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

Learn more about Dr. Magrath

Learn more about companies using revolutionary AI technology in the medical space: Voxeleron, Verana Health, RETINA-AI

Dr. Diana Chu is an optometrist at the Washington Eye Institute. In this episode, we learn about Dr. Chu’s first hand encounter with a concussion, exploring her path to recovery. She highlights the validity of symptoms even in the absence of physical injury, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one’s recovery journey. Dr. Chu also reviews biomarkers to detect nutritional and hormonal imbalances associated with a head injury, and the importance of seeing various allied healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to recovery.

The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

Learn more about Dr. Diana Chu

Learn more about concussion-related vision challenges through the following organizations: VTC, COVD, NORA, and OEPF

Dr. Hardeep Kataria, a seasoned Optometrist practicing advanced dry eye at Avant Eyes in California, returns to the podcast to discuss the vital role of mentorship in the journey of optometry. We discuss the profound impact mentorship can have on shaping your career and personal growth at various stages. From guidance in clinical practice to navigating the anxieties of selecting a practice modality, mentorship from either seasoned Optometrists or your peers can provide support and knowledge. 

For those seeking mentorship opportunities, check out YoungOD Connect's mentorship program, providing a structured platform for new grad Optometrists to connect with seasoned mentors and peers alike!

Learn more about Dr. Hardeep Kataria

Become a member for YoungOD Connect’s mentorship program

Amrit and Deepon chat with Dr. Arian Fartash, creator of GlamBaby, about her new line GlamBaby Dry Eye. Dr. Fartash combined her optometric knowledge and parenting experience to create dry eye products catered for infants and toddlers. Tune-in to hear more details about how she designed, manufactured, and marketed these products to other optometrists, online retailers, and big box stores across the world!

The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

Learn more about GlamBaby products here

Follow Dr. Fartash on Instagram @glamoptometrist