In this episode of the Defocus Media podcast, Dr. Darryl Glover sits down with Long Huynh (optometry student at Indiana University School of Optometry) to unpack a story that feels both inspiring and relatable for anyone building something while still becoming who they are. Long is an optometry student with a creative background, and he’s also the co-founder of Millie Eyewear—a brand that started as a joke, turned into a weekend hustle, and ultimately became part of his bigger purpose in eye care.

Long Huynh’s journey into optometry began long before school applications and exams. Growing up in Vietnam with high myopia, he vividly remembers the moment when the right lenses brought the world into focus for the first time. That experience shaped how he views eye care—not just as correction, but as transformation. Combined with his mother’s eye for design and his father’s influence as a physician, Long developed an early appreciation for both the function and fashion of eyewear. When he later came to the U.S. and explored different healthcare paths, optometry kept pulling him back because it felt natural, human, and aligned with his desire to educate and connect with patients.

Millie Eyewear started as a lighthearted conversation between Long and his partner, Ann Nguyen, about “one day” designing their own frames. Instead of waiting, they decided to start while still in school. Ann brought business and accounting experience, while Long leaned into his graphic design background. After realizing that e-commerce advertising costs were too high, they found their opportunity at local open-air markets in Dallas, where eyewear was noticeably missing. Millie was built around accessibility, offering multiple product tiers so people could choose frames that matched both their style and budget, all while maintaining quality and thoughtful design.

One of the biggest lessons Long learned was that people don’t just buy frames—they buy stories. Early on, he tried to make Millie look overly polished, but real growth came when he showed the brand’s human side: real customers, market days, and behind-the-scenes moments. As an introvert, entrepreneurship pushed Long outside his comfort zone, teaching him the power of conversation and community. He emphasizes that meaningful connections often lead to unexpected opportunities, and that trust—built through genuine interaction—is what allows a brand to grow organically.

Long sees optometry continuing to thrive because, even with advancing technology and AI, the profession is rooted in human connection. He views new tools as ways to enhance care, not replace the doctor-patient relationship. His long-term vision includes expanding Millie Eyewear, launching e-commerce, collaborating with creators, and eventually bringing everything full circle by offering his own frames in his future practice. When it comes to legacy, Long keeps it simple: he wants to be known as a good doctor—someone who listens, educates, and treats patients with respect, while also inspiring others to start building their dreams before they feel “ready.”