Dr. Jill Saxon has never backed down from a challenge. Stepping out as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy straight out of school laid the foundation for how she leads today. She learned to lead with courage in the face of uncertainty, to listen differently to patients in a deeper way, and to lean on the strength of her team. She now brings those lessons to her role as executive director of professional strategy at Bausch & Lomb.

Dr. Saxon shares the pivotal experiences that have shaped her, including an unforgettable moment in the military that redefined her understanding of patient care. She also reflects on her transition from clinical practice to industry, the importance of saying yes before you feel ready, and why discomfort is often the greatest teacher for leaders and their teams.

Show Notes

[00:01:45] Working with the New Jersey Devils

[00:06:57] Kyle Coon

[00:08:50] Inspiring patients

[00:09:58] Challenge coin

[00:14:50] Early experiences pushing the limits

[00:16:50] Introduction to the military

[00:19:30] Gaining confidence in the military

[00:21:49] Turning fear into growth opportunities

[00:24:09] Saying yes and empowering your team

[00:27:07] Navigating hesitation

[00:29:23] Lessons and powerful moment from the navy

[00:35:42] Listening differently to patients

[00:38:00] Reliving experiences

[00:41:13] Better 1 or Better 2

[00:45:23] Transitioning to industry

[00:49:00] Culture of support

[00:50:30] Investing time in the future and present

[00:53:13] Mentorship advice

[00:59:47] Comfortable with uncomfortable

[01:03:35] Family inspiration

[01:05:23] Embracing imbalance

[01:08:41] Exciting future for optometry

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Join optical training expert Joyce VanRooyen as she shares practical wisdom from her 35-year career in the industry. Discover how to transform frame selection into an unforgettable patient experience, implement training that actually works, and keep patients loyal to your practice. Joyce also gives her hot take on why we should drop the term “staff” and the key to competing with corporate chains (hint: it’s not pricing)!

[00:02:25] Introduction to the optical world

[00:06:38] Choosing frames

[00:17:49] Teaching and different learning styles

[00:20:39] Training new employees

[00:24:18] Leverage new hire perspective

[00:26:10] Online versus in-person training

[00:31:53] Investing in your team

[00:34:27] AI and human connection 

[00:39:16] Hot Takes, learning starts from the top

[00:43:34] Addressing skepticism in long-standing practices

[00:45:44] Competing with corporate chains

[00:49:20] Sales lessons from Fluevog

[00:53:11] Team, not staff

[00:56:08] Worst eye gallery experience

[00:57:26] Frame fashion and tinted lenses

[01:00:24] How to give feedback

[01:02:50] Be bold
Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with Dr. Ritesh Patel, voted one of Toronto’s top optometrists, to explore what it takes to build a modern, patient-first optometry practice. From an unexpected opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals to being the first to pioneer LipiFlow in North America, Dr. Patel’s career has been marked by seizing the right moments, staying on top of the latest technology, and thinking outside the box to design memorable patient experiences. Dr. Patel also makes the case for progress over perfection, the need for optometrists to be the go-to experts for their patients, adding a coffee station to your clinic, and mentoring the next generation of ODs. All this and more in the latest episode!

Timestamps:

[00:05:26] Working with the Cincinnati Bengals NFL Team

[00:09:18] Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson

[00:13:19] Training your vision as an athlete

[00:15:44] Coming back to Toronto

[00:16:58 ]Childhood dream of being an optometrist

[00:20:22] Interest in vintage cameras

[00:23:58] Entrepreneurship in college and starting a clinic

[00:27:34] Choosing the clinic location

[00:29:57] Progress not perfection

[00:31:00] Presenting your authentic self

[00:33:08] Advice to young ODs about learning from mistakes

[00:34:29] New technology in optometry

[00:36:40] LipiFlow and Working with Dr. Donald Korb

[00:40:14] Hospitality and memorable patient experiences

[00:45:46] Low-cost tips to improve the patient experience

[00:47:58] Incorporating AI in business

[00:52:46] Advances in macular degeneration treatment

[00:58:01] UV light

[01:00:20] Incremental improvement

[01:03:00] Continuing education opportunities

[01:04:02] Better 1 or Better 2

[01:10:13] Jim Shields and creating memories with your family

[01:13:18] How to “die with zero”

[01:17:39] Mentoring younger ODs

Mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Donald Korb – Pioneer in clinical optometry research in ocular surface disease and contact lenses

• MacuMira - Treatment for macular degeneration 

• Arunalight – Red light therapy

• “Untangled” – Book by Lisa Damour on parenting teenage daughters

• The Algebra of Wealth – Podcast with Scott Galloway

• ”The Family Boardroom” – Book by Jim Sheils on creating lasting connection with your children

• “Die with Zero” – Book by Bill Perkins on maximizing net fulfillment over net worth

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠

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What if the biggest opportunity for your optometry practice isn’t just in what your patients see—but in what they hear? In this episode, Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with his brother, Dr. Terence Miranda, to explore the synergies between optometry and audiology. They dive into why integrating hearing care into your clinic is a game-changer, how to make it work financially, and the surprising ways vision and hearing impact each other.

Timestamps:

[00:01:55] Terence’s path to audiology

[00:09:50] Gold medal story

[00:12:24] Integrating audiology into optometry clinics

[00:14:51] Connection between hearing and vision loss

[00:21:22] Treating optometry patients with hearing loss

[00:23:10] Advantage of including audiology services

[00:25:50] Shift to private health care

[00:29:22] Revenue sharing and embedding audiology clinics

[00:33:30] Guiding patients toward better hearing care

[00:35:26] Nuance Audio glasses and new technology

[00:41:54] Building trusting patient relationships

[00:48:25] Stigma around hearing aids

[00:50:29] Mistaken identity

[00:55:01] Better One or Better Two (Trevor or Terence)

[1:00:52] Purchasing philosophies and premium solutions

[1:08:02] Balancing new technology and patient flow

[1:11:40] Terence’s advice for long-term success

Mentioned in this episode:

• EssilorLuxottica Nuance Hearing Glasses

• Neurolens

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠.

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DISCLAIMER: This episode mentions mental illness and sensitive topics such as suicide. Please listen with care.

As healthcare professionals, we spend most of our time focusing on the well-being of others, but how often do we consider our own? In this episode of Optometry Unleashed, Dr. Meenal Agarwal from Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal speaks candidly about her personal journey with anxiety and the immense pressure optometrists face day to day. She sheds light on urgency culture, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, and intentionally making space to support one another in the healthcare industry.

Timestamps

[00:02:31] Meenal’s journey to optometry

[00:03:26] Launching Uncover Your Eyes

[00:07:45] First panic attack and managing anxiety

[00:12:23] The importance of open open conversations

[00:14:50] Stigma around mental health

[00:16:48] Staying present with patients

[00:18:11] Balancing the positive and negative

[00:22:05] Urgency culture and setting boundaries

[00:26:00] Learning from mistakes

[00:29:00] Busyness and taking breaks

[00:35:36] Checking in with your team

[00:38:27] Better One or Better Two

[00:40:44] Connecting mental health with eye conditions

[00:45:42] Getting a good night’s sleep

[00:48:14] Advice for people struggling with mental health

[00:50:54] How Trevor stays positive

Mentioned in this episode:

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.

Call or text 9-8-8 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more resources, visit www.cmha.ca.

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠⁠⁠HOYA Vision Canada⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with leaders from the optical industry to discuss sustainability and its essential role in modern practices. Together with Tammy Gold​​ (Alcon ​Senior Brand Manager​​), Enrique Contreras​​​ (CooperVision Canada​​​ Country Manager​​​), and Jennifer Pate​​​ (Johnson & Johnson Vision​​​ Senior Manager, National and Key Accounts​​), they explore the business case for sustainability as a necessity and practical steps that optometry practices can take to create a sustainable future in eyecare.

Show notes:

 [02:18] – "Contact Lens Confessions"

[05:03] – Tammy Gold on sustainability as a business necessity and plastic offsetting

[07:45] – Enrique Contreras on brand loyalty and removing barriers

[09:51] – Jennifer Pate on the interconnection between environmental health and human health 

[12:42] – Balancing sustainability with profitability in clinics

[13:11] – Creating a sustainability scorecard

[15:20] – Leveraging partnerships

[17:05] – Small steps lead to larger changes

[18:20] – "Sell Me This Pen" challenge: Pitch for sustainability partnerships

Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠⁠HOYA Vision Canada⁠⁠⁠

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Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with Shawn Kanungo, a globally recognized innovation strategist and best-selling author, for a transformative discussion on the power of innovation in business and healthcare. Together, they delve into how individuals can disrupt the status quo and embrace new ideas that will make their businesses unstoppable in today’s rapidly evolving times.

[00:05:09] Innovation in sports and video games

[00:12:10] AI and Kanungo GPT

[00:16:40] The power of being bold

[00:22:03] Apple Genius Bar and adopting cross-industry ideas

[00:23:51] Hire for hunger

[00:26:44] The Russell Westbrook Trap

[00:30:30] Disrupting oneself for growth

[00:32:34] Bold brainstorming techniques

[00:43:00] One true fan and extraordinary effort in client care

[00:48:15] Generative AI in healthcare

[00:52:26] Engineering your hot streak

[00:56:30] Eyewear as identity and fashion

[01:01:09] Eyelash cleaning and eye health

[01:10:05] The impact of societal expectations

[01:12:08] Peer influence and boldness

[01:16:39] Strategies to maintain focus

[01:23:40] Bringing back friction

[01:27:14] The importance of personal connection

[01:30:57] Motivating future of optometry.

Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠HOYA Vision Canada⁠⁠

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In this episode of Optometry Unleashed, Trevor sits down

Simon offers a fresh perspective on measuring success in both sports and business — not just by achievements, but by prioritizing personal fulfillment. Reflecting on his journey, Simon shares the valuable lessons he’s learned while growing up around athletes, failing at the junior nationals, competing at the Olympic level, and navigating the transition from competitive sports to co-founding his company Relentless Pursuit Partners.

Simon emphasizes the importance of learning to fail early

Trevor and Simon also discuss innovative warm-up routines, Simon’s favourite triathlon sport, the evolving role of information technology in sports, human moments that make traditional sports unforgettable, and more.

[00:06:31] Memories evolving over time.

[00:10:57] Being present in the moment

[00:16:49] Embracing imperfection

[00:17:57] Growing up in Kingston, Ontario

[00:20:46] Balancing multiple sports in triathlon

[00:22:43] The battle for marginal gains

[00:25:49] Finding satisfaction

[00:31:06] Evolving sports techniques

[00:42:22] Passion for people versus performance

[00:45:17] Continuous improvement in business

[00:52:15] Sleeping soundly as the measure of success

[00:54:09] Retiring from the Olympics

[01:00:18] The future of sports and health

[01:02:48] Technology and human moments in sports

[01:00:06] Training in Australia

[01:09:09] The journey of failure and learning

[01:15:29] The do-nothing defense

[01:17:54] Better one or better two

[01:22:28] Exploring opportunities in AI

Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠HOYA Vision Canada⁠⁠

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Ever wondered how to cultivate lasting success in every area of your life? Join Dr. Trevor Miranda in this inspiring conversation with Ravi Tanna, Vice President of Sales at MacuMira. Ravi opens up about the power of choosing a “say yes” mentality, teaching CrossFit workouts for longevity, overcoming mental health challenges after an injury, how his father’s experience inspired his current venture in treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration, and more.

Timestamps

[00:04:10] Proactive mindset and saying yes

[00:09:45] Longevity Lab and fitness

[00:13:11] Being all-in and doubling down on your strengths

[00:17:05] Discovering the Kaizen philosophy

[00:19:27] Applying Kaizen in business and optometry[00:20:08] Overcoming a significant back injury

[00:26:13] Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

[00:30:04] Subspecialties in optometry

[00:31:37] Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Ravi’s story about his father

[00:40:15] Maintaining energy and enthusiasm

[00:42:38] Do things for your own joy

Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠⁠⁠HOYA Vision Canada⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this special live recorded episode, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by visionary leaders Steven Haifawi (HOYA Vision Canada), Bryan Rossi (Carl Zeiss Vision Canada Inc.), and Bruce Miles (EssilorLuxottica) as they discuss how innovation in sustainability is transforming the eye care industry and what optometrists can do to stay current and work collectively towards a vibrant future.

Timestamps

[00:03:00] Trivia game

[00:04:56] Essential strategies driving sustainability efforts

[00:09:48] How independent optometrists can partner with labs on sustainability

[00:16:48] Innovation and technology for patient management

[00:17:43] Science and sustainability is moving us forward

[00:19:32] Commitment to sustainability in three words

Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠.

Thank You to our Sponsor(s)

⁠⁠⁠HOYA Vision Canada⁠⁠⁠

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