The Reel Eyes Podcast converges two powerful worlds: cinema and eye care, to create an innovative platform for optometrists, students, and healthcare professionals. In an industry where education and entertainment rarely intersect, this podcast presents a fresh and engaging way to explore vision care through storytelling. Created by Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson and introduced on Defocus Media by Dr. Darryl Glover, this series invites listeners to examine film through the lens of optometry.

At its core, the Reel Eyes Podcast enhances doctor-patient communication by using relatable movie references to unpack complex clinical topics. Each episode serves as a resource for building stronger, more meaningful conversations in the exam room.

The Reel Eyes Podcast thrives because of the natural synergy between its two hosts. Dr. Jacobi Cleaver brings deep experience as an anterior segment specialist working in a community clinic in Houston, Texas. A longtime contributor to initiatives like Black EyeCare Perspective, Dr. Cleaver is passionate about merging education with cultural relevance.

Dr. Jacob Wilson complements this dynamic with his love for the posterior segment and systemic health connections. Practicing in both Arizona and California, Dr. Wilson’s medical mindset pairs perfectly with his enthusiasm for film. “If we went to dinner, there are probably two things I’d talk about: movies and eyes,” he shared, capturing the authentic heart of this podcast.

Why a podcast? The hosts believe this medium offers the perfect space for conversational exploration of eye care. As Dr. Cleaver explains, “We want to merge two worlds, and it’s a little something different.” The Reel Eyes Podcast offers the flexibility to break down movie moments while tying them to serious optometric principles.

Listeners get an insider’s view of two doctors reacting in real-time. “Our only rule,” Dr. Cleaver says, “is we don’t talk about the movie until we get on the podcast.” This spontaneity keeps the show engaging, unscripted, and genuine.

For many doctors, explaining complex eye conditions can feel like a challenge. But film provides a familiar backdrop. When a patient sees a character with an eye patch in a blockbuster like Pixar’s “Elio,” it creates an opportunity to initiate conversations about amblyopia, vision therapy, and patching treatment.

Dr. Glover notes, “Now I can reference that movie and have a better conversation with the patient in front of me. I’m connecting with something they know and love.” This approach improves comprehension, trust, and treatment adherence.

The Reel Eyes Podcast stands apart by integrating educational moments within pop culture narratives. Dr. Cleaver’s vision began during a movie date night. While watching “Sinners,” he had an idea: “Let’s find the eye care element in every movie… and then break it down.”

By uncovering eye care themes—from lens use to low vision representation—the podcast invites deeper reflection on how these visuals can teach and inspire. For example, movies featuring characters with blindness or ocular conditions offer powerful discussion points around accessibility, empathy, and optometric innovation.

Disney Pixar’s “Elio” served as one early catalyst for the show. The young character sports an eye patch, sparking curiosity and attention in the optometry community.

Dr. Cleaver and Dr. Wilson plan to dissect such visual cues in upcoming episodes. By spotlighting these moments, they provide a framework for clinicians to bring entertainment references into patient conversations—bridging fun and function in the exam room.

Expect the unexpected when it comes to genre. Dr. Wilson is an avid fan of horror and science fiction, often reviewing cult classics like “Alien” or thrillers like “The Hills Have Eyes.” His co-host balances the tone with love for rewatchable comedies such as “Office Space” and “Coming to America.”

Together, they explore how different genres uniquely portray visual impairment, prosthetics, ocular trauma, and more. Their upcoming review of “Bring Her Back,” featuring a visually impaired actress in a lead role, emphasizes inclusive representation.

In clinical care, communication is everything. The Reel Eyes Podcast provides a new language for doctors to communicate with patients, grounded in emotion, metaphor, and storytelling.

Dr. Glover emphasized the practical value: “This is going to impact how we prescribe and how we help our patients in the exam lane.” Whether it’s explaining diabetic retinopathy through a dramatic scene or illustrating trauma care via sci-fi moments, the podcast equips providers with tools to connect better and educate.

The Reel Eyes Podcast isn’t just another entertainment show, it’s a new dimension of eye care education. By blending personal passions with clinical insight, Dr. Cleaver and Dr. Wilson provide optometrists, students, and healthcare professionals with a fresh approach to learning, teaching, and engaging with their patients.

With each episode, the Reel Eyes Podcast delivers performance, convenience, and customization in how we view optometry and how optometry views the world.