Each of us has a story of someone who motivated, compelled, and inspired us to pursue our dreams.  Within that story is some common thread that unifies the various tales and becomes the basis for the story.  In this episode of Sandbox Stories, learn the stories behind the story of Sandbox.

Runtime:  8 min

This is a truly special Sandbox Story, wherein five faculty members from ICO speak to their unique perspective of the College’s management of optometric education, clinical processes, and student affairs matters that needed to evolve due to the impact of COVID on American society.  Not only will you learn insights and perspectives about the temporarily modified state of optometric education, but the video podcast includes behind-the-scenes photos and video of activities at the College and its clinic, the Illinois Eye Institute.

Speakers include these Doctors of Optometry:

Dr. Nora Kuby

Dr. Stephanie Messner

Dr. Len Messner

Dr. Christina Morettin

Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh

Runtime:  1 hr 25 min

This Story summarizes the 2020 book by Simon Sinek, THE INFINITE GAME, which teaches business leaders about how to rethink their business journey to one that is not short-sighted.  After an in-depth summary of the book and sharing examples of how its lessons can be applied to the business of optometry, Scott tells the story and looks back on how he applied THE INFINITE GAME’s key elements to his software business - before the book was even published!

Runtime: 11 min

Chuck Brownlow is the most influential optometrist on my career.  This episode is filled with stories from a humble Midwestern OD who has truly inspired thousands of his colleagues, this Story includes dozens of anecdotes and key insights.  A proud grandfather, accomplished pilot, and now, a book author, you will find Chuck’s stories to be fascinating and impactful.

The Stories within the Story include:

1:15 The Grandchildren Story

2:15 The Aviation Story

9:00 The 1971 Graduate Story

14:17 The Profession Expansion Story

17:55 The Optometry Volunteerism Story

25:20 The Vic Connors Story

27:55 The Optometry Executive Story

31:00 The Reason for Visit Story

37:15 The Audit Risk Story

39:45 The EHR Story

41:30 The Value of Optometry Meetings Story

43:45 The Mentor Story

47:58 The Honor Story

48:35 The Author Story

52:51 The Last Bit of Wisdom Story

This Sandbox Story "Short" aims to share some listener feedback - and invites expanded awareness via sharing!

Adam Ramsey is a frame designer, book author, and advocate for increased commitment to diversity and equity for Black people in Optometry.  In this Sandbox Story, he shares views on parenthood, building a practice with a focus on patient education, and his Black eye care perspective.

The Stories within the Story include:

0:50 The Unconditional Love Story

3:18 The Immigrant Story

9:15 The Giving Back Story

13:02 The Patient Education Story

24:08 The Black Eyecare Perspective Story

30:40 The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Story

39:05 The Warm Start-up Story

43:12 The Frame Designer Story

Featuring the many stories of Dr. Jennifer Stewart, a driven optometrist who compels other women optometrists to seek their highest ambitions.  Dr. Stewart also shares interesting stories about her life as a performance athlete, taking on eye care delivery in a specialized sports vision practice, being a believer in Disney business principles, and living a business life that is guided by a principled and data-driven approach to business leadership and management.   

The Stories within the Story include:

1:05 The Athlete Story

5:30 The Sports Vision Practice Story

12:15 The Guest Experience Story

14:25 The Patient Experience Story

17:20 The Staff Leadership Story

25:02 The Optimized Patient Flow Story

28:24 The Data Driven OD Story

31:30 The Woman in Optometry Story

This Story offers a perspective on the importance of demonstrating a willingness to allow for the slow, long, hard build-up of great business ideas.  Concepts discussed include the payoff that comes from patient perseverance, and the critical need to be willing to shift mindset when curveballs come your way on the long journey toward success.  As a bonus, Scott offers an interesting backstory on the build-up of the software company that he co-founded.

This is the inaugural Interview of Sandbox Stories.  The special guest is Dr. Ali Khoshnevis. 

The Stories within the Story include:

1:05 The New Parent Story

2:30 The Iran Story

9:00 The Charlotte, NC, Story

11:45 The Optometry Story

13:50 The Residency Story

15:25 The DUSN Story (Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis)

18:45 The Tech Entrepreneur Story

27:15 The Patient Engagement Story

31:25 The Zero Moment of Truth Story

35:25 The Storyteller Story

Listen to this episode to examine the many ways that optometry can learn about better customer service from my experience at a discount tire chain.