In the debut episode of the Reel Eyes Podcast, optometrists Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson dive into the film Sinners not just as movie enthusiasts but as healthcare professionals who recognize how cinema can inform patient interaction and clinical insights. The primary keyword, “Sinners,” takes on new meaning as the hosts blend optometry and pop culture to explore clinical parallels, societal perceptions of morality, and how storytelling influences patient relationships.

Through their unique lens, this episode uses film as a springboard to reflect on themes like empathy, visual symbolism, and communication strategies in healthcare. It’s a new kind of continuing education, one where entertainment meets clinical application.

Right out of the gate, Dr. Cleaver and Dr. Wilson lay down the foundation of Reel Eyes: “We pick a movie, watch it, and review it while incorporating elements of optometry as it relates to clinical cases we’ve encountered in practice.” With this approach, Reel Eyes goes beyond entertainment—it becomes a platform for reflection, education, and innovation in optometric thought.

Reel Eyes is as much about community as it is about commentary. By drawing connections between well-known films and patient care, the hosts make optometry approachable, engaging, and even emotional.

Choosing Sinners as the first featured film was intentional. It is rich with visual cues, character-driven emotion, and ethical tension—all ideal for an optometrist to explore through a metaphorical and clinical lens.

Dr. Cleaver shares that he was inspired while sitting in the theater watching the film, instantly seeing ways it tied to clinical scenarios, especially concerning how patients see themselves and others. “What does it mean to be a sinner?” becomes more than a theological question—it’s a vehicle to discuss stigma, self-perception, and compassion in clinical care.

One of the strongest takeaways from this episode is how narrative structure can enhance clinical communication. Patients often struggle to express their symptoms or emotional state, but storytelling, whether theirs or that of a fictional character, can help bridge that gap.

The podcast suggests that doctors who are good storytellers are also often good educators and better communicators. By relating case discussions or explaining ocular conditions through simple metaphors or pop culture references, practitioners can make complex ideas relatable to patients.

Dr. Wilson notes that this isn’t just about movies—it’s about the media patients are already consuming. “We’re trying to meet people where they are,” he says, emphasizing how Sinners reflects the human condition in ways that eye care providers can discuss in the exam room.

From metaphorical “blindness” to visual symbolism, the film’s themes align well with optometric teaching. The podcast illustrates how integrating pop culture into the profession can enhance memory retention, patient education, and even the recruitment of future optometrists.

What can eye care professionals learn from a film like Sinners? A lot, it turns out. The film touches on the struggle for redemption, misunderstandings between people, and internalized guilt. These are also themes optometrists encounter in real life, especially in patients who have neglected their vision care or feel anxious during visits.

The episode highlights that acknowledging these emotional layers can lead to more effective patient engagement. Providers who recognize nonverbal cues or visual metaphors, like a dimly lit room symbolizing shame, can more empathetically navigate challenging conversations.

A recurring strength of the podcast is the duality between the co-hosts: Dr. Cleaver brings a cinematic passion and sociocultural lens, while Dr. Wilson adds sharp clinical nuance and humor. This duality mirrors real-world eye care, where collaboration leads to better patient outcomes.

Together, they explore how “seeing” is both physical and metaphorical. In Sinners, characters often fail to see the truth about themselves or others. In clinic, practitioners must help patients see—not just literally, but in understanding the importance of their eye health.

Reel Eyes Podcast isn’t just fun, it’s a creative format that encourages reflection among eye care professionals. Whether you’re a student learning how to connect with patients or a seasoned OD looking for a fresh take on education, Reel Eyes brings new energy to optometry.

Each episode is designed to make providers think differently about everyday interactions. “If we can spark one new way of thinking in an optometrist or student, that’s success,” the hosts explain.

Reel Eyes Podcast redefines continuing education by merging entertainment with meaningful dialogue on patient care. The debut episode, “Sinners,” invites optometrists to reflect not only on visual storytelling in film but also in the exam room. By using popular culture to highlight clinical principles and patient communication strategies, the podcast transforms how professionals engage with learning.

Don’t miss the next episode, subscribe to the Reel Eyes Podcast, and follow along as optometry meets the silver screen.