In the latest EMPOWER podcast episode, Dr. Jacob Lang leads a discussion with Dr. Dunbar and Dr. Garlich on how to integrate drops, lenses, and lifestyle considerations into a cohesive presbyopia strategy. From managing patient expectations to selecting the right modality, or combination of modalities, the conversation highlights practical approaches for improving satisfaction and long-term success.

Podcast host Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, talks with ODs who contributed to MOD’s recent aesthetics issue. Haley Perry, OD, discusses the optometrist as a salesperson and how to bridge the gap between doing what is best for the patient (and the practice) versus allowing insurance to dictate treatment. Kianna Swanson, OD, then chats about the ocular side effects of cancer medications and the importance of involving these patients in therapy decisions that prioritize maintaining and managing their comfort while on systemic medication.

Marc Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, talks with Gina Wesley, OD, MS, FAAO, who owns a private practice in Medina, Minnesota. Dr. Wesley cold-started her clinic almost 20 years ago with an initial focus on contact lenses that shifted to dry eye management. She notes that dry eye treatment works in tandem with ocular appearance improvement—a win-win for patients. In this episode, she covers ocular aesthetic treatments ranging from dynamic muscle stimulation and radiofrequency to intense pulsed light and low-level light therapy, emphasizing the importance of proper lid hygiene and habits.

In the first EMPOWER podcast episode of 2026, Dr. Jacob Lang leads a conversation with Dr. Jaclyn Garlich and Dr. Melissa Barnett on the evolving role of contact lens technology in modern optometric practice. The discussion highlights strategies for fitting daily lenses, managing dry eye and presbyopia in contact lens patients, and setting realistic expectations to support long-term patient success.

Podcast host Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, talks with Sierra Tisdelle, OD, FAAO, and Alison Mercer, OD, about their upcoming article, "Is It More Than Dry Eye Disease?" Specifically, the pair discusses the tips, tricks, and tests to keep in mind when you may be dealing with an autoimmune rheumatic disease, as well as the related treatments and therapies. Dr. Koetting wraps up the episode by introducing Modern Optometry’s new Editor-in-Chief Jen Kirby, who answers questions about what readers can expect from Modern Optometry moving forward.

In this episode, Marc Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, talks with Mitch Ibach, OD, FAAO, who practices at Vance Thompson Vision, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, an OD-MD tertiary referral center. The pair opened the conversation with what’s new and exciting in patient care, including a newly-approved presbyopia combination drop, carbachol and brimonidine tartrate (Yuvezzi, Tenpoint Pharmaceuticals). Dr. Ibach then shared a few developments coming out of Vance Thompson, including an ocular IOP-adjusting pump for significant glaucomatous disease and the benefits of cultured endothelial cells for Fuchs dystrophy.

In this episode, Jacqueline Theis, OD, FAAO, speaks with Marc Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, about her work in neuro-optometric care. She describes the types of patients treated at her practice, including those with traumatic brain injuries, concussion, or stroke. Her practice also manages patients with eye movement problems associated with neurodevelopmental conditions. Listen to gain insights on how primary care optometric practices can collaborate with neuro-optometry.

In the 2025 summary podcast hosted by Dr. Jacob Lang, Dr. Diana Chu shares practical, technology-driven strategies to streamline operations, improve patient flow, and strengthen team communication. Dr. Jason Compton discusses how independent practices can thrive through cash-pay models, automation, and creative service design.

In the first half of this episode, podcast host Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, and Carlo Pelino, OD, FAAO, discuss metabolic syndrome and the many ways it can affect the eye. Next, Dr. Koetting interviews Brandon Runyon, OD, FAAO, about the changing landscape of geographic atrophy management, including imaging and comanagement pearls. 

Damon Dierker, OD, FAAO, joins host Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, to discuss recent innovations in technology to help manage ocular surface disease. Dr. Dierker details his experience using Tixel (Novoxel), a treatment that uses controlled heat to treat evaporative dry eye disease by unclogging meibomian glands and enhancing tear stability. The two physicians further review additional technologies that have improved their ability to manage ocular surface disease in patients.