
Blink Collective
Health & Wellness Podcasts
An Optometry Podcast powered by the next gen of ODs
Formerly Try Not to Blink
Now -> Blink Collective đď¸âď¸
âĄď¸Powered by @valleycontax
Location:
United States
Description:
An Optometry Podcast powered by the next gen of ODs Formerly Try Not to Blink Now -> Blink Collective đď¸âď¸ âĄď¸Powered by @valleycontax
Language:
English
Website:
http://www.trynot2blink.com
Episodes
Episode 1
2/25/2026
Welcome to the very first episode of Blink Collective, a new podcast platform by Valley Contax designed to spotlight optometry students and early-career ODs.
In this inaugural episode, meet our first hosts, Lisa and MacKenzie, both Fourth Year Optometry Student | Class of 2026 who helped open the door to this new concept and set the tone for what Blink Collective is all about.
They share:
⢠Who they are and their journeys through optometry school
⢠What inspired the creation of Blink Collective
⢠Honest reflections on life as optometry students
⢠A few pearls theyâve learned along the way
⢠And how YOU, as a student or young OD can grab the mic
Blink Collective isnât just a podcast you listen to.
Itâs a platform you can be part of.
If youâre an optometry student or early-career OD with something to say, this is your invitation.
đď¸ The micâs on. You in?
Interested in hosting an episode?
Submit your proposal at: blink-collective.com
Follow Blink Collective for new conversations every month.
Duration:00:35:56
Magicians, Mathematicians or Scleral Clinicians?
7/14/2025
đď¸ In todayâs episode, Roya and Sheila explore some exciting innovations in ocular surface care! đď¸â¨ They kick things off with the newly FDA-approved Prednisolone Acetate Suspensionđ§´ and personalized serum eye drops from Ocubio.
Then, are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pooja Allojuâa rising star in anterior segment disease and specialty contact lenses! đ With her background in applied mathematics đ and a residency focused on cornea and contact lenses , Dr. Alloju brings precision, passion, and practical wisdom to the table.
Tune in as we discuss hot topics like:
đ§ Are artificial tears really tears?
đŹ When to switch from OTC to autologous serum drops
đ¤ Tips for collaborating with corneal specialists
𩺠Knowing when to refer for cataract surgery, corneal crosslinking, or scleral lenses
Whether youâre managing dry eye or enhancing your referral skills, this episode is packed with insightsâand a reminder that sometimes, the best medicine is collaboration! đĄđ¤
Got ideas or guest suggestions? Reach out at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com! đ§
SOURCES
Blog from Optometry School with Dr. Pooja Alloju
Eye Health Texas on TikTok
Scleral Lens Education Society: Management of non-KCN Cases
Pooja linkedin
Shashi linkedin
Glance: Amneal
Glance: the Qualified Autologous Serum Eye Drops (qASED)
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:00:57:45
Be the Beam of Light
7/7/2025
Welcome to Try Not 2 Blink â your go-to podcast for all things vision care!
This week, Roya and Sheila are bringing you an episode packed with insights:
đš Breaking news on the latest in daily disposables â yes, a new *daily multifocal toric lens* is here! Weâre breaking down what it means for you.
đš A compelling clinical case on how scleral lenses can transform livesâespecially for patients with ALS and limited mobility. Because sometimes, vision care is so much more than 20/20!
đ§â¨Plus, their guest this week is Dr. Tiffany Park, current cornea and contact lens resident at SCCO. She shares what residency life is really like, the advice sheâd give her pre-residency self, and whether she thinks the residency path is actually worth it. We also explore her master's research on keratoconus and its impact on quality of life, and the insights that changed how she thinks about patient care.
đĄWe wrap with her Scleral Lens Pearl of the Dayâa smart one about lens nomenclatureâand go deeper into chair-time tips, fitting tricks, and success strategies for specialty lens wearers.
Whether you're a student, new grad, or industry veteran, this episode is loaded with practical advice to elevate your dry eye and scleral lens skills.
Got ideas or guest suggestions? Reach out at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com!
SOURCES
Tiffany Park | Marshall B. Ketchum University
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyjpark?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Word of Wisdom From Corneal and Contact Lens Residents â We make lenses.
GP Lens Institute on Instagram: "Dr. Tiffany Park was one of our 2025 GPLI Alumni and Friends Award winners, and this is her wonderful video submission, highlighting her residency at SCCO and experience at the GPLI Cornea and Contact Lens Resident Symposium. Her video, poster, and abstract submissions scored very high, and we are so lucky to have great residents like her making the future of specialty contact lenses very bright!"
CLEK Study
SeaGreen
LensBase
EZI suction-less ring applicator
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:00:57:19
Kids are Our Future
6/30/2025
đď¸ Welcome to Try Not 2 Blink! đ Donât miss a minute of todayâs show! đ
Today, we kick things off with a quick dive into the new TFOS DEWS III report â whatâs coming, whatâs changed, and what it means for dry eye care. đâ¨
Then, hosts Roya and Sheila sit down with Dr. Radhika Chawla, a Behavioral Optometrist and founder of Richmond Hill Optometric Clinic. With 13+ years of experience, she shares how she combines dry eye, scleral lenses, vision therapy, and myopia managementâall under one roof! đĽ And why kids are at the heart of her practice. đđś
Theyâll cover:
⢠đ¤ How scleral lenses and dry eye go hand-in-hand, along with BV and myopia management
⢠𧪠Must-do tests for every patient
⢠đŁď¸ Should you treat your own family?
⢠đŹ Tips on helping every patient feel heard
Whether you're a student đ, new grad, or seasoned pro đ§ââď¸, this episode is packed with actionable tips to elevate your dry eye and scleral lens skills! đ
Tune in now! đ§ Got ideas for future episodes or guests? Reach out at **trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com**! âď¸
SOURCES
Dr. Radhika Chawla: LinkedIn
Dr. Radhika Chawla: Richmond Hill Optometric Clinic
Dr. Radhika Chawla: Review of Myopia Management
Richmond Hill Instagram
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:00:43
No Trace Left Behind
6/23/2025
đĽ Welcome to Try Not 2 Blink! Donât miss a second of todayâs episode! đ§â¨
đŻ Kickoff with Clinical Pearls:
Weâre reviewing an insightful article by Dr. Langis Michaud filled with practical tips to elevate your scleral lens practice. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, these insights are a must-hear! đĄ
đ Special Guest Return: Dr. Ariel Cerenzie!
Owner of the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute and now, the Raleigh location! Sheâs back by popular demand with an exciting update on running a growing specialty practice. đ
đŹ What We Cover in This Episode:
⢠Expanding Your Practice: Tips on opening a second location & landing that dream job! đ˘â¨
⢠Troubleshooting Scleral Lenses: How Dr. Cerenzie chooses diameters & manages challenging cases like symblepharons đ
⢠Streamlining with AI: Using AI scribes to improve documentation efficiency đ
⢠Innovative Business Models: Ditching insurance & launching an in-house membership plan đł
⢠Mentorship & Residency: Building your own training program through mentorship and consultants đđ¤
đ Whether you're a student, new grad, or seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable tips to boost your dry eye and scleral lens expertise! đĽđď¸
đď¸ Got ideas for future episodes or guests? Reach out at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com! đŹâ¨
Stay tuned, stay inspired, and keep those eyes healthy! đđĽ
SOURCES
Dr. Ariel Cerenzie: Charlotte Contact Lens Institute
Dr. Ariel Cerenzie: LinkedIn
HelloRache
Commure Scribe
Firefly
Helcim
Langis Michaud Scleral Lens Game Plans Spectrum Article
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:07:11
According to Recent Research
6/16/2025
đ§ Welcome to **Try Not 2 Blink!** Donât miss a minute of todayâs episode! đ
⨠Hereâs whatâs coming up:
**Fresh Drop!** đ¨ Discover **TRYPTYR** (pronounced trip-tear) â the FDA-approved dry eye treatment targeting cold-sensing receptors in your cornea and eyelid. Not minty eyedrops, but a potential game-changer for boosting tear production! đ§đĽ
**Exclusive Interview!** đď¸ Sit down with **Dr. Stephanie Pisano**, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at The Ohio State University. Sheâs revolutionizing ophthalmic care with AI-assisted charting and scleral lens assessments. đ¤đď¸
**Life in Academia & Patient Care** đŤâ¤ď¸ Dive into Dr. Pisanoâs experience balancing research, patient care, and her innovative 4-day workweek! Plus, insights on keratoconus, mental health, and her passion for treating ocular graft-versus-host disease. đ
**Scleral Lens Tips** đڏââď¸đĄ Get a must-know pearl thatâll change how you approach care for this unique patient group!
Whether youâre a student, new grad, or seasoned pro, this episode is packed with tips to elevate your dry eye management!
đď¸ Tune in now and if you have ideas for future topics or guests, reach out at **trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com**!
SOURCES
Tryptyr
Dr Stephanie Pisano: LinkedIn
Dr Stephanie Pisano: Instagram
Dr Stephanie Pisano: OSU
Dry Eye Dx and Tx
Microsoft copilot
Dax ai
Prevent blindness
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:00:51:46
Journal Club: More is More for Dry Eye
6/9/2025
đď¸ Welcome to **Try Not 2 Blink!** Don't miss a second of today's episode! Here's what you can expect:
- đ Exploring the future of vision with a fascinating look at **infrared contact lenses** promising **"super vision"**âare they the next big thing?
- đď¸ Diving into **dry eye treatment** strategies with the expert herself, **t**âoptometrist, dry eye guru, educator, and social media sensation!
- đĄ Get real-world advice on:
- Transitioning from residency to practice
- Treating dry eye and glaucoma (hint: **more is more**)
- Why sticking to the **dry eye algorithm** works
- đĽ A peek into a week at **Clear Eyes + Aesthetics**, including how she leverages **social media** for education
- ⨠Discover the **unexpected magic** of using a **virtual scribe** in modern practice
Whether you're a **student, new grad, or seasoned professional**, this episode offers **valuable insights to elevate your dry eye game**.
đ§ Tune in now, and if you have ideas for future topics or guests, reach out at **trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com**!
SOURCES
Dr. Seitz: Instagram
Dr. Seitz: LinkedIn
Dr Seitz LinkTree
Clear Eyes
Art epstein dry eye questions
Sleep Tite Sleep Rite
Probing Study
DMST study
HelloRache
CSI AI Software
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:02:59
Glasses Optional
6/2/2025
Join hosts Roya and Sheila on this exciting episode of TN2B as they dive into two hot topics in eye care:
đš **Glasses-Free Treatment for Keratoconus:**
Is refractive surgery ever a good idea for patients with corneal ectasia? Weâre breaking down the pros, cons, and controversial questions.
đš **Daily Disposables in Contact Lenses:**
Are they truly the gold standard? Weâll explore the ocular health benefits, cost vs. value, and whether they solve non-compliance issuesâplus, some creative ways to incorporate them into your practice, from refractive tweaks to ocular surface hacks.
Whether you're mentoring or riding the wave of change, this episode is a must-listen! đď¸
đĄ Have ideas for future topics or guests? Drop us a line at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com!
SOURCES
Article: Refractive Surgery in the Setting of Keratoconus
Article: Progress of corneal collagen cross-linking combined with refractive surgery
Article: Merging Photorefractive Keratectomy and Collagen Crosslinking: An Analysis of Literature and a Guide to Prevalent Protocols
EASE
Multifocal vs. Monovision Performance
Contact lens-related complications
Evaluation of the Ocular Surface in Different CTL Replacement Schedules
3-year Dailies compared with Frequent Replacment Lenses
Review of CTL Dropout
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:00:58:48
Carving Your Own Path
5/26/2025
đ¨ Donât miss this week on Try Not 2 Blink! đ¨
đ§ Host Roya and Sheila explore how optometry education is evolving with innovations like gamification and virtual patients â shaping the future of eye care!
đ Special guest: Nyah Miranda, a trailblazing third-year NECO student, varsity athlete, and social media pro! She shares her journey from optometry family roots to becoming an AOSA Trustee and CHAOS Co-President.
đĄ Tune in for Nyahâs top NBEO tips, insights on connecting with Gen Z patients, and why social media is a powerful marketing tool for future ODs.
Whether you're mentoring or riding the wave of change, this episode is a must-listen! đď¸
Got ideas for future topics or guests? Drop us a line at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com!
SOURCES
Nyah Miranda: LinkedIn
Nyah Miranda: Instagram
2020 Podcast
KMK
How Optometry Schools are Innovating Eyecare Education
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:00:57:08
This is a Journey
5/19/2025
đ¨ New Episode Alert! đ¨
Join us on *Try Not 2 Blink* with hosts Dr. Roya Habibi and Dr. Sheila Morrison for an episode packed with insights you can't afford to miss! đ§â¨
This week, we tackle tough questions like: How do you handle a parent who disagrees with your treatment plan? Plus, Sheila shares an exciting Arvo teaser update! đĽ
But that's not allâwe're thrilled to welcome special guest Dr. Anthony Mac! From primary care to mastering dry eye and scleral lenses, Dr. Mac shares expert pearls on tricky lids, tinted lenses for eye abnormalities, and strategies to optimize fits with lid anatomy in mind. đď¸
Whether you're a student, new grad, or a scleral lens enthusiast, this episode is a must-listen! đĄ
Tune in for tips, tricks, and real-world advice to elevate your eye care game! đď¸
Got topics or guests you'd love to hear? Drop us a line at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com and help us shape future episodes!
SOURCES
The Influence of Myopia Progression in Children on the Risk of Retinal Detachment: A Comprehensive Outcomes Analysis
Prevalence of Peripheral Retinal Lesions in Highly Myopic Children
Long-term retinal findings in the Bifocal Lenses in Nearsighted Kids (BLINK) Study
Dr. Anthony Mac: LinkedIn
Dr. Anthony Mac: The Contact Lens Institute of San Antonio at Alamo Eye Care
Dr. Anthony Mac Instagram: @âscleraldocanthony
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:04:32
Fill and Fit with Fosso
5/12/2025
đ¨ New Episode Alert! đ¨
Welcome to **Try Not 2 Blink** â your go-to podcast for all things scleral lenses! Donât miss a second of todayâs episode! đ§â¨
đď¸ Join hosts Roya and Sheila as they explore the world of scleral lens filling solutions. They kick off with a real-world case featuring the PuriLens, a non-preserved saline option, and dive into the pros, cons, and alternative solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot wetting issues, switch cleaners, and optimize your patientsâ comfort.
Plus, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Trevor Fosso, partner at Pinecone Vision Center and Director of Contact Lens Services. Trevor shares his journey from residency to building a successful scleral lens clinic, offers insights into practice ownership, and discusses his path to Diplomate â including a fascinating uveitis case and a must-know scleral lens tip! đĄ
đ§ Tune in for clinical pearls, practical tips, and expert advice you won't want to miss!
đŹ Have a topic or guest idea? Drop us a line at **trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com** and help shape future episodes!
đď¸ Listen now and level up your scleral lens game!
SOURCES
https://tangiblescience.com/
Anterior Uveitis for the Comprehensive OMD
Dr. Trevor Fosso: Pinecone Vision Center
Dr. Fosso Article 1
Dr. Fosso Article 2
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:09:56
Ortho K 201
5/5/2025
đ¨ Donât Miss Out! Join us on Try Not 2 Blink! đ¨
In this episode, Sheila and Roya are back with expert insights you wonât want to miss:
⨠Dr. Morrisonâs fascinating journal review: Do dry eye patients have a personality type? Could personality screening improve your diagnosis?
𩺠The latest on orbital and preseptal cellulitis: Why are cases rising in the U.S., and what do you need to know for quick, effective treatment?
đľ Ortho K 201: Dr. Morrison shares top strategies for fitting orthokeratology lensesâevaluate topographies, troubleshoot like a pro, and ensure successful fits!
đ Tune in now for clinical pearls, practical tips, and expert advice!
Have a topic or guest you'd love to see? Share your suggestions with us at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com and help shape the future of our show!
đ§ Don't miss a minuteâclick the link and stay ahead in eye care!
SOURCES
Personality and Dry Eye Risk
Epidemiology of Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis in the United States: A 13-Year Analysis
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:00:57:45
DED Research Roundup
4/14/2025
Welcome to "Try Not 2 Blink," where cutting-edge research meets practical clinical insights! In today's episode, Roya and Sheila delve into a compelling headline: "Scleral lenses are effective and âsafe overallâ for pediatric patients." They will dissect a groundbreaking retrospective study, exploring key findings such as the alarming fact that ocular surface disease accounted for 70% of cases, and why clinicians should be proactive in referring young patients for scleral lens assessments.
We are privileged to welcome Dr. Sathi Maiti, a prominent figure in dry eye research, who has been instrumental in many recent pivotal studies. Dr. Maiti will share her expertise on Xdemvy, the innovative treatment for Demodex blepharitis, and provide best practices for its application in clinical settings.
Additionally, weâll tackle the ongoing debate surrounding Meiboâwhether itâs classified as a lubricating drop or a drugâand review the latest advancements in in-office dry eye treatments. Weâll also address how to identify and manage ocular pain disorders, including neuropathic and neurotrophic pain.
This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Do you have a specific topic youâre passionate about? Or perhaps an expert or prominent figure youâd like us to feature on our podcast? We invite you to share your suggestions and help shape our future content!
Donât hesitate to reach out to us at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com
SOURCES
Scleral Lenses are Safe for Kids
21 Year Retrospective Review: Kids + Scleral Lenses
Tooth + Cornea Transplant
Dr. Sathi Maiti: LinkedIn
Dr. Sathi Maiti: Periman Eye Institute
Dr. Sathi Maiti: Eye Eye
Dr. Sathi Maiti: Instagram
Dr. Maiti in Eyes on Eyecare
IPL for DIOSD
CIC clinical investigator AAO
2020 on sight
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:07:53
OrthoK 101
4/7/2025
Tune in to todayâs episode of Try Not 2 Blink, where host Dr. Sheila Morrison shares a fascinating case from her clinic involving a patient with a penetrating keratoplasty and complications from lens mishandling. Discover how Dr. Morrison and her team utilized scleral, corneoscleral, and corneal GP impression-driven lenses to achieved outstanding results for their patient.
In addition, Roya and Sheila will explore OptoAI, a new chatbot designed for optometry practices â and share some practical tips to help you effectively implement this innovative tool in your practice.
And finally, they will give you an orthokeratology primer, breaking down the dos and don'ts for new fitters and the key steps for successful fitting and follow-up.
This episode is bursting with clinical insights you wonât want to miss!
We value your feedback and are eager to hear from you! At Try Not 2 Blink, we are looking for fresh ideas and captivating guest to feature on our show. Great conversations thrive on the interests and suggestions of our fantastic listeners like you, so donât hesitate to reach out to us at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com.
SOURCES
OptoAI
Eyes on Glance: OptoAI
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:00:34
Life Without Giving is Not Living
3/31/2025
Get ready for todayâs showâit's one you wonât want to miss! Roya and Sheila are diving deep into important insights from a recent study, plus weâll tackle the pressing question many patients have: Are E-cigs harmful to their eyes?
Join us as we welcome Dr. Gerry Leinweber, a luminary in the field of optometry with nearly 50 years of experience. Heâs done it allâtransforming patient care and making a global impact through volunteer eyecare. In this episode, Dr. Leinweber shares how his commitment to giving back, both locally and internationally, has shaped his career. He'll also discuss the power of systems thinking in enhancing your skills as a doctor and leader.
But there's more! Dr. Leinweber will break down the fascinating concept of personality profiling. Are you a Detailed Dan or an Outgoing Olgie? Discover how understanding your personality type can revolutionize your teamwork and overall experience in practice.
Donât miss this enlightening and inspiring conversation!
We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and nominate potential guests for future episodes. Your input could lead us on exciting new adventures! Reach out to us at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com.
SOURCES
E-cigs and eyes
Lions International
Dr. Gerry Leinweber: University of Waterloo
Dr. Gerry Leinweber: Doctors Eyecare
Dr. Gerry Leinweber: LinkedIn
Book: 5th Discipline
Book: Path of Least Resistance
DiSC Personality Profiling
Platinum Care
Book: Mastering Self Awareness & Controlling your Emotions
Book: How to win friends and influence people
Duration:00:52:24
Journal Club: Scleral Lenses & IOP... The Facts
3/24/2025
đď¸ Welcome to *Try Not 2 Blink*! Join hosts Dr. Roya Habibi and Dr. Sheila Morrison for another enlightening episode you won't want to miss!
Today, they dive into a thought-provoking research article discussing the potential risks that progressive lenses may pose for our older patients. Plus, theyâll share their top current lens design recommendations!
Stay tuned as we also bring you our next segment of the Journal Club, featuring a special guestâDr. Vivien Tse, a clinician-turned-researcher from UC Berkeley. Together, weâll navigate the latest trends in scleral lens research, uncover fitting tips, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a career in research versus private practice, and explore the newest insights on scleral lenses and intraocular pressure (IOP).
This is an episode packed with valuable information and insights that you wonât want to miss!
We want to hear from you! If there are topics you're passionate about or exceptional guests youâd like us to feature, reach out to us at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com.
SOURCES
Progressive Lenses + Fall Risk
Dr. Vivien Tse: LinkedIn
Dr. Vivien Tse: UC Berkeley
Scleral Lens + IOP
Dr. Tseâs Publications
New: Scleral Lens + IOP, Langis
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:03:48
Dry Eye Playbook: Stacking Treatments for Success
3/17/2025
đď¸ **Tune in to Try Not 2 Blink!** đď¸
Donât miss out on todayâs enlightening episode! Hosts Roya and Sheila kick things off with an in-depth discussion about a pivotal case and offer a refresher on Plaquenil Toxicity.
Launching a cold-start practice is no easy feat, especially with a focus on advanced dry eye treatments, but today we have a special guest who made it happenâDr. Hardeep Kataria. She'll share her insider secrets to success, including how to build a robust referral network and her innovative IPL+red light treatment package. Learn how these cutting-edge technologies can tackle chalazia, and discover the best referral practices.
Weâll also dive deep into corneal nerve dysfunction in dry eye, comparing neurotrophic keratitis and neuropathic pain and sharing effective treatment strategies. Plus, get the lowdown on using amniotic membranesâwhen to implement them, how to enhance patient outcomes, and the business insights you need to incorporate them into your practice.
This is an episode you wonât want to miss!
We want to hear from you! If you have topics you'd like us to explore or incredible guest suggestions, drop us an email at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com.
SOURCES
Plaquenil Toxicity
Dr. Hardeep Kataria: Instagram
Dr. Hardeep Kataria: Avant Eyes Optometry
Up close with Dr. Kataria
Dr. Kataria on Eyes on Eyecare
Americaâs Best Eye Doctors 2023
Chalazion + IPL
DREAM study
Corneal nerve regeneration with Cryo-Preserved Amniotic Membrane
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:04:33
When in Doubt, Work Hard
3/10/2025
Welcome to Try Not 2 Blink! Get ready for an engaging episode that you wonât want to miss!
Today, hosts Roya and Sheila will be sharing five essentials every office needs to embrace full-scope optometry. But thatâs just the beginning!
Joining them is a true icon in the fieldâDr. Barbara Caffery. As a former president of the American Academy of Optometry, sheâs an expert in dry eye and Sjogrenâs disease, and a leading advocate for evidence-based practice. In this episode, weâll explore her remarkable career blending clinical care with research, the key lessons sheâs learned about managing dry eye in the context of systemic disease, and the crucial importance of critically analyzing the science behind our practices.
We'll also dive into vital discussions on women in leadership, evolving scopes of practice in optometry, and her insights on maintaining a lifelong passion for learning while avoiding burnout.
Itâs a conversation you absolutely CANâT afford to miss!
And we want to hear from you! If you have topics youâd like us to cover or amazing guest suggestions, shoot us an email at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com.
SOURCES
AOA Scope article
MIP Study
American Academy of Optometry Hall of Fame
AOCE Barbara Caffrey
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:01:09:01
Leadership is Learned
3/3/2025
Are you ready to dive into the world of leadership, medicine, and personal growth? Then tune in to the latest episode of "Try Not 2 Blink"!
This week, Roya and Sheila start the show by discussing: what qualities make a truly *great* leader?
Then, get ready to be inspired by Dr. Kristen Barton, an accomplished Orthopedic Surgeon and research powerhouse! She'll be sharing her insights on how leadership takes root early in our careers and the profound impact it's had on her clinical and personal life. Dr. Barton emphasizes the importance of personality profiling and understanding your core values to become a powerful communicator.
Plus, we'll explore the connections between inflammation and physical health, and the impact of disability on mental well-being â topics that resonate deeply with those in Optometry.
This is one conversation you absolutely WON'T want to miss!
And don't forget, we want to hear from you! If you have ideas for future topics or amazing guest suggestions, shoot us an email at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com.
SOURCES
Dr. Kristen Barton
Dr. Kristen Barton: Instagram
Females + CEO + Sports
FLOM Leadership Course
Youâve Got This Mama, Book
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:00:59:06
Scleral Lenses are so Cool
2/24/2025
đ Get Ready for the Latest Episode of "Try Not 2 Blink"! đď¸
Join hosts Dr. Roya Habibi and Dr. Sheila Morrison as they kick off an exciting new episode that's packed with insights and inspiration!
⨠**In Todayâs Episode:**
Dive into a fresh literature review just published in *Ophthalmic Epidemiology*, which highlights the concerning link between air pollution and the prevalence of keratoconus.
đĄ **Special Guest Spotlight:**
Don't miss the chance to hear from the incredible Demi the Vlog Dog, also known as Ash Arrellanes! From facing the life-altering challenges of nearly losing her vision to becoming a TikTok sensation and leading patient advocate, Ash is on a mission to raise awareness for keratoconus. She'll share her journey, insights on overcoming obstacles, expert tips for mastering scleral lenses, and her inspiring work with the Angel Eyes Foundation.
This is one conversation you wonât want to miss!
đŠ **We Want Your Input!**
Have ideas for future topics or guest suggestions? Weâd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at trynot2blinkshow@gmail.com.
SOURCES
Ash Arellanes: LinkedIn
Demi The Vlog Dog: TikTok
The Angel Eyes Foundation
Valley Contax Vision Project
National Keratoconus Foundation
KCN and air pollution
Try Not to Blink Podcast is powered by Valley Contax
Duration:00:57:26