89. Five Years Deep: Optometry Happy Hour Edition

As 2025 comes to a close, Deepon and Amrit are hitting pause to reflect on the year that was, including the lessons learned and the advice they wish they’d heard earlier in their careers.In this wrap-up episode, they each share their top three takeaways from 2025, touching on clinical growth, practice ownership realities, and what it really takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in optometry. From navigating change in the profession to staying grounded in your “why,” this episode is equal parts honest reflection and practical guidance.Whether you’re a student, new grad, associate, or practice owner, this conversation is meant to leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and ready to step into 2026 with clarity and confidence.Thank you for being part of our podcast community–we’re excited for what’s ahead!The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

In this episode, Deepon and Amrit break down the pediatric binocular vision skills every new grad needs to confidently crush a primary care eye exam. We cut through the noise and highlight the handful of BV tests that matter most when you’re tight on time but want meaningful clinical data. You’ll learn: The essential BV tests every primary care OD should prioritize in a pediatric exam When BV findings signal something deeper, including the red flags that warrant a neurology referral Practical management strategies you can confidently use in-office before deciding on VT or referral This is the episode we wish we had as new grads—simple, actionable, and clinically game-changing!  The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

In this case reflection episode, Deepon walks us through uveitis cases that didn’t exactly go as planned, because let’s be honest, not every case fits neatly into the textbook.We share what went right, what went sideways, and how we navigated the unexpected twists that come with managing inflammatory eye disease in the real world.From differentiating anterior vs intermediate vs posterior uveitis, to grading inflammation clearly in your charts so your associate ODs can easily follow your management, we cover practical strategies you can apply in the clinic tomorrow. We’ll also break down when and how to order lab workups.Whether you’re a new grad still getting comfortable with the slit lamp or an OD looking to refine your charting and workup flow — this episode will help you feel more confident tackling your next uveitis case (even the tricky ones)! The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

High astigmatism in pediatrics is one of the most common challenges optometrists face in the exam room. In this Case Reflection episode, Amrit walks through a case where she approached a young patient’s high astigmatism in a way that went beyond the standard playbook.Instead of reaching straight for a full cycloplegic refraction and prescribing the high numbers, we undercorrected strategically and focused on the binocular vision issue driving the child’s visual symptoms. The result? The child’s acuity improved, their visual system developed more efficiently, and they didn’t have to rely on an unnecessarily high refractive error.In this episode, we explore why high astigmatism often shows up in pediatric exams, talk about the limitations of relying only on cycloplegia, and share how functional prescribing and binocular vision treatment can transform outcomes.If you’ve ever wondered how to manage high pediatric prescriptions in a way that supports long-term visual development rather than just clearing up the chart, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!You can learn more from the following resources: Lens Power in Action by Robert Kraskin Optometric Management of Nearpoint Vision Disorders by Martin H. Birnbaum  Pediatric Eye Care Masterclass course OEPF Art & Science Course The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

In this refreshingly honest episode, we chat with Dr. Meenal Agarwal, an Optometrist and private practice owner, about the mental health challenges that often come with life after optometry school.Geared toward students and new grads, this conversation covers: What burnout really feels like and when to hit reset How to build a sustainable work/life balance by aligning yourself Setting boundaries with staff, patients, and even yourself Why it’s okay to not have it all figured out Dr. Agarwal shares her own story, red flags to watch for, and her best advice for navigating your early years in practice with compassion and perspective. The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect Learn more about Dr. Agarwal by listening to her podcast, Uncover Your Eyes:

Curious about how optometrists are expanding into the world of aesthetics? In this episode, Dr. Carly Rose shares how she built Clear Eyes + Aesthetics—a dry eye specialty clinic—and what that journey looked like from the ground up. Dr. Rose shares how she chose which aesthetic services to offer (and which to avoid), how she screens for ocular aesthetic concerns during a routine eye exam, and what steps her team took to safely expand into procedures like fillers and neuromodulators. If you’re a student or new grad exploring where your optometry career could take you, this episode is full of insight into a niche that’s equal parts clinical, cosmetic, and full of opportunity! The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect Check out the services offered by Dr. Rose at Clear Eyes + Aesthetics Learn more from Dr. Rose on Instagram: @doctorrosetalks

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Christina Gratkowski, an optometrist who blends functional medicine with eye care to uncover the root causes of chronic eye conditions. With functional medicine gaining momentum—especially among younger generations seeking answers beyond traditional treatments—Dr. Gratkowski shares why this whole-body approach is transforming the healthcare conversation.We dive into how gut health, inflammation, and systemic imbalances often show up as eye symptoms, and why optometrists are in a unique position to spot early signs of internal dysfunction. From skin conditions like eczema and rosacea to persistent dry eye, Dr. Gratkowski explains how functional medicine offers long-term solutions by addressing the "why" behind the symptoms.The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD ConnectDownload Dr. Gratkowski’s e-book on healing eczema around the eyelids through nutrition and lifestyle

In this episode of Four Eyes, we sit down with Dr. Marcella LaBelle, an optometrist in Alberta with over 20 years of experience in refractive surgical care, to dive into the world of intraocular and light-adjustable lenses. From identifying ideal candidates (even those without cataracts) to demystifying premium IOLs and new technologies on the horizon, Dr. LaBelle shares expert insights every primary care OD should hear. We also discuss what makes the light-adjustable lens a game-changer for those with advanced dry eyes and corneal issues. Tune in for a sharp, informative discussion packed with clinical pearls you won’t want to miss! For more information, contact Dr. Labelle: [email protected] The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect

In honor of the podcast’s fifth year anniversary, Deepon and Amrit host another popular Happy Hour episode and play an Optometry version of “Have You Ever”. So grab your drink, sit back, and listen as our two hosts go down memory lane of their most wild patient experiences!

Headaches are one of the most common patient complaints—but how do you know if they’re vision-related? In this episode, Dr. Kar and Dr. Bilkhu break down different types of headaches, key signs that point to a visual cause, and when to refer for urgent medical attention. We also dive into treatment strategies, from prescribing plus lenses and NeuroLens to specialty tints like Avulux and FL-41, and syntonics phototherapy. Whether it’s accommodative dysfunction, binocular vision issues, or screen-related eye strain, you’ll leave with practical tools to help your patients (and maybe even yourself!) find relief. The Four Eyes Podcast is brought to you by YoungOD Connect