Episode 20: Alex McIntosh – Exit Through the Gift Shop: How to Win Back Your Patients in a Digital World

Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with Dr. Cameron McCroden, one of Canada’s leading voices in vision therapy and neuro-optometry. Cam shares his unconventional path into the profession, how engineering shaped the way he approaches binocular vision, and why so many subtle binocular vision issues go undetected in primary care.Together, they unpack some of the biggest myths holding ODs back from embracing VT, explore why post-concussion patients often get “false all-clears,” and break down the emotional impact vision dysfunction can have on both kids and adults. They also explore why effective lens prescribing is about supporting the visual-vestibular system and how small refractive adjustments can lead to noticeable changes in a patient’s quality of life.Thank You to our Sponsor(s)⁠Eye Care Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.

What’s it really like to live with myopia? In this episode, Dr. Trevor Miranda chats with long-time patient Stu Hillyard about his personal experience with myopia and the unexpected ways it has shaped his life. Stu recalls first noticing his vision struggles in school and the impact his vision had on sports and everyday activities. He also shares the challenges of facing a retinal detachment and later undergoing cataract surgery. This conversation brings home how timely intervention and modern therapies can protect vision and help patients today take control of their vision.Thank You to our Sponsor(s)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HOYA Vision Canada⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eye Care Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.

In this episode of Optometry Unleashed, Dr. Trevor Miranda talks with Dr. Henry Reis, an internationally trained ophthalmologist turned pioneering optometrist and entrepreneur in Canada. They explore Dr. Reis’ journey from Brazil to Canada, lessons from building a rapidly growing practice, integrating innovation and specialty care, and his approach to leadership and team building. Plus, Dr. Reis shares the heroic story of how he earned a rescue award for bravery.Mentioned in this episode:AI4Eyes - Data collection platform empowering eye care professionals with AI technology.Zilia - Medical technology company specializing in the non-invasive assessment of ocular biomarkers“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” - A guide for building healthy teams

What’s really driving patients to buy their contact lenses elsewhere? Can independent clinics compete with big box retailers without slashing prices? And what does a truly seamless patient journey look like?Alex McIntosh, founder of Otto, joins Dr. Trevor Miranda to unpack the operational blind spots that cost clinics revenue and retention. Drawing from his early experience in a family-run optical business, Alex shares how independent practices can capitalize on digital tools like automation, prescription data, and frictionless e-commerce to close the loop and stay top-of-mind with patients long after they leave the exam room.Mentioned in this episode:Dan Martell - Buy Back Your TimeSubscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank You to our Sponsor(s)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.

Vision care is evolving, but are we solving the right problems?In this episode, Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with Simon Robert, Head of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at EssilorLuxottica Canada. With a background in corporate responsibility and a personal connection to vision health, Simon offers a systems perspective: how to lead change in a legacy industry without losing sight of the people it’s meant to serve.He breaks down how to align corporate social responsibility into your business outcomes, why independent optometrists need to challenge the “turf war” mindset, and what it looks like to lead across the three spheres of influence: industry, institutions, and individuals.For optometry leaders navigating market shifts, new technologies, and rising expectations, this episode offers a rare look at how to align business growth with systemic impact, without losing sight of the people at the center of it all.Show Notes:00:01:00 Simon’s path to corporate responsibility00:04:08 Introduction to EssilorLuxottica and vision care00:12:38 Treating myopia00:21:57 Essilor Luxottica Med-Tech00:24:54 - AI tools in eyecare00:32:53 Navigating power dynamics00:35:25 Change management00:37:33 The chess match of corporate strategy00:39:49 Creating authenticity00:45:09 Managing priorities00:49:21 Empowering your teams00:57:26 Use your suppliers01:00:44 Balancing profit and social impact01:02:02 Offering myopia management solutions01:04:29 Independence versus partnering with a large organization01:10:03 Habits for continuous improvementMentioned in this episode:Stellist lenses by EssilorLuxotticaThe Obstacle is the Way – Book by Ryan HolidayBuy Back Your Time – Book by Dan MartellSubscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank You to our Sponsor(s)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.

Dr. Jill Saxon has never backed down from a challenge. Stepping out as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy straight out of school laid the foundation for how she leads today. She learned to lead with courage in the face of uncertainty, to listen differently to patients in a deeper way, and to lean on the strength of her team. She now brings those lessons to her role as executive director of professional strategy at Bausch & Lomb.Dr. Saxon shares the pivotal experiences that have shaped her, including an unforgettable moment in the military that redefined her understanding of patient care. She also reflects on her transition from clinical practice to industry, the importance of saying yes before you feel ready, and why discomfort is often the greatest teacher for leaders and their teams.Show Notes[00:01:45] Working with the New Jersey Devils[00:06:57] Kyle Coon[00:08:50] Inspiring patients[00:09:58] Challenge coin[00:14:50] Early experiences pushing the limits[00:16:50] Introduction to the military[00:19:30] Gaining confidence in the military[00:21:49] Turning fear into growth opportunities[00:24:09] Saying yes and empowering your team[00:27:07] Navigating hesitation[00:29:23] Lessons and powerful moment from the navy[00:35:42] Listening differently to patients[00:38:00] Reliving experiences[00:41:13] Better 1 or Better 2[00:45:23] Transitioning to industry[00:49:00] Culture of support[00:50:30] Investing time in the future and present[00:53:13] Mentorship advice[00:59:47] Comfortable with uncomfortable[01:03:35] Family inspiration[01:05:23] Embracing imbalance[01:08:41] Exciting future for optometrySubscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank You to our Sponsor(s)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.

Join optical training expert Joyce VanRooyen as she shares practical wisdom from her 35-year career in the industry. Discover how to transform frame selection into an unforgettable patient experience, implement training that actually works, and keep patients loyal to your practice. Joyce also gives her hot take on why we should drop the term “staff” and the key to competing with corporate chains (hint: it’s not pricing)![00:02:25] Introduction to the optical world[00:06:38] Choosing frames[00:17:49] Teaching and different learning styles[00:20:39] Training new employees[00:24:18] Leverage new hire perspective[00:26:10] Online versus in-person training[00:31:53] Investing in your team[00:34:27] AI and human connection [00:39:16] Hot Takes, learning starts from the top[00:43:34] Addressing skepticism in long-standing practices[00:45:44] Competing with corporate chains[00:49:20] Sales lessons from Fluevog[00:53:11] Team, not staff[00:56:08] Worst eye gallery experience[00:57:26] Frame fashion and tinted lenses[01:00:24] How to give feedback[01:02:50] Be boldSubscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank You to our Sponsor(s)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.

Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with Dr. Ritesh Patel, voted one of Toronto’s top optometrists, to explore what it takes to build a modern, patient-first optometry practice. From an unexpected opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals to being the first to pioneer LipiFlow in North America, Dr. Patel’s career has been marked by seizing the right moments, staying on top of the latest technology, and thinking outside the box to design memorable patient experiences. Dr. Patel also makes the case for progress over perfection, the need for optometrists to be the go-to experts for their patients, adding a coffee station to your clinic, and mentoring the next generation of ODs. All this and more in the latest episode!Timestamps: [00:05:26] Working with the Cincinnati Bengals NFL Team[00:09:18] Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson[00:13:19] Training your vision as an athlete[00:15:44] Coming back to Toronto[00:16:58 ]Childhood dream of being an optometrist[00:20:22] Interest in vintage cameras[00:23:58] Entrepreneurship in college and starting a clinic[00:27:34] Choosing the clinic location[00:29:57] Progress not perfection[00:31:00] Presenting your authentic self[00:33:08] Advice to young ODs about learning from mistakes[00:34:29] New technology in optometry[00:36:40] LipiFlow and Working with Dr. Donald Korb[00:40:14] Hospitality and memorable patient experiences[00:45:46] Low-cost tips to improve the patient experience[00:47:58] Incorporating AI in business[00:52:46] Advances in macular degeneration treatment[00:58:01] UV light[01:00:20] Incremental improvement[01:03:00] Continuing education opportunities[01:04:02] Better 1 or Better 2[01:10:13] Jim Shields and creating memories with your family[01:13:18] How to “die with zero”[01:17:39] Mentoring younger ODsMentioned in this episode:Dr. Donald Korb – Pioneer in clinical optometry research in ocular surface disease and contact lensesMacuMira - Treatment for macular degeneration Arunalight – Red light therapy“Untangled” – Book by Lisa Damour on parenting teenage daughtersThe Algebra of Wealth – Podcast with Scott Galloway”The Family Boardroom” – Book by Jim Sheils on creating lasting connection with your children“Die with Zero” – Book by Bill Perkins on maximizing net fulfillment over net worthSubscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank You to our Sponsor(s)⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.

What if the biggest opportunity for your optometry practice isn’t just in what your patients see—but in what they hear? In this episode, Dr. Trevor Miranda sits down with his brother, Dr. Terence Miranda, to explore the synergies between optometry and audiology. They dive into why integrating hearing care into your clinic is a game-changer, how to make it work financially, and the surprising ways vision and hearing impact each other.Timestamps:[00:01:55] Terence’s path to audiology[00:09:50] Gold medal story[00:12:24] Integrating audiology into optometry clinics[00:14:51] Connection between hearing and vision loss[00:21:22] Treating optometry patients with hearing loss[00:23:10] Advantage of including audiology services[00:25:50] Shift to private health care[00:29:22] Revenue sharing and embedding audiology clinics[00:33:30] Guiding patients toward better hearing care[00:35:26] Nuance Audio glasses and new technology[00:41:54] Building trusting patient relationships[00:48:25] Stigma around hearing aids[00:50:29] Mistaken identity[00:55:01] Better One or Better Two (Trevor or Terence)[1:00:52] Purchasing philosophies and premium solutions[1:08:02] Balancing new technology and patient flow[1:11:40] Terence’s advice for long-term success Mentioned in this episode: EssilorLuxottica Nuance Hearing Glasses NeurolensSubscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠⁠.Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.

DISCLAIMER: This episode mentions mental illness and sensitive topics such as suicide. Please listen with care. As healthcare professionals, we spend most of our time focusing on the well-being of others, but how often do we consider our own? In this episode of Optometry Unleashed, Dr. Meenal Agarwal from Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal speaks candidly about her personal journey with anxiety and the immense pressure optometrists face day to day. She sheds light on urgency culture, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, and intentionally making space to support one another in the healthcare industry. Timestamps [00:02:31] Meenal’s journey to optometry [00:03:26] Launching Uncover Your Eyes [00:07:45] First panic attack and managing anxiety [00:12:23] The importance of open open conversations [00:14:50] Stigma around mental health [00:16:48] Staying present with patients [00:18:11] Balancing the positive and negative [00:22:05] Urgency culture and setting boundaries [00:26:00] Learning from mistakes [00:29:00] Busyness and taking breaks [00:35:36] Checking in with your team [00:38:27] Better One or Better Two [00:40:44] Connecting mental health with eye conditions [00:45:42] Getting a good night’s sleep [00:48:14] Advice for people struggling with mental health [00:50:54] How Trevor stays positive Mentioned in this episode: CDC study on health workers and mental health Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal: Apple Podcast | Spotify If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Call or text 9-8-8 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more resources, visit www.cmha.ca. Subscribe for the latest updates from Optometry Unleashed at ⁠⁠www.optometryunleashed.ca/newsletter⁠⁠. Thank You to our Sponsor(s) ⁠⁠⁠⁠HOYA Vision Canada⁠⁠⁠⁠ Enjoy the show? Please Follow, Like and Subscribe.