Glauc Talk: Is an Eye Transplant Actually Possible?

This week, we dig into the surprising shift among voters who once supported private equity in healthcare—and may now be rethinking it. Kristin and I talk through what’s behind that change, plus a major headline about the first-ever eye transplant. And just when things start to feel a little too serious, we lighten it up with a chaotic game that puts our anatomy knowledge (and humility) to the test. Trust me, you’ll want to play along. Takeaways: Some voters are finally reconsidering their stance on private equity’s role in healthcare—what changed? A groundbreaking eye transplant sparks conversation about what’s medically possible… and what still isn’t. The line between actual anatomy and total nonsense is thinner than you think—especially when you're being timed. Kristin has strong thoughts about “buzzword healthcare policy.” We all need a reminder that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves—even when we’re supposed to know this stuff. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You ever have someone call you an optometrist when you're, say, very much not? Yeah… that happened again. So in this episode, I’m laying out the not-so-subtle (and sometimes very contentious) differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists—education, lasers, the whole thing. We also dive into the thin but mighty conjunctiva, the raging war against red eyes, and yes, my completely unsolicited but deeply held thoughts on AI in healthcare. Spoiler: I don’t hate it, but I am watching it like it might try to prescribe eyedrops. Takeaways: There’s a reason you never see an ophthalmologist use the puff machine—and it’s not snobbery. AI in healthcare? Will’s got opinions. Cautiously optimistic, mostly side-eye. Optometrists and ophthalmologists mostly play nice—until lasers get involved. If you're itchy, red, and goopy, there’s a good chance your eyeballs are trying to tell you something very specific. Someone invented ointment and basically saved ophthalmology. We owe them a smooch. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aka.ms/knockknockhi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about Pearson Ravitz go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.pearsonravitz.com/knockknock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Upgrade your Summer. Go to http//www.cozyearth.com and use code KNOCKKNOCK for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more. Trust me—you’ll feel the difference the very first night. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Kristin and I tackle one of the most frustrating—and frankly absurd—things we’ve seen online in a while: the claim that doctors want people to stay sick just so we can make more money. Yup, that’s a real thing someone said, and it sparked a Twitter firestorm. We’re diving into the bizarre world of social media influencers who spread medical misinformation with the confidence of a med school dropout turned life coach. If you’ve ever wanted to yell into the void, this episode’s for you. Takeaways: A viral tweet suggests doctors profit from keeping people sick—let’s unpack that. Social media influencers keep handing out medical advice... without the medicine. I weigh in on a Twitter fight that escalated faster than a tachycardic code blue. We explore why people are quick to believe doctors are villains. Misinformation is funnier when you realize how confident people are while being completely wrong. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step right up to the medieval ophthalmology booth where your chalazion gets cured with garlic, mustard seeds, and just a dash of cow bile. This week, I take you on a Renaissance Festival-style journey through the weirdest eye treatments in history and how some of those relics have been rebranded for the modern wellness crowd. There’s leech therapy, eye “massagers,” and influencers promising vision miracles with homeopathic potions that would make a 13th-century snake oil vendor proud. Also: how do I keep my sanity posting online every day while avoiding ye olde digital burnout? Let’s joust. Takeaways: If your eye treatment sounds like something a plague doctor brewed—maybe don’t. Medieval eye salves made from onions and bile are more like Renaissance cosplay than science… unless you’re on TikTok. Some modern devices claim to fix your vision but operate with the same logic as 15th-century eye pokers. The FDA was practically invented to protect us from “miracle” eye tonics like these. Posting about medicine online can feel like performing in the town square—here’s how I avoid getting metaphorically pelted with tomatoes. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aka.ms/knockknockhi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about Pearson Ravitz go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.pearsonravitz.com/knockknock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Upgrade your Summer. Go to http//www.cozyearth.com and use code KNOCKKNOCK for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more. Trust me—you’ll feel the difference the very first night. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I’m solo, but not alone. I’m joined by Dr. Kaveh Hoda, a fellow medical satirist who brings the same energy I try to harness every time I put on a white coat and immediately start roasting the healthcare system. We talk shop about using humor to cope with burnout, the risks and rewards of medical satire, and why sometimes it’s more effective to joke than to rant. And yes, we draft sphincters. Real ones. The best ones. It’s unhinged, unfiltered, and surprisingly educational. Takeaways: We break down how satire can be a coping tool and a medical mirror. The true (and not-so-glamorous) cost of being “that funny doctor online.” Kaveh brings the heat in a completely unscientific Sphincter Draft. The surprising similarities between comedy and clinical work. What it’s like podcasting without Lady G… and replacing her with sphincters. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aka.ms/knockknockhi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about Pearson Ravitz go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.pearsonravitz.com/knockknock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Upgrade your Summer. Go to http//www.cozyearth.com and use code KNOCKKNOCK for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more. Trust me—you’ll feel the difference the very first night. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one’s personal. I'm finally talking about the private equity takeover of medicine—and why Oregon might've just taken the first real step to stop it. We’re diving into the gray zone between burnout and buyouts, why docs sell their practices, and what that means for patients (spoiler: it’s not great). I also share some zingers for a classic surgeon roast and finally explain that weird thing your optic nerves do in the middle of your brain. And yeah, I really do look like I just rolled out of bed. Because I did. Takeaways: Oregon just banned private equity from buying medical practices—and it could change everything. Physicians are selling their practices for millions… but at what cost? The real reason optic nerves crisscross in your brain (and it’s not the corpus callosum). Classic surgeon insults that will have you laughing—and cringing. What your eyeballs have in common with goats (yes, really). — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aka.ms/knockknockhi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about Pearson Ravitz go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.pearsonravitz.com/knockknock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We thought we were just going kayaking with a group of young adults facing cancer and chronic illness. What we didn’t expect was how much First Descents—and its late CEO Ryan O’Donoghue—would completely reshape the way we think about healing, connection, and purpose. This week, we’re reflecting on that powerful experience and the legacy Ryan left behind. Also: I get dragged into a dating game scenario, and we talk about how being on call might just be the worst setup for a first date. Ever. Takeaways: A behind-the-scenes look at our week with First Descents—and how it cracked us open. The incredible impact of Ryan O’Donoghue and why his sudden death hit so hard. What it feels like to watch people reclaim joy after trauma. A wildly uncomfortable dating game moment you don’t want to miss. Why being on call is the ultimate romance killer. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aka.ms/knockknockhi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about Pearson Ravitz go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.pearsonravitz.com/knockknock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s get one thing out of the way: I’m not mad you called me at 2 a.m. about an eye. Really, I’m not. But also… were they just missing their glasses? This week, I’m tackling everything that drives ophthalmologists crazy—and how to avoid becoming that story we tell over drinks. From wild consults and missing visual acuity checks to what actually makes an emergency worth a call, I’m handing you the crash course med school never gave you. Plus: a retina saga, a hot muffler, and why I’ll never be a 5:30 a.m. gym person. Ever. Takeaways: If you’re consulting ophthalmology, at least check vision. Please. I’m begging you. No, we don’t expect you to do a full fundus exam—but we do expect you to ask if they’ve had recent eye surgery. Not all double vision is created equal. Ask if it goes away when they cover one eye. My most frustrating consult? I was called in… to put a patient’s glasses on. In the community, y’all are way more self-sufficient than I ever gave you credit for in residency. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aka.ms/knockknockhi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about Pearson Ravitz go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.pearsonravitz.com/knockknock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Kristin shares what it felt like to take the stage for a major speaking event—and all the nerves, insights, and surprising audience connections that came with it. We also dive into some brain-bending eye science about tetrachromacy (a potential new color?!) and, of course, take a moment to roast the absolute rollercoaster of comments we get on YouTube. Spoiler: some are heartfelt, some are hilarious, and some definitely make us question our entire internet presence. Takeaways: Kristin reflects on the vulnerability and connection of live storytelling. We explore the concept of tetrachromacy and color perception. Eye science gets weird—in the best way. The YouTube comment section strikes again. Kristin contemplates balancing performance with authenticity. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aka.ms/knockknockhi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about Pearson Ravitz go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.pearsonravitz.com/knockknock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I just wanted to talk about the iris today. A chill, colorful muscle donut that controls how much light hits your retina and makes you look good doing it. But no. UnitedHealthcare had to show up first—again—with a story so dark it makes retinal necrosis look like a fairy tale. We're talking Do Not Resuscitate orders getting denied by algorithms and patients dying because no human was watching. Then we finally pivot to the iris: how it works, how it fails, why it looks different in everyone, and what happens when people decide to change their eye color on purpose (spoiler: don’t). I also touch on laser procedures, night vision contacts, LASIK myths, and iridology—which is basically astrology for your eyeballs. All that and a retinal wiring rant, because I can’t help myself. Takeaways: UnitedHealthcare might be setting a new low. When your life is being managed by an algorithm that’s literally ignoring your DNR order, we have officially lost the plot. The iris is not just decoration. It’s a muscle. It’s photoreactive. It’s a vibe. And it’s doing way more work than it gets credit for. Thinking about cosmetic eye color surgery? Just don’t. It’s like installing a tinted windshield inside your eye. Except it doesn’t work. And might make you go blind. Night vision contact lenses are real(ish). But if you wear them in public, people are going to think you're either Batman or a sleep-deprived raccoon. Iridology is fake and somehow still thriving. It’s amazing how far you can go in life with confidence and zero science. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aka.ms/knockknockhi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn more about Pearson Ravitz go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.pearsonravitz.com/knockknock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices