Visionary Perspectives: The Future of Optometry, Eye Health, and Nutrition

Passing the Torch at Optometry Giving Sight | Dr. Allen Interviews Lois Schoenbrun & Donna Mikulecky In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen sits down with two visionary leaders in global eye care: Lois Schoenbrun, outgoing Executive Director of Optometry Giving Sight (OGS), and Donna Mikulecky, who had just stepped into the role. With over three decades of nonprofit leadership, Lois reflects on her journey—from leading the American Academy of Optometry to guiding OGS through a time of global need. Together with Donna, they explore the mission and future of Optometry Giving Sight: to support sustainable, optometry-led programs that educate local eye care providers and expand access to vision care and eye health worldwide. They also discuss what sets OGS apart from traditional mission models, the importance of building long-term, local solutions, and how optometry as a profession continues to lead the way in volunteerism and global service. Their conversation is filled with insight, encouragement, and real stories that highlight how OGS is working toward a world where optometry enables universal access to vision care and eye health. Whether you're a practitioner, student, or advocate for global health, this episode will leave you hopeful and ready to be part of the change. Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media. For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/ Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

In this episode of Eye Give a Damn, Dr. Allen sits down with Dr. Jason Compton — contact lens guru, business owner, and passionate AOA volunteer — for an inspiring and practical conversation that covers the full spectrum of private practice success. Dr. Compton shares his journey of returning to the community where he was raised to open a clinic in a highly competitive area. He dives into how he builds strong patient relationships, leverages internal marketing strategies, and fosters a culture where everyone on the team understands and promotes the services they offer, especially when it comes to contact lenses and myopia control. You’ll hear how Dr. Compton’s clinic fits a high volume of contacts, how they communicate value to patients, and how technology and consistency play a key role in their approach. Plus, he reflects on what’s next for his clinic and how he’s finding the balance between offering innovative care and avoiding burnout. Whether you're looking to grow your clinic, improve your contact lens offerings, or learn how to build lasting patient trust — this episode is packed with wisdom, experience, and heart. Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media. For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/ Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

In this episode of Eye Give a Damn, Dr. Allen chats with Dr. Jessilin Quint, an optometrist, speaker, and industry leader known for her innovative approach to dry eye care. Dr. Quint shares how she built a successful dry eye treatment spa within her private practice, Smart Eye Care in Maine, designing it to feel more like a spa than a traditional clinic. From curating a relaxing patient experience to implementing cutting-edge treatment protocols, Dr. Quint walks us through how she’s made dry eye a standout service that both patients and staff are excited about. If you’re thinking about growing your dry eye services, creating a premium patient experience, or just want to hear how one OD is blending clinical care with creativity and strategy — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media. For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/ Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

In this episode of Eye Give a Damn, Dr. Allen is joined by Dr. Neal Troyer — optometrist, educator, and co-founder of the Eyecare Republic — for a powerful conversation about the future of eye care and the deeper connections between vision, nutrition, and wellness. They discuss why Dr. Troyer helped launch a new independent ECP alliance and the challenges facing traditional optometry in the age of tech and telehealth. With a shared passion for how lifestyle impacts eye health, Dr. Allen and Dr. Troyer also dig into the science behind nutrition and its role in preventing conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. They also explore the potential benefits (and limitations) of intermittent fasting, and what ODs can do to better educate patients about dietary choices that protect their vision. Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media. For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/ Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

In this episode of the Eye Give a Damn Podcast, Dr. Allen sits down with Trudi Charest, also known as The Eye Care Marketer, to talk all things marketing, personal branding, and how eye care professionals can thrive in today’s digital world. Whether you’re an OD who owns a clinic or just looking to build your personal brand, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Trudi shares strategies for social media, tips on how to show up online authentically, and why branding matters even if you’re not the business owner. Trudi brings a powerhouse resume: she’s a licensed optician, marketing expert, speaker, and co-founder of Marketing4ECPs. She’s trained sales teams across North America and has been called a “LinkedIn guru” with over 11,000 followers. Her advice? Real, practical, and totally doable. 🧠 Why your brand matters (yes, even if you're an associate OD) 📱 How to stand out on social media without feeling salesy 💡 Why marketing isn't just about ads - it's about connection 🚀 Quick tips for building a recognizable brand in your community Dr. Allen picked up new ideas in this episode, and you will too! Tune in and level up your eye care marketing game. 📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights from leaders in the eye care industry! #PersonalBranding #Marketing Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media. For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/ Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

In this episode of the Eye Give a Damn Podcast, Dr. Allen sits down with licensed optician and industry consultant Jackie O’Keefe Lincoln, who brings 43 years of wisdom and experience to the table. From her unexpected start in the field to speaking on stages and consulting in clinics, Jackie shares insights that will change the way you think about patient care. They dive into: 👓 How to build trust between doctors, staff, and patients 💬 Why communication is key to a great glasses experience 🤝 The power of a meaningful handoff between team members 🌍 How to be culturally aware and truly welcome patients Whether you're an optometrist, optician, or part of a clinic team, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies to “hypothetically hug your patients” — starting with how you greet them and ending with how you make them feel seen, heard, and valued. 📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights from leaders in the eye care industry! #Optometry #Optical Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media. For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/ Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

In this episode, Dr. Joseph Allen (@DoctorEyeHealth) sits down with Dr. Darryl Glover to discuss the power of personal branding in optometry. With a career spanning multiple roles—including eyewear consultant, optometric technician, office manager, and optometrist—Dr. Glover shares how his diverse experience shaped his entrepreneurial journey and helped him build a standout brand in the eye care industry. Dr. Glover introduces his B.R.A.N.D. framework (the “secret sauce”) offering practical strategies for optometrists and optometry students looking to establish their personal brand, expand their reach, and elevate their careers. Tune in to learn: ✅ How personal branding can set you apart in optometry ✅ Actionable steps for building an authentic and impactful professional identity ✅ Understanding what branding really is (hint: it’s more than just a logo!) ✅ Utilizing social media to elevate a brand 📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights from leaders in the eye care industry! #Optometry #PersonalBranding Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media. For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/ Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Houston College of Optometry and AOA’s 2022 Optometric Educator of the Year Award winner, who is providing hands-on education in a community-based clinic. Working with optometry students at a clinic in Dallas, Dr. Kemp is proud to provide a wide variety of care to an underserved population. His goal as an educator is to foster an environment where students are comfortable asking questions, going through the process, and making decisions in a clinical environment. His personal passions include glaucoma care, specialty contact lenses, and billing and coding.  Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media.For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

In this discussion with Dr. Joseph Allen ( @DoctorEyeHealth  ) he shares how getting fired from his first OD job was one of the best things that happened to him. He also discusses his journey to reinvent himself within the dry eye space to help his specialty contact lens patients. Learn about his practice’s core values, GIFTS: Generosity, Initiative, Faithfulness, Teamwork and Simplicity. Dr. Kading also goes in depth on how he uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a variety of ways from marketing and social media to practice metrics and ideas for articles. Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media.For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media. 

Roya Attar, OD, MBA, DHA, is a professor and director of optometric services at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Mississippi Medical Center.  For instance, Dr. Attar utilizes AI to manage her emails and as a scribe to help her focus on her patient while the program takes notes and fills in the EHR, which she reviews afterward. She discusses some of her favorite AI programs and different ways they can be incorporated into your daily professional and personal life. Like any other new technology, she feels AI will augment healthcare professionals’ ability to diagnose, manage and treat patients. She is most excited about how AI will enable more personalized medicine going forward. On a personal note, this is another full circle moment for Dr. Joseph Allen as he interviews his former TA from the UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry. Eye Give a Damn hosted by Dr. Joseph Allen is produced by FluoreSCENE Media.For more information on Dr. Joseph Allen visit https://doctoreyehealth.com/Visit https://odcommunity.com/ to learn more about FluoreSCENE Media.