Best Vision Eye Institute Podcasts (2025)

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How Does GEN Z See Contact Lens Wear and Eye Care? - Contact Lens Institute Visionaries Panel at Vision Expo West 29:08

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13d ago29:08

29:08

During Summer 2025, the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) conducted an extensive survey among Canadian and U.S. residents that indicated substantial opportunity for increased contact lens adoption by Gen Z, as well as identifying purchase drivers that the eye care community can employ to encourage use. The data showed an eight percent difference in Gen …

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Colleges Offering Over 65 Housing, Hidden Costs of Downsizing, Language Learning Brain Health Benefits Study, Impact of Medicaid Cuts 11-18-25 1:02:16

3d ago1:02:16

1:02:16

In this News for the Ages episode Benjamin Surmi highlighted the trend of senior living communities on college campuses, noting the financial benefits and challenges of integrating seniors into campus life. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury discussed the hidden costs of downsizing, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and adaptive design. Ellen Khal…

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The 20/20 Podcast UNSCRIPTED: Authentic Optometry Conversations - Dr. Claudine Courey 32:33

6d ago32:33

32:33

In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian reconnects with returning guest and dry-eye expert Dr. Claudine Courey, recorded live at the OSI Summit at White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The conversation is completely unscripted — a candid mix of clinical pearls, entrepreneurial insight, and authentic reflections on optometry, busin…

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McKinsey Health Institute White Paper on Investing in Healthy Aging in USA; America’s Caregiving Crisis is Getting Worse 11-11-25 54:02

13d ago54:02

54:02

November is National Family Caregiver Month. November 11 is Veteran’s Day. We discussed the McKinsey Health Institute's report on investing in healthy aging in the USA, which projects that $1 invested in healthy aging interventions could yield $3 in economic and healthcare benefits. Key interventions include transportation, housing, and public safe…

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Election Day Aging-related News, GetSetUp Active Aging Report, Retirement Relocation 11-4-25 57:09

14d ago57:09

57:09

Benjamin Surmi highlighted three election day ballot items: a $3 billion dementia research center in Texas, a proposal to invest Washington's payroll taxes into the stock market, and a change in Maine regarding absentee voting for older adults. Debbie Howard shared insights from GetSetUp's 2025 Active Aging Report, emphasizing the importance of dig…

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Independent Together: What Does IDOC's Rebrand Mean for ODs? - Dave Brown, CEO and President of IDOC 35:50

20d ago35:50

35:50

IDOC, the largest independently owned alliance of independent optometrists in the United States. In this episode, I chat with Dave Brown who is the CEO & President of IDOC. Since joining IDOC in 2014 and becoming CEO shortly thereafter, Dave has led IDOC through transformative growth–expanding its offerings, deepening member value, and advancing th…

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Top Senior Living Design Trends, Retirement Planning 10-28-25 59:55

27d ago59:55

59:55

We discussed key trends in senior living, including building in last frontier markets, combating obsolescence, incorporating biophilia and sustainability, and local inspiration in this episode of News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast. Senior Living faces a shortage of new units, with occupancy expected to reach 90% by 2026. We also cov…

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Osteoporosis Risk for Men, Menopause and Eye Health 10-21-25 56:34

1M ago56:34

56:34

October 20, 2025 was World Osteoporosis Day and October is Menopause Awareness Month. Ellen Khalifa highlighted a New York Times article on osteoporosis in men, noting that one in five men over 50 face fractures, with higher mortality rates than women. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared a Huffington Post article on menopause's impact on eye health, e…

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Cost, Fees, and Metrics: The SECRET to Building a Successful Myopia Practice - Dr. Jennifer Lyerly 1:02:28

1M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

When we think of implementing a specialty in our clinics, we often think of equipment we need to purchase, whether we have the patient base, and perhaps what type of training is needed. What often gets overlooked is the cost of seeing the patients who fall into the particular specialty. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lyerly shares some of the key me…

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Longevity Day Club for Aging in Place, Living at Sea Month to Month, 102 Year Old Yogi, Longevity Social Connections for Introverts 10-14-25 54:40

1M ago54:40

54:40

We discussed Longevity and Living Choices in the news. Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Koelsch Communities Senior Housing News 4-18-25 Longevity Day Club by Innovation Senior Living in Florida by Andrew Christman https://seniorhousingnews.com/2025/04/18/innovation-senior-living-to-pilot-adult-day-service-aimed-at-older-adults-living-at-home/ West Orla…

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From Ophthalmologist To Optometrist To AI Founder, The Necessity Of Evolution - Dr. Henry Reis 43:11

1M ago43:11

43:11

You know those people who seem to master every chapter of their career evolution — effortlessly moving from launching a tech startup to leading a multi-location optometry empire? Dr. Henry Reis is one of them. But don’t be fooled by the accolades — his path was anything but effortless. In this deep-dive interview, we pull back the curtain on Dr. Re…

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Myopia SOS with Prof Ian Flitcroft - Episode 3 - Screens, simple details and seagulls 58:26

1M ago58:26

58:26

Myopia SOS! Dr Kate Gifford and Professor Ian Flitcroft are back with advice as your Agony Aunt and Agony Uncle, in part three of this six-part series. Coming from the southern and northern hemispheres are an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, here to help you with your curly clinical cases in myopia management. Send us your struggles using the em…

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Immigration, Chief Longevity Officer, Boomer Women Economic Influence, Longevity Rules for Women 10-7-25 1:00:58

2M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Benjamin Surmi reported on a new federal immigration proposal aiming to address workforce needs, including a new caregiver visa for child and elder care. Ellen Khalifa highlighted the rise of Chief Longevity Officers in companies like L'Oreal and Fidelidad, emphasizing the importance of integrating longevity strategies into business models. Elizabe…

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How To Elevate Every Step Of The Patient Journey (Even The One You Haven't Thought About) - Dr. Wes McCann 35:06

2M ago35:06

35:06

Elevating the patient journey is about more than just good care — it’s about crafting a seamless experience from the first online search to post-visit follow-up. Dr. Wes McCann, owner of Doctors Vision Group, shares practical strategies for optimizing every touchpoint in an optometry practice, from streamlining intake and cross-training staff to re…

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Senior Living Opportunities, Longevity Drugs and Supplements 9-30-25 56:55

2M ago56:55

56:55

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury highlighted five key shifts: from dependency to desire, curation of experiences, technology as infrastructure, changing decision-making processes, and consumer diversity. Benjamin Surmi noted the importance of curation over care. The conversation underscored the need for senior housing to adapt to evolving consumer expecta…

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Live Discussion: How To Find Your Way Into Specialty Eyecare - Dr. Ying Zhao and Dr. Janice Luk 35:51

2M ago35:51

35:51

Specialty eyecare is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in optometry — and two trailblazers are showing how to make it your own. In this live interview, Dr. Ying Zhao shares how she turned a personal passion for myopia management into a thriving specialty practice, while Dr. Janice Luk reveals how she built expertise in dry eye and beauty-rel…

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Are More Falls Prescription Drug Related? Best States for Older Workers 9-23-25 52:30

2M ago52:30

52:30

September 22 - 26 is Falls Prevention Awareness Week. This episode of News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club led with a New York Times article suggesting that rising prescription drug use among adults over 65 may explain the increase in fall-related deaths in the United States, which tripled from 1990 to 2023. The team’s discussion emphasized t…

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Live Discussion: The Path To Business Ownership - Dr. Michelle Mann And Dr. Sara Kirby 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

Business ownership in optometry can feel like a leap of faith—but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths a new graduate can take. In this live event, Dr. Michelle Mann and Dr. Sara Kirby share their contrasting journeys—one building a cold-start practice from the ground up, the other buying into an established clinic—and reveal the real-world le…

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Myopia SOS with Prof Ian Flitcroft - Episode 2 - Stride into the water 46:23

2M ago46:23

46:23

Myopia SOS! Advice from your Agony Aunt Dr Kate Gifford (optometrist), and Agony Uncle Professor Ian Flitcroft (ophthalmologist), helps you tackle the daily realities of myopia management, especially when patients don’t fit the easy mould. In part two of this six part series, Kate and Ian chat across the seas about myopia research and curly clinica…

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Retirement Ages Going Up in Denmark and China, Celebrating Birthdays, Living Choices 9-16-25 1:02:21

2M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

In this episode of News for the Ages Ellen Khalifa highlighted an article by Dr. Joe Coughlin on the rising retirement ages in Denmark and China, emphasizing the need for workplace redesign, upskilling, and proactive wellness. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared an article by Myrna Marofsky on celebrating 80 with joy, focusing on positive reminiscence…

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Scope Optimization = Protecting the Patient and the Public - Dr. Mark Eltis, President of the Ontario College of Optometrists 11:20

3M ago11:20

11:20

In the latest episode in the Scope Optimization series on The 20/20 Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Mark Eltis who is the President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, a Director of the ABO, and well-renowned speaker/educator in the industry. In the episode, Dr. Mark Eltis touches on variety of topics related scope moderniza…

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SuperAgers, How to Plan for Aging in Place 9-2-25 53:20

3M ago53:20

53:20

Debbie Howard presented on "SuperAgers," highlighting research from Northwestern University showing that sociability and a thicker cingulate gyrus region are key factors. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury discussed an article from Kiplinger on aging in place, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment, home modifications, and community support. The Kipl…

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Creating New Pathways in the Brain for Concussion Patients Using Prism and Tinted Lenses - Dr. Vi Tu Banh 1:10:10

3M ago1:10:10

1:10:10

From escaping Vietnam as a child to changing patients lives in his clinic, Dr. Vi Tu Banh has had some of the most unique life and work experiences you could imagine. In this episode, Dr. Banh shares the stories of how his family was rescued from a deserted island in the Pacific by a few generous citizens in Canada and how that has shaped his missi…

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Cooperative Housing for Older Adults 8-26-25 54:37

3M ago54:37

54:37

This episode we focused on cooperative housing for older adults with a series of three articles, highlighting benefits like community support and mutual aid. Elizabeth Magayon Fleury shared insights from The Guardian, noting Denmark's lead in cohousing with 80,000 seniors planning moves. Benjamin Surmi presented Axios' article on Des Moines' Artesi…

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Putting In Your '10,000 HOURS' To Become An Expert - Dr. Julian Prosia 37:50

3M ago37:50

37:50

To fully master your craft, you have to put the work in – and there is no such thing as overnight success. Harbir Sian chats with Dr. Julian Prosia, dry eye specialist and CEO/co-founder of Ophthalogix Canada, who emphasizes the need to spend “10,000 hours” to truly become a trusted expert in the medical field. He stresses the importance of continu…

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Myopia SOS with Prof Ian Flitcroft - Episode 1 - Off the naughty step 50:25

3M ago50:25

50:25

Myopia SOS! In the first of this six part series, join your 'agony aunt' Dr. Kate Gifford, an optometrist, researcher, and co-founder of Myopia Profile, and 'agony uncle' Professor Ian Flitcroft, a distinguished paediatric ophthalmologist and co-founder of Ocumetra, as they tackle your burning questions on myopia management. In British vernacular, …

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Generational Divides in Company Culture What Gen Z Wants, Senior Living Care and Resident Rates, Long Term Care 8-19-25 59:24

3M ago59:24

59:24

This episode discussed intergenerational workplace dynamics, highlighting the challenges and benefits of having four generations working together. Ellen Khalifa presented an article from Newsweek, noting that Gen Z will make up 30% of the workforce by 2030, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt to their preferences, such as continuous feedbac…

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Understanding the Canadian Association of Optometrists - Dr. Martin Spiro and Dr. Allison Scott 18:04

3M ago18:04

18:04

During the recent Canadian Association of Optometrists Congress in Halifax, I had the opportunity to speak with outgoing President Dr. Martin Spiro and incoming President Dr. Allison Scott about how the CAO supports its members across the country. From organizing meetings such as the Optometric Leaders Forum, to leading the charge to develop a nati…

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Ageism, Senior Centers 8-12-25 50:33

3M ago50:33

50:33

We discussed the benefits of senior centers in promoting healthy aging, highlighting their role in social engagement, assistance, outings, active aging, learning opportunities, nutritious dining, community support, and volunteer activities. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury emphasized the need for rebranding senior centers as community centers to avoid the…

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Patching is BAD, Pencil Pushups Are GOOD (And Other Things You Don't Want to Believe) - Dr. Bryce Appelbaum 1:05:04

3M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

the human brain. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, founder and CEO of VisionFirst, explains how focusing on the eye-brain connection can lead to innovative vision and eyesight treatments and improvements. Joining Harbir Sian, he explains which vision therapies and training programs offer positive results – and which ones are actually doing more harm than good t…

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New Alzheimer's Association Study on Brain Health Diet and Exercise, Getting Enough Protein, How to Advocate for an Older Loved One in the Hospital 8-5-25 1:04:10

4M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Benjamin Surmi highlighted a significant study reported by NPR July 28, 2025, showing that structured lifestyle changes, including exercise and diet, can improve brain health and reduce dementia risk. The Alzheimer's Association's $40 million commitment to implementing these findings was noted. Ellen Khalifa discussed the importance of protein inta…

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From Owner to CEO: How to Run Your Practice Like a Boss - Dr. Kiran Ramesh 21:37

4M ago21:37

21:37

How would you like to build your practice and develop a culture to a place that the growth of the business perpetuates even if you are not seeing patients yourself? Sounds too good to be true? Dr. Kiran Ramesh is a multi-practice owner, renowned speaker, business coach, and more. In this episode, Dr. Ramesh shares how she built her first practice t…

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AARP July 2025 Family Caregiver Report, Respecting Physical Labor Staff in Senior Living 7-29-25 59:44

4M ago59:44

59:44

We discussed AARP's new report released in July on caregiving in the U.S. for 2025. The report highlights the need for policy changes, including federal tax credits, paid family leave, and better training for caregivers. The discussion also touched on the importance of treating caregiving as a respected profession and the potential role of immigrat…

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Changing the Perception of Optometry in the Eyes of the Public: Scope Optimization - Dr. Shiv Sharma 9:57

4M ago9:57

9:57

As optometrist's we are providing advanced care and performing procedure far beyond simply vision correction on a daily basis. From disease detection and management, to treating various conditions, to digging foreign bodies out of eyes... we know that more than someone who asks "which is better, 1 or 2?" However, since we are doing these things on …

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Middle Age Changes for Taste and Touch, 55+ Community Choices, Smart Home Reality Check 7-22-25 1:00:28

4M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

We discussed the impact of aging on the senses, focusing on taste and touch. Ray Gordon highlighted that taste changes in middle age due to reduced taste buds and olfactory receptors, suggesting hydration and nutrient-rich diets for taste and smell, as well as physical therapy to improve the performance of proprioception receptors in one’s feet. Ho…

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Solving Old Problems With New Technology: Improving Patients' Lives By Correcting Higher Order Aberrations - Dr. Petar Prpic 36:24

4M ago36:24

36:24

In the previous episode, we spoke with Dr. Petar Prpic about how he built his specialty lens clinic (Prpic Eyecare). In that discussion, Dr. Prpic touched on some of the challenges he faced in his journey to developing his expertise in the realm of specialty contact lenses. In the second part of this discussion, we dive deeper into one of the most …

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Fall River Eldercare Emergency Protocols, Technology Use May Lower Dementia Risk, Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons 7-15-25 58:45

4M ago58:45

58:45

Ellen Khalifa presented a CNN article on technology use lowering dementia risk, noting a 42% reduction in cognitive impairment from tech use. Benjamin Surmi reported on two articles on a well publicized senior living fire in Massachusetts, leading to a discussion of the importance of considering city resources and emergency services when choosing a…

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From Kumbaya to "Death by Scleral Lenses": The Journey to Building a Specialty Practice - Dr. Petar Prpic 37:17

4M ago37:17

37:17

Whether you specialize in dry eyes, myopia management, or specialty contact lenses, the journey can be quite similar. From the magical moments when you help a struggling patient to those seemingly-endless visits when the treatment doesn't seem to be working... every clinician who leans into some type of specialty care has experienced the highs and …

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"The Public Will Demand More From Us" "We Need to be Prepared with More Innovation, Scope, and Education" - Dr. Mahnia Madan, Chair of the BCDO Government and Professional Affairs Committee 8:37

5M ago8:37

8:37

Dr. Madan is the immediate Past President for BC Doctors of Optometry and the Chair of the Government and Professional Affairs Committee. She completed a residency in ocular disease at the Eye Center of Texas in Houston and is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. In addition to all of this, Dr. Madan currently practices in an MD/OD settin…

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NASA Themed Senior Living, Cost of Home Care, Joseph Coughlin Weather Factors in Retirement Location Choices 7-1-25 56:26

5M ago56:26

56:26

June is National Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month. Maude’s Ventures seed funding for early-stage dementia related innovation projects application deadline is July 7. This year includes a section for teenage applicants. Benjamin Surmi shared an article about a NASA-themed senior living community in Houston, highlighting the importance of theming…

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Running a 7-Doctor Practice: "You're Only As Good As Your Team", "Constantly Differentiate Yourself" - Dr. Pavan Avinashi 32:00

5M ago32:00

32:00

How comfortable are you recommending high end products to your patients? Whether its contact lenses, boutique frames, or ophthalmic lenses, recommending the best-in-class to patients has long been a challenge for many ECPs. But why? And, more importantly, how can we overcome this hurdle? In this episode, I chat with Dr. Pavan Avinashi who is the ow…

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Long Term Care What to Know, Bradley Cooper Caregiving PBS Documentary, Goldman Sachs 2025 Report on Global Aging 6-24-25 1:02:44

5M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury highlighted a New York Times article by Mark Miller, noting the rising demand for long-term care due to an aging population and a shortage of workers, exacerbated by low wages and immigration policies. The article emphasized the misconception that Medicare covers long-term care and suggested planning for care costs. Debbie…

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"Ultimately Patients Suffer" "Delay in Care, Healthcare Redundancy, Reduced Access to Care" Without Scope Advancement - Dr. Cedrick Mah 11:21

5M ago11:21

11:21

Dr. Cedrick Mah graduated from Waterloo in 2022. He then completed his residency in Oklahoma. Cedrick is a Fellow of the American Association of Optometry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, and newly crowned Young Optometrist of the Year by the BC Doctors of Optometry. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Mah's experiences practicing to th…

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Bone Health of Interest to Gen Z and Millennials, UK Doctors Solution for Superbugs, Caregiving is Tough 6-17-25 1:00:52

5M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Ellen Khalifa highlighted a Women's Health article on bone health, emphasizing the importance of early prevention and the rising rates of osteoporosis among younger generations. Dr. Zalan Alam discussed a BBC article on using "poo pills" to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, noting the potential of gut microbiome therapy. Debbie Howard shared a…

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Offering Patients The FIRST And ONLY Lens Of Its Kind - Dr. Nathalie Trottier And Dr. Evelyn Lo 21:40

5M ago21:40

21:40

It is not often that we have the opportunity to witness the launch of a whole new class of soft contact lens. But today, we have the unique opportunity to explore CooperVision’s MyDay Energys®. Joining Harbir Sian to talk about the first and only daily disposable lens in the industry to offer DigitalBoost™ technology are Dr. Nathalie Trottier and D…

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The Power of Red Light: Macular Health, Fighter Pilots, and More - Dr. Graham Merry, Founder of ARUNALIGHT 51:10

6M ago51:10

51:10

Red Light Therapy is gaining a lot of momentum in recent years. It has been used for mood, hair growth, and many other health benefits. But how does photobiomodulation (PBM) help our eyes? In this episode, Dr. Graham Merry, MD discuss the history of PBM and the exciting future for this technology in eyecare. Dr. Merry is one of the pioneers of PBM …

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Actors of a Certain Age, Rebranding Retirement, How to Retire 6-3-25 57:15

6M ago57:15

57:15

This episode explored the cultural shift in Hollywood's portrayal of aging women, highlighting the success of actresses like Demi Moore and the need for businesses to support older female talent. The discussion also covered the evolving concept of retirement, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and continuous engagement. Statistics from the E…

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PRK, LASIK, and SMILE: Refractive Surgeons Reveal Which is Best for Your Patient - Dr. Darrell Lewis and Dr. Michael Boyd 30:17

6M ago30:17

30:17

Which type of refractive surgery procedure is the best option for your patients? Is it PRK? LASIK? What about SMILE? What are the differences between these? In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, we have the opportunity to chat with two pre-eminent corneal surgeons to discuss the latest updates in refractive surgery. Dr. Michael Boyd is the owner of…

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Caregiving Benefits Employees Need at Every Stage, AARP on Vision, Hip Exercises 5-27-25 49:32

6M ago49:32

49:32

Debbie Howard highlighted an article emphasizing the importance of caregiving benefits, noting that 75% of employees are caregivers and flexible work options can reduce turnover by 25%. Ray Gordon's article on vision changes due to presbyopia and aging mentioned that over 50% of people over 57 have vision impairment, and regular eye exams are cruci…

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Geriatrician Advice as They Age, AARP on Hearing, Risk Factors for Dementia, Depression and Stroke 5-20-25 56:30

6M ago56:30

56:30

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, Mental Health Month, Older Americans Month and Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared insights from geriatricians on aging as they themselves are now aging, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and finding meaningful projects. Ray Gordon presented the first …