In this conversation I had the privilege to interact with Dr. Kristie Nyugen. She has constantly paved some unconventional paths in her optometry journey. From being a contract optometrist, to an entrepreneur to an influencer she has made her mark in every single role. Some of the episode highlights are: 1. Interesting story about how god guided her to the journey of optometry. 2. Understand the ups and downs of being a contract optometrist. (You dont want to miss out on some amazing negotiation  tips and tricks) 3. Learn more about the story behind her beautiful hair and skin care routine4. Learn how adding a "Me Spin" on social media can help you excel and grow your brand& much more... Along with all of the learnings check out our fun "Rapid Fire Segment" to get some interesting insights. Guest Bio: Dr. Nguyen is a board-certified optometrist.  She currently serves as a contract doctor for Dr. David Feenstra & Associates in Orlando, FL.After graduating in the top ten of her high school class with honors, she went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas.  While at U of H, she volunteered at a local hospital and worked as an optometric assistant.  Dr. Nguyen obtained a Doctorate of Optometry in 2005 from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  She conducted her medical internships at the Chickasaw Nation Health Clinic in Ardmore, Oklahoma and the Lake Mary Eye Care in Lake Mary, Florida. Dr. Nguyen is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Florida Optometric Association, Young ODs of America, OD Divas, Optometry Divas and the Central Florida Optometric Society.Dr. Nguyen has been the Executive Board Member of Optometry Divas for the past 3 years and currently serves as the Lead Orlando Ambassador. She is also a brand ambassador for an independent eyewear brand called Kazoku Lunettes and Director of Business Development for an online optical company called Optazoom. She’s the US Ambassador for IMAGINEM magazine and the board member of COOKIE magazine, both of which are optical related. Recently she’s partnered with Zeiss. Dr. Nguyen is married and has two beautiful daughters. She enjoys going to the beach, traveling to new places, and readingLinkedIn Profile: Dr. Kristie Nguyen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristie...Follow me on social media to get all the updates:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristYoutube: Nerdy OptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomWebsite: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected] courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)

While fitting specialty contact lenses still makes many optometrists and ophthalmologist nervous, I had the privilege to chat with the global Contact Lens expert Dr. Daddi Fadel and learn about how fitting  speciality contact lenses gave her professional satisfaction  which cannot be described in words. In this episode we chat about: Her journey in optometry and her increasing passion for specialty contact lenses. We discuss about her secret  sauce "Never Give Up" & " Always stepping out of your comfort zone" She shares her journey as an author and importance of always learning even if you are not going to implement that in your practice. & much moreAlong with all the information, we also see the fun side of Dr. Fadel in our "Rapid Fire" segment.Guest Bio: Daddi Fadel DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO, is a contact lens designer, a Pioneer of modern lens designs, and a specialist in contact lenses for irregular cornea, scleral lenses, myopia control, and orthokeratology. She speaks five languages; Arabic, French, English, Italian, and Greek. She studied optometry at Istituto Superiore di Scienze Optometriche (ISSO) in Rome (1998-2001), a four-year course achieved in three years with honors.She started to lecture and publish from her first year of Optometry school. She has 20 years’ experience in optometry and specialty contact lenses. She runs an optometric practice specializing in contact lenses in Italy where she personally designs and fits special customized contact lenses.She is internationally recognized as a key opinion leader, who has several peer-reviewed publications in the area of specialty contact lenses and is a speaker in national and international symposia.Daddi Fadel and Dr. Melissa Barnett are authors of the “Clinical Guide for Scleral Lens Success”. Daddi Fadel is the author of the book “Scleral Lens Complications: Their Recognition, Etiology, and Management”.She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contact Lens Research & Science (JCLRS).She is a certified and approved advanced speaker to conduct NCLE approved courses. She is the first Certified EyePrint Practitioner outside the USA and Canada.Fadel is Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society (SLS), British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), and American Academy of Optometry (AAO). She is the Founder and Immediate Past President of Accademia Italiana Lenti Sclerali (AILeS), Co-founder and President of Euro & Austral-Asia Scleral Lens Academy (EASLA), Council of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists (ISCLS), Global Ambassador of the BCLA, member of the GPLI Advisory Board, member of the medical advisory board of the International Keratoconus Academy (IKA), Program & Education Chair of The Summit of Specialty Contacts (SSC) and of the Global Ophthalmic Women (GLOW), Board Member of the International Forum for Scleral Lens Research (IFSLR) and of the International Congress of Scleral Contact (ICSC), Clinical Advisor of Myopia Care, International Relations Chair of the Scleral Lens Education Society (SLS), and Member of the International Association of Contact Lens Educator (IACLE).You can connect with Dr. Daddi Fadel viaLinkedIn: Daddi Fadel Connect with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristYoutube: Nerdy OptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)

In this India Vision Institute (IVI) special episode, as a media partner,  I had an opportunity to have a candid conversation with Mr. Vinod Daniel focusing on the upcoming  2nd International virtual conference hosted by IVI on the theme of Eye Health in a Changing World from 9 to 11 September 2021,  with renowned speakers and thought leaders from around the world. The conference will feature an interesting mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, parallel tracks, and lots of networking opportunities.We touch upon various important topics;  How is this conference  different than the first oneWe learn more about the area of focus and some interesting topics to be covered during the conference What are the major changes compared to the last event... &much more.Register today at : www.ivieyehealth.comGuest Bio: Mr. Vinod Daniel : He is currently the Managing Trustee of India Vision Institute (IVI). IVI is a not-for-profit organization working to provide access to primary eye care and free glasses for children and adults in underprivileged communities across India. His work with IVI in vision screening and Optometry development is making an impact in a largely under serviced sector of primary eye health care in the country.You can connect with him viaLinkedIn: Vinod DanielIVI Website: https://www.indiavisioninstitute.org/Connect with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)

23 July 2021 marks the historic day when all 193 countries of the United Nations unanimously adopted the first ever resolution on vision designed to tackle preventable sight loss. In order to better understand the process, implications and find ways to participate in this movement ,  I had an opportunity to sit across and chat with Dr. Jude Stern,  Head Of Knowledge Management at International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Dr. Jamie Anderson, from OneSight. Both the organizations are an integral part of the resolution and its future plans. In this conversation we chat about; How did vision come into the forefront of health care Role of  global organizations and ambassadors throughout the 5year long journey Learn how to contribute and participate towards the mission to provide vision care to 1Billion people around the world beyond your clinic. Understand how together we aim for Vision for Everyone by Accelerating Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)Learn  more about the social media campaign  #LoveYourEyes for the world sight day and how you can make it even more special & much more Along with all the information, learn more about the fun side of these incredible women in our fun game segment "Never HaveI Ever" .Guest. Bio: Dr. Jamie Anderson: With 16 years of experience as an optometrist, Dr. Jamie Anderson currently practices optometry in both Oregon and Colorado. In addition to her professional role, she  is deeply dedicated to her work with global vision care. During the four years Jamie has been working with OneSight, she has participated in 15 short-term charitable vision clinics around the world, providing comprehensive eye exams and glasses to those who wouldn’totherwise have access. Additionally, Jamie has traveled to multiple OneSight sustainable visioncenters globally to offer her expertise as these centers work to provide permanent access to vision care in areas that lack it.Jamie earned her Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University and has her post-doctoral fellowship with The College of Optometrists in Vision Development. She resides in Oceanside, Oregon with her husband, and has two children. OneSight: www.onesight.org Dr. Jude Stern : Jude is a global educator and knowledge broker with extensive experience working at the intersection of global eye health and international development. She works collaboratively with a diverse range of IAPB members and partners facilitating shared knowledge, building collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. At IAPB Jude is responsible for the delivery of the Vision Atlas - a global mapping of vision and eye care needs, learning programs such as the COVID-19 & Eye Health Web Series, Focus On and the Global Assembly and facilitating the exchange of knowledge as the sector works towards integrated centered eye care and universal health coverage.  Jude is  a committee member of several committees. She is an optometrist and holds a Graduate Certificate in public health. With a special interest in developing leadership skills in the eye health sector, myopia management, and gender equity. IAPB: www.iapb.orgJoin the campaign : #LoveYourEyesConnect with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)

Do we really learn or just read information?  In this conversation with Dr. Frank Eperjesi, we discuss  the secret pearls of enhancing learning and personal growth.  Dr. Eperjesi has a vast experience of about 10years in corporate practice , private practice and was a past head of an  optometry school in the UK. He is Co-Founder Director of the EyeTools professional development platform and since March 2020 has developed a community of 670 eye specialists with which he shares resources derived from his 29 years’ experience as an optometrist and educator. As an educator, entrepreneur and a businessman, constant learning has been his secret sauce. He helps better understand the process of learning which can lead to maximum  knowledge  retention. Some of the episode highlights are: 1. Learn how daily practice of learning and revising helps  in better retention of knowledge 2. Learn the importance of making your known notes, teaching and group studies for better understanding of information and concepts. 3. Break the barrier of just reading things and replace it with practical experience to excel your clinical skillsand more... Along with all the information, we also see the fun side of Dr. Eperjesi in our "Rapid Fire" segment.Guest Bio:Dr. Frank EperjesiDr Eperjesi is past head of an optometry school in the UK. He has worked in independent and corporate practice and had his own practice for 10 years. He specialises in paediatric optometry, binocular vision and low vision. He is also past interim deputy head of a business school and past professor in learning innovation. He is Co-Founder Director of the EyeTools professional development platform and since March 2020 has developed a community of 670 eye specialists with which he shares resources derived from his 29 years’ experience as an optometrist and educator. He has a doctorate in low vision reading rehabilitation, an MBA and a Masters in Education. You can connect with Dr. Eperjesi viaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-eperjesiLearn more about Eye Tools at: https://eyetools.co.uk/Connect with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.

Practicing optometry is a science, art and a passion to make a difference. In this episode  I had a pleasure to discuss the key ingredients of practice management  with Mr. Brian Tompkins, an experienced independent practitioner, past president of the BCLA and a former AOP Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year. Brian in his stunningly refurbished and contemporised Victorian house-practice in Northampton UK, is constantly  setting new goals and standards of providing best vision care services. He shares how building trust, offering the best patient care  and patient education has helped him even during these unprecedented times. Some of the episode highlights  are: Learn how to be an EDUTAINER, an important skill to help you build a long term relationship with your patients. Learn how investing in technology and patient education can help you build your dream practice. Mastering your skills and constantly  upgrading your knowledge  will help you stay ahead of the game and much more.Along with all the information, we also see the fun side of Mr. Tompkins in our "Rapid Fire" segment.Guest Bio:Mr. Brian Tompkins BSc Hons FC Optom FBCLAHe lectures internationally on business, imaging technology, dry eye and specialist contact lens topics, all based on real life experience in the consulting room.  Brian learnt that people retain more by being entertained while being educated and so since that time his lectures and workshops have been interactive and fun,  sometimes even hilarious, but always informative. He is maybe Optometry’s best known EDUTAINER. You can connect with Mr. Brian Tompkins viaLinkedIn: briantompkinsoptometristConnect with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)

If you have a novel idea and are thinking how to  gain legal rights and monopoly with that idea listen to this episode with Dr. Ravi Bakaraju as he shares his checklist for making an informed decision. An Optometrist, Scientist, Inventor and now an Entrepreneur;  this episode unfolds the fascinating journey of  Associate Professor Dr. Ravi C Bakaraju, Founder and Chairman of nthalmic group of companies.  An organization with a vision to deliver effective technological solutions for ophthalmic challenges with innovative and ‘Next Generation’ solutions for vision care.Some of the episode highlights  are: Learn how to work towards your goals and plan each step in that direction.Understand the overview of the Patent process to gain legal rights over your unique  ideas.Learn how to be unbiased researcher and invest your time  & money effectively.           & much more.Along with all the information, we also see the fun side of Dr. Bakaraju  in our "Rapid Fire" segment.Guest Bio:Dr. Ravi is an accomplished translational researcher who is a lead inventor on several granted patents and active patent applications around novel lens designs and concepts spanning myopia control technology, presbyopia, astigmatism, and other vision correction platforms. The Research & Development team led by Ravi has developed innovative vision correction products that have translated into multiple commercial licenses for his previous employer. Ravi’s outstanding scientific achievements, leadership, and visionary thinking lead his path into the creation of nthalmic. Ravi is a recipient of numerous international awards; some notable ones include American Optometric Foundation’s William Ezell Fellowship in 2009; the runner-up for 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science in 2014 Australia; the prestigious Irvin M. and Beatrice Borish outstanding young scientist award from the American Academy of Optometry in 2015; and an outstanding achiever recognition from L.V. Prasad Eye Institute Alumnus, India in 2016. You can connect with Dr. Ravi Bakaraju  viaLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-c-bakaraju-b14289122/Connect with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)

Public health services and organizations associated with them are known to make global impact but do we really understand it contribution? Listen to this episode with Dr. Jude Stern, Head of Knowledge Management at the International  Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) as she shares her journey  from being an optometrist at a private clinic to contributing at a global level. Some of the episode highlights are: Getting a deeper understanding of the work at IAPBUnderstanding how organizations like IAPB work closely with World Health Organization and United Nation to make important  vision related decisions . Understanding the gaps and areas we need to focus as a community to fight against avoidable  blindness. Learn how you as an optometrist can contribute and make a difference at every level& much more.Along with all the public health related information, we also see the fun side of Dr. Stern in our "Rapid Fire" segment. Guest Bio: Jude is a global educator and knowledge broker with extensive experience working at the intersection of global eye health and international development. She works collaboratively with a diverse range of IAPB members and partners facilitating shared knowledge, building collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. At IAPB Jude is responsible for the delivery of the Vision Atlas - a global mapping of vision and eye care needs, learning programs such as the COVID-19 & Eye Health Web Series, Focus On and the Global Assembly and facilitating the exchange of knowledge as the sector works towards integrated centred eye care and universal health coverage.  Jude is  a committee member (public health) of the World Council of Optometry (WCO), a steering committee member for the Sector skills update project at the Research for Development Impact Network (RDI), a steering committee member for RAAB 7, editorial committee for the Community Eye Health Journal (CEHJ) and on the DR Barometer committee.Prior to working at IAPB, Jude’s work centered on human resource development to meet the global need for refractive error services. She directed the development & delivery of Brien Holden Vision Institute’s Academy education programs for nearly 20 years including global programs. Research experience includes accessible vision care delivery, the development of optometry, designing learning for impact and clinical contact lens trials.  Jude is an optometrist and holds a Graduate Certificate in public health. With a special interest in developing leadership skills in the eye health sector, myopia management, and gender equity, she is an advocate for equitable access to eye care for all and the potential for good vision to unlock human potential.You can connect with Jude and learn more about IAPB via Email: [email protected] Connect with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)

If you think getting access to vision care and glasses is the major issue surrounding uncorrected vision care, it’s time to think again.In this episode, I had an opportunity to chat with Kristan Gross and  Andrea Kirsten-Coleman from the Vision Impact Institute about their recent campaigns focusing on stigmas around wearing glasses and lack of awareness.Some of the episode highlights are: Various stigmas around wearing glasses based on gender and   culture. Vision and mission of the Vision Impact Institute. Learn about the research and stats around the impact of uncorrected vision and stigmas around wearing glasses that affect individual growth and economy of the country.  Learn how eye care professionals can become role models and have a direct impact towards creating awareness & much more. Along with all the technical and statistical information, we also see the fun side of Kristan and Andrea in our "Rapid Fire" segment.Guest Bio: KRISTAN GROSSKristan Gross is an expert in elevating cause-related initiatives on a global and regional scale. As the  Global Executive Director for the Vision Impact Institute she leads a global team of experts to curate and commission evidence-based research to drive awareness about the impact of uncorrected vision and advocate for healthy vision as a global priority.Prior to taking this position, Kristan served as Global Director of Content and Communications. She is an expert storyteller and has acted as the voice of the organization in front of global audiences, including the Chinese and Indian governments, US lawmakers, and organizational executivesShe was listed in Jobson’s 2014 Most Influential Women in Optical in the Innovation category and has received countless accolades and awards, including a Golden World AWARD FOR Excellence from the International Public Relations Association, the Mercury Excellence Award from Mercomm Inc., and the 2018 Mentor of the Year Award form Women of Vision Influence (WOVI).ANDREA KIRSTEN-COLEMANAndrea Kirsten-Coleman is a global communications professional with expertise working in organizations that are improving health and the lives of women and girls. She is the Global Communications and Awareness Manager for the Vision Impact Institute, where she is responsible for telling the story and creating awareness of the work of the organization.Andrea brings significant global communications expertise to the role. She has worked at for-profit organizations such as Mary Kay Inc. and for nonprofits, such as the George W. Bush Institute. Her experience working with teams in Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America, along with her upbringing in South Africa, allows her to bring a global perspective and cultural appreciation to her work.She is a past board member of the Dallas Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and has received a Quill Award of Excellence and a Volunteer of the Year Award from the organization. You can connect with them and learn more about the Vision Impact Institute’s mission: LinkedIn: Kristan Gross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristangross/Andrea Kirsten-Coleman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreakirstencoleman/Website: https://visionimpactinstitute.org/Connect with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)

In this episode I had an opportunity to interview, Mr. Aditya Goyal and  we dive deep into important concepts surrounding how to think and reset our mind to develop deep learning processes instead of superficial knowledge. Some of the episode highlights are: Importance of challenging the concepts for deeper learning and asking more questions around "Why" it happens or exists? Difference between learning a subject Vs concepts Importance of understanding the basics and core idea behind every action Teaching should be a dialogue not a monologueand much more....Along with all the technical/clinical information we also see the fun side of  Mr. Goyal  in our "Rapid Fire" segment.Guest Bio: Mr. Aditya Goyal, presently is the principal of Sankara college of optometry, Bangalore and also an adjunct faculty at Pennsylvania college of optometry, Salus University, USA. Being interested in optometric education, he serves as President on the board of ASCO, India. He is a member of the task force created by Government of India to work on standardizing the curriculum and practice of optometry in India. This aims at legislating the profession and creating a board to govern the practice of optometry in India.Mr. Aditya Goyal is a faculty for a number of colleges across India and lectures widely on topics related to vision therapy, neuro vision, perception, behavioral and developmental optometry, pediatric optometry and low vision rehabilitation.You can connect with him via: Email:  [email protected] with me to get all the updates via any of these platforms:Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.comEmail: [email protected]: Nerdy OptometristInstagram: nerdyoptometristFacebook: Nerdy OptometristTwitter: NerdyOptomMusic courtesy: A. R. Rahman & Bhagirath Bhatt.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nerdyoptometrist)