10 Podcasts You Should Be Listening to

For the uninitiated, podcasts are, in the simplest terms, internet radio shows available whenever you want to listen to them. These episodic series of audio files are so popular nowadays that it seems everybody has one. In fact, there were more than 700,000 podcasts and more than 29 million podcast episodes available as of April 29, 2019.¹ With the immense popularity of podcasts, it’s no surprise that niche subjects such as optometry have a wide variety of podcast offerings covering many aspects of our specialty. Below is an overview of my favorite podcasts related to optometry and eye care.

1. Ophthalmology Innovation Summit

This podcast, brought to you by the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit, presents candid conversations with ophthalmology’s innovators and business leaders. Host Tom Salemi interviews influential ophthalmology industry executives, investors, key opinion leaders, and researchers about the most exciting topics in ophthalmology. This podcast is a personal favorite of mine, as it explores the future of eye care via in-depth discussions with the heavy hitters of our industry.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619OIS

2. Try Not To Blink

This weekly podcast is for optometrists and optometry students of all ages, locations, and practice modalities. Episodes are released every Monday and cover all things optometry, from news and hot topics to tips and tricks of the trade. The hosts, James Deom, OD, and Roya Habibi, OD, aim to steer away from the interview-style podcast that has dominated our profession over the years and instead strive for more of a “late show” feel. This creates an overall easy listening experience, making this podcast a great way to wind down after a long day at the office.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619Blink

3. The Dry Eye Show

More than 30 million Americans have dry eye disease, and it can be frustrating to try multiple treatment options yet get no relief. Travis Zigler, OD, and Jenna Zigler, OD, created The Dry Eye Show as a podcast adjunct to their Facebook group, the Dry Eye Syndrome Support Community. Their show provides listeners with dry eye–related content, covering everything from prescription medications, to holistic approaches, to treating dry eye symptoms. The podcast is geared toward educating patients with dry eye about their disease and the treatment options available to them. Although this podcast is aimed at educating patients, it is an enjoyable listen for the practitioner too, as you can try to integrate some of their ideas into your practice and stay aware of patient concerns.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619DEShow

4. Defocus Media

This weekly podcast, hosted by Jennifer Lyerly, OD, and Darryl Glover, OD, consists of discussions with experts about the hottest topics in the optometric industry, innovative practice philosophies, practical applications of new technology, and inclusive conversations about disruptive innovators and the effect they have on the profession.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619Defocus

5. Vision Tech

Hosted by Fayiz Mahgoub, OD, this podcast provides the latest information on new technology in eye care. Dr. Mahgoub interviews key thought leaders and innovators about the most exciting new technologies and developments in contact lenses, medical optometry, and eye wear.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619VisionTechPod

6. Ophthalmology off the Grid

Recognizing that some of the best conversations in eye care take place off the podium and between colleagues and friends, Ophthalmology off the Grid was founded as a way to share candid communications with the field at large. Hosts Gary Wörtz, MD, and Blake Williamson, MD, MPH, ask guests to open up about the events and circumstances that have shaped them personally and professionally. Touching on a range of topics, from mentorship to music, Off the Grid appeals to physicians and industry members of all ages and levels of experience who share a deeper interest in eye care and its dedicated players.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619OphOffGrid

7. Eyetrepreneur

“The Podcast for Wizards of Eyes” was launched in March with the mission of elevating the eye care profession by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs in the eye care business. Hosts Raymond J. Brill, OD, MBA, FAAO, FOAA, and Perry Brill release a new episode every Tuesday morning that highlights independent eye care leaders whom they refer to as wizards. The Eyetrepreneur podcast aims to give these leaders their well-deserved recognition while discussing topics such as medical treatment and management, business dilemmas, and optical development.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619Eyetrepreneur

8. Corporate Optometry Nation

This podcast, hosted by Maria Sampalis, OD, focuses on branding, marketing, tax considerations, and career advice for optometrists interested in pursuing careers in corporate locations or as independent contractors.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619CorpOptom

9. Chang Reaction

Clark Chang, OD, MSA, MSC, FAAO, Director, Cornea Specialty Lenses at Wills Eye Hospital, hosts this podcast with a focus on innovations in the world of anterior segment disease and specialty contact lens prescribing.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619Chang

10. Power Hour

The Power Hour is optometry’s only live radio talk show (available to listeners live online and after airing). The show airs every Wednesday night at 9:00 pm ET. Host Gary Gerber, OD, talks about the challenges, trends, and opportunities for today’s optometrists, and listeners are able to submit questions, feedback, and ideas for future show topics.

Listen here: bit.ly/0619PowerHour