Send us a text

About Dr. Mila Ioussifova

Dr. Mila Ioussifova graduated with honors from the New England College of Optometry and completed a residency program in community health and ocular disease in Boston, MA. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is on the leadership team of the Anterior Segment Section of the AAO. Dr. Mila served as an adjunct clinical faculty at the Pacific University College of Optometry and was an examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. She is involved with her state association and advocacy efforts, and she is the Director of Education for the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association. Dr. Mila is a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist and is a fellow of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society. Dr. Mila owns a private practice in Portland, OR, with special interests in advanced dry eye treatments, nutritional counseling, and aesthetic services.

Send us a text

About:

Alex Kotelsky is a medical device engineer at Bausch + Lomb where he leads innovative optical projects in the research and development of advanced contact lens designs.
With a robust background in both theoretical and applied sciences, Alex has a Ph.D. and has postdoctoral training in biomechanics and mechanobiology of articular cartilage and chondrocytes. His research has produced multiple peer-reviewed publications that shed light on the mechanical interactions within biological systems. By integrating biology, mechanics and optics, Alex brings an
interdisciplinary approach that advances both the performance and comfort of contact lenses, benefiting eye care professionals and patients alike.
In addition to his research, Alex is deeply committed to education, fostering the next generation of engineers and scientists. His dedication to teaching has earned him multiple accolades, including the prestigious Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching and recognition as a Top 3 Finalist for Tutor Doctor’s Tutor of the Year 2019 award.

James DiBella is a Senior Principal Scientist and head of Polymer Chemistry at Bausch + Lomb, where he leads a team focused on creating innovative materials and solutions for the contact lens and ophthalmic industries. Since joining Bausch + Lomb in 2015, James has been instrumental in product development for the company’s vision care business. He notably co-invented Bausch + Lomb’s latest contact lens technology - Bausch + Lomb INFUSE ® .
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Clemson University as well as a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from the Florida Institute of Technology. He is also in the process of obtaining a master’s degree in business administration from Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts to merge his scientific expertise with strategic business acumen.

Send us a text

Send us a text

About Dr. Jade Coats

Dr. Jade Coats is a 2016 of the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, and since graduation has worked in an OD/MD cataract/refractive surgery practice (McDonald Eye Associates, Rogers, Arkansas) in which she dedicates the majority of her clinical practice to ocular disease, comprehensive eye care, and contact lenses. 

Honored as a Contact Lens Institute Visionary in both 2023 and 2024, Dr. Coats is also a board member for Women in Optometry, the Intrepid Eye Society, and YoungODsConnect. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association as a graduate of the AOA Leadership Institute 1.0 and 2.0 programs, and was also elected in 2024 to serve as a Director on the Arkansas Optometric Association board.   

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Coats serves on the advisory board and/or as a speaker for over ten pharmaceutical companies and is an editorial board member for numerous publications.  She also regularly contributes to leading industry publications, with her work appearing in Advanced Ocular Care, Primary Care Ocular News, Healio, Review of Optometry, Optometry Times, Optometric Management, and Modern Optometry, to name a few. 

Receiving several local, state, and national awards for her dedication to philanthropy and her profession, Dr. Coats has also recently been honored as one of NWA Celebrate Arkansas Magazine's 'Ones to Watch' in 2023.  https://digitaleditions.walsworth.com/publication/?m=9337&i=805683&p=80&ver=html5.   

In Dr. Coats’ spare time, she serves on the Board of Directors for Hope Cancer Resources and Circle of Life Hospice in Northwest Arkansas and has established a non-profit organization known as “Caton’s Cubs” that works in coordination with Arkansas Hospice. 

You may find Dr. Coats enjoys calling the Hogs at Razorback games, scuba diving, traveling the world, or volunteering in her community. (Or, hanging out with her husband, Jeff Coats, who is also an Optometrist!)

Send us a text

About Dr. John D. Marvin,

John D. Marvin is a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed columnist, and influential leader dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential. As President and CEO of Texas State Optical, John has cultivated a thriving business network while spearheading initiatives in health and wellness consulting and eyecare partnerships. With a steadfast commitment to personal growth, John has spent years studying the transformative power of mindset and the “inner game” in achieving success. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Through his unwavering dedication to making a difference, John D. Marvin epitomizes the essence

of leadership and empowerment, making him a compelling guest f
or any podcast seeking to inspire and motivate their audience. TSO brings in around 110M$ in revenue annually.

Send us a text

Send us a text

About Dr. Kalfayan

Dr. Nona Kalfayan is a leading expert in her field of primary eye health, and a highly sought-after physician specializing in treating dry eye disease nationwide. She holds a Doctor of Optometry Degree from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Optometry, specializing in advanced ocular surface disease. Dr. Kalfayan’s dedication lies in holistic and preventive eye care. As the founder of Atlantic Eyecare & Spa in Pompano Beach, Florida, she specializes in Dry Eye, non-surgical ocular aesthetics, specialty contact lenses and myopic control. Atlantic Eyecare & Spa is renowned for its cutting-edge diagnostic technology and drop-less treatments for dry eye condition. Dr. Kalfayan was honored as one of “America’s Top Optometrists” in 2012 and is a frequent public speaker, healthcare consultant, and advisor to some major institutions in the eye care industry. Additionally, she serves as the treasurer for the Broward County Optometric Association and is a member of the Florida Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.

Send us a text

In this episode of The OI Show, Dr. Dave Kading reconnects with Dr. Jennifer Stewart, a visionary in optometry and practice management. After selling her successful large group practice in 2022, Dr. Stewart took a leap of faith, stepping away from clinical care and embarking on a transformative journey of consulting, speaking, and self-reflection. Fast forward to 2024, she’s back with a cold-start boutique practice in New Canaan, Connecticut, redefining what it means to create a patient-centered optometric experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The challenges and rewards of stepping away from a large practice and starting fresh.
• How Dr. Stewart built a streamlined, patient-focused practice with no front desk, paperless systems, and a smaller but highly efficient team.
• Insights into controlling costs, balancing high-quality care with profitability, and creating a unique patient experience.
• Lessons learned from listening, observing, and taking inspiration from industry trends while crafting a personalized vision for her new practice.

Dr. Stewart shares candidly about her journey, from moments of doubt to the triumph of building a practice that aligns with her passion and values.

Looking for inspiration to start fresh or rethink your practice model? Tune in to hear Dr. Stewart’s actionable insights and innovative approaches. Don’t forget to subscribe to The OI Show for more episodes with industry leaders and leave us a 5-star review to help others discover these transformative conversations!

Send us a text

About Dr. Elise Kramer

Dr. Elise Kramer is a residency-trained optometrist in Miami FL who specializes in ocular surface disease and specialty contact lens design and fitting.

Her Doctorate degree was awarded in Optometry from the Université de Montréal in 2012. During her fourth year, she completed her internship in ocular disease at the Eye Centers of South Florida and went on to complete her residency at the Miami VA Medical Center. Her time there included training at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the nation’s top eye hospital. After her residency, Dr. Kramer became a fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society (SLS) and now serves as the vice president for the SLS. Dr. Kramer is also vice president of Women in Eyecare (WiE), a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE), a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and of the the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA). She is also the Delegate of International Relations for the Italian Association of Scleral Lenses (AILeS).  Dr. Kramer has published several important articles and reviews and is participates in clinical research trials. She enjoys lecturing all around the world in several different languages about ocular surface disease and specialty lenses. 

Send us a text

Send us a text

About Zac Denning

Zac Denning is the Director of Scientific & Professional Affairs at ScienceBased Health (SBH), which he joined in 1999. Following his passion for science, Mr. Denning studied biology and biochemistry at Evergreen where he received his Bachelor of Science. Working alongside scientists, clinicians and researchers, he has helped SBH pioneer new categories of eye supplements that are now widely recognized and utilized in eye care. Zac travels and presents widely, educating eye doctors and medical groups about the scientific basis for eye nutrition.
Zac has also helped maintain the company’s focus on primary clinical research in areas like dry eye and glaucoma. As a leader in eye nutrition and dry eye, Zac serves on the Corporate Advisory Board for Dry Eye Access and other companies, and has been profiled or featured in a variety of eyecare publications.

Send us a text

About Kaleb Abbott

Is an optometrist and assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is faculty in both the Dry Eye Clinic and the Center for Ocular Inflammation where he specializes in complex ocular surface disease and participates in clinical trials/research pertaining to ocular surface disease. 

In addition to his clinical and research duties, he is on the board of directors for the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society; Vice Chair of the Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and Wellness SIG for AAO; on the advisory council for the Academic Medical Center Optometry AAO SIG; and on the editorial advisory board for Optometry360. He will be graduating from the AAO Flom Leadership Academy at AAO 2024. In 2024, he became host of the Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease section of the Clinical Podcast Series through the American Academy of Optometry Foundation. 

In 2019, Kaleb co-founded a start-up company called SunSnap Kids which took 1st place in the inaugural Bright Ideas Pitch Competition in 2022 and 3rd place in the Optometry Innovation Awards in 2023. Recently he sold the majority of this company to focus more on his clinical and research responsibilities at the University of Colorado. 

When not seeing patients, conducting research, or working on SunSnap Kids, Dr. Abbott lectures on ocular surface disease, writes articles, and is a medical reviewer for multiple medical journals including The Ocular Surface and Optometry and Vision Science. He resides in Denver, CO with his wife, daughter, and newborn twins. 

Send us a text

In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of keratoconus and explore the latest advances in specialty contact lens fitting. Dr. Karen Deloss, a leading expert from the University of Michigan, shares her invaluable insights and clinical pearls that every optometry professional needs to hear.

 What You'll Learn:

• Key indicators for testing keratoconus: What to watch for in your patients.
• The differences between gas permeable and soft lenses for keratoconus care.
• The importance of community and networking at the Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS).
• Tips for submitting research and case studies to contribute to the field.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey in specialty lenses, this episode is packed with knowledge that can enhance your practice and patient care.

Send us a text

About  Dr. Julie Rodman

Is the Chief of the Broward Eye Care Institute in Fort Lauderdale, FL and a
Professor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University. She also is the Instructor of Record
for Posterior Segment Disease at the College. Her research interests include OCT/OCTA and
Vitreoretinal Disease. Dr. Rodman has authored over thirty publications with an emphasis on
retinal disease. She recently published “Optical Coherence Tomography Atlas: A Case Study
Approach”, the first reference book on this topic written by an optometrist. Dr. Rodman is a
member of the AOA, AAO, FOA, and ORS. She has been the recipient of numerous teaching
awards, was recognized as a Primary Care Optometry News “Top 300” Optometrists and
“Newsweek Best Optometrists of 2023”.

Send us a text

About Kaleb Abbott

Is an optometrist and assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is faculty in both the Dry Eye Clinic and the Center for Ocular Inflammation where he specializes in complex ocular surface disease and participates in clinical trials/research pertaining to ocular surface disease. 

In addition to his clinical and research duties, he is on the board of directors for the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society; Vice Chair of the Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and Wellness SIG for AAO; on the advisory council for the Academic Medical Center Optometry AAO SIG; and on the editorial advisory board for Optometry360. He will be graduating from the AAO Flom Leadership Academy at AAO 2024. In 2024, he became host of the Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease section of the Clinical Podcast Series through the American Academy of Optometry Foundation. 

In 2019, Kaleb co-founded a start-up company called SunSnap Kids which took 1st place in the inaugural Bright Ideas Pitch Competition in 2022 and 3rd place in the Optometry Innovation Awards in 2023. Recently he sold the majority of this company to focus more on his clinical and research responsibilities at the University of Colorado. 

When not seeing patients, conducting research, or working on SunSnap Kids, Dr. Abbott lectures on ocular surface disease, writes articles, and is a medical reviewer for multiple medical journals including The Ocular Surface and Optometry and Vision Science. He resides in Denver, CO with his wife, daughter, and newborn twins. 

Send us a text

About Mike Cymbor

Is a dynamic and engaging speaker.  He lectures frequently on the topics of glaucoma and advanced diagnostic procedures.  He also speaks on diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, dry eye and ocular surface disease.  He has a growing interest in the intersection between health, diet and ocular disease.  Dr. Cymbor is a managing partner in one of the largest optometric practices in the country.  He directly oversees a million dollar-plus contact lens practice.  Dr. Cymbor and his wife, Autumn, have three grown children.  He loves being a husband and a father.  Recreationally, he bikes, hikes, swims, runs and generally prefers to be in motion.

Send us a text

About Dr. Lighthizer

Born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota, Dr. Nate Lighthizer, O.D., F.A.A.O., is a graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry.  Upon graduation, he completed a residency in Family Practice Optometry with an emphasis in Ocular Disease and Laser and Surgical Optometry through Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry (NSUOCO).  Dr. Lighthizer has since joined the faculty at the Oklahoma College of Optometry and has served as the Chief of Specialty Care Clinics and the Chief of Electrodiagnostics Clinic.   In 2014, he founded and now heads the Dry Eye Clinic at the College of Optometry.  Also in 2014, he was named the Director of Continuing Education as well as the Assistant Dean for Clinical Care Services at the Oklahoma College of Optometry.  Starting in 2020, he was named the Associate Dean of the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry.  In July 2024, he was named the Dean of the Oklahoma College of Optometry.  He is a founding member, and currently serves as Immediate Past President, of the Intrepid Eye Society which is a group of emerging thought leaders in optometry.  He was named a member of PCON 250 – A list of the top 250 optometrists in the country who practice progressively, provide innovative patient care, conduct optometric research or excel in academia and share what they have learned with other optometrists to advance the profession.  Dr. Lighthizer lectures nationally and internationally on numerous topics, most notably advanced ophthalmic procedures, electrodiagnostics, and ocular disease.   

Send us a text

Astigmatism often flies under the radar, especially in patients with lower degrees. In this episode, Dr. Dave Kading shares his insights on why early correction is crucial, even for mild cases, and how it can impact visual quality over time. Whether you’re a seasoned optometrist or just starting out, you’ll find practical tips on managing astigmatism that can make a real difference in your practice.

🎧 Tune in now and discover:

• The often-overlooked importance of treating low degrees of astigmatism early.
• Real-life examples of how astigmatism affects daily life.
• Strategies for patient education that truly resonate.

Don't miss out—this episode could change how you approach astigmatism in your patients!

Send us a text

Ever wondered if soft contact lenses are becoming a thing of the past? Tune into our latest OI Show episode featuring the incredible Dr. Jackie Garlich, where we dig into this hot topic. Dr. Garlich shares her candid insights on why soft contacts still hold a vital place in clinical practice, despite the growing concerns in the industry. Are doctors really stepping away from them? What's the future of soft lenses in optometry? If you're a young OD or just passionate about staying ahead in your practice, this conversation is a must-listen!

💡 Key Highlights:

• The misconception that soft contact lenses aren’t profitable.
• How the lack of emphasis on contact lenses is affecting the market.
• Why understanding patient needs can revive your contact lens practice.

🎧 Don’t miss out on this eye-opening episode. Head over to the blog for more in-depth analysis and a fresh perspective from Dr. Garlich herself!

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered why multifocal contact lenses often fall short of expectations? 🤔 In our latest episode, Mark Schaeffer shares his insights on the complexities of managing presbyopia with contact lenses and why patient education is key to success.

Highlights:

• Navigating the challenges and opportunities in presbyopia management
•  Enhancing patient education for better outcomes with multifocal contact lenses
•  Exploring the latest contact lens designs for presbyopia, including daily disposables
•  Considering the ocular surface for optimal contact lens fitting.Optometry pros, this episode is a must-listen! 

Gain valuable tips and insights that can transform your approach to presbyopia and contact lenses

Send us a text

Send us a text

Struggling to find time for innovation in your busy practice? In this episode of the OI Show, Dr. David Kading offers practical advice on how to integrate new technologies and services without overwhelming your schedule. 

Highlights:

• Discover why the best time to innovate is right now.Learn how Dr. David Kading's practice benefited financially from introducing new services.
• Get tips on streamlining workflow and boosting patient satisfaction.
• Understand the long-term financial and clinical benefits of staying ahead with technology.

Curious to know more? Don’t miss out on these valuable insights that can transform your practice. Tune in now and start your journey from busy to better!

Send us a text

About Dr. Pucker,

Dr. Andrew Pucker is the Executive Director of Clinical and Medical Sciences at Lexitas Pharma Services. He earned his BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and he earned his OD, MS, and PhD degrees from The Ohio State University. His independent research career has focused on dry eye disease, contact lenses, and myopia development. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 160 editor reviewed columns. Dr. Pucker is a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry, Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society, and Fellow of the British Contact Lens Association. 

Send us a text

About Jason Besecker OD, MS

Dr. Jason Besecker is the founder and managing director of Envision Specialty EyeCare & Dry Eye Center, the first and only eye care clinic in Idaho dedicated to the treatment and management of ocular conditions responsible for dry eye symptoms. Even though dry eye  is the focus, Dr. Besecker also enjoys helping patients manage their glaucoma, age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and taking care of ocular emergencies. 

Prior to opening his specialty dry eye clinic, Dr. Besecker was an associate at Hollingshead Eye Center, a cataract and LASIK referral center, from 2014-2021 where he was able to gain significant experience in the areas of ocular disease and surgical co-management. While practicing at Hollingshead Eye Center, he began to see the increase in patient complaints related to dry eye symptoms. It became evident that there was a need for advanced dry eye services within the community which resulted in him founding Envsion Specialty EyeCare in June of 2021.

Dr. Besecker has called Boise, ID home since he was young. He received his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Biology from Boise State University, and went on to earn a Doctor of Optometry at Indiana University School of Optometry. He completed internships in the treatment and management of ocular disease, pre and post operative surgical care, and primary eye care at Indian University School of Optometry, Hudson Valley VA Medical Center, and at the Eye Institute of Utah. 

Outside of helping others with their eyecare needs, Dr. Besecker enjoys travel, bouldering, and enjoying what the Idaho outdoors has to offer. 

Send us a text

About Dr. Maria Walker

Maria Walker OD, MS, PhD is a clinician scientist with a focus on keratoconus,
childhood myopia, and specialty contact lenses. She graduated with an OD/MS from
The New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA, USA in 2013 and then
completed a one-year Cornea & Contact Lens Residency at Pacific University in
Portland, OR. She joined the faculty at University of Houston College of Optometry
(UHCO) in 2014 and went on to complete a PhD on the impact of a scleral lens on the
eye in 2021. Dr. Walker is currently an Assistant Professor at UHCO and runs a
research lab studying keratoconus, the tear film, and the effects of scleral lenses. She
is also an investigator on the BLINK study to evaluate the use of soft multifocal contact
lenses in reducing myopic progression in children and provides specialty contact lens
patient care two days per week. Dr. Walker is a Fellow in the American Academy of
Optometry, a Past President of the Scleral Lens Education Society, and an advisory
board member of the Gas Permeable Lens Institute.