Digging Deep into Optometry
Episodes
11 hours ago
11 hours ago
Aaron Werner welcomes Dr. Ben Thayil for a thoughtful conversation on refraction, identity, leadership, and the evolving role of the modern optometrist. Together they explore whether too much weight is placed on refraction, how doctors can unintentionally tie their identity to one task in the exam lane, and why the real value of care goes far beyond a prescription. From patient problem-solving and practice systems to change management and internal confidence, this episode looks at what truly defines an optometrist and the lasting impact doctors have on patients’ lives.
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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision
5 days ago
5 days ago
In this episode, Dr. Christopher Wolfe discusses the Vision Source D25 program with Mick Kling, exploring its origins, benefits, and how it fosters community and value among independent optometrists. Discover how the program reinvests in practices and strengthens the independent optometry community.
Chapters
00:00 Weather Talk and Introduction
01:11 Unpacking the D25 Program
02:04 The Origin Story of Vision Source
05:10 The Value of Community in Vision Source
09:30 Understanding the D25 Program
11:06 Member Dividends Explained
17:42 The Mechanics of D25 Participation
28:49 Future Opportunities and Closing Thoughts
resources
Vision Source Official Website - https://visionsource.com
Insight Member Platform - https://visionsource.com/insight
Mick Kling on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickkling/
Amir Kashnevis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirkashnevis/
guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickkling/
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For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com
https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
7 days ago
7 days ago
"Aaron sits down with Dr. Kyle Klute to talk about what it really takes to build a stronger practice. They discuss why being busy is not the same as being effective, how better systems lead to better patient care, and why lasting growth comes from intentional mindset, clear metrics, and step-by-step implementation rather than quick fixes. It is a practical conversation about building pillars like myopia management, dry eye, and glaucoma care in a way that actually works.
Links referenced in the discussion:
Kyle's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyledkluteod/
Practice Performance Partners - Comprehensive Optometry Simplified: https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/bundles/comprehensive-optometry-simplified
""Optometry Simplified"" Kyle's biweekly newsletter: https://optometrysimplified.com/"
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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
In this episode, we take an honest look at one of the habits many of us developed long
before we ever became leaders; the instinct to give advice. For years I believed that
being helpful meant having the answer. But what I’ve learned is that constantly giving
advice may solve a momentary problem while quietly creating long-term dependence.
Coaching, on the other hand, invites people to think, to grow, and to take ownership of
their own solutions. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from being the person everyone comes
to for answers or frustrated that the same problems keep showing up in your practice,
this conversation will challenge the way you lead and offer a different path forward.
If you want the 10 transformational questions that anchor whole-person coaching,
download the Vision of Leadership Whole-Person Coaching Whitepaper. You can get
your copy at: https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/products/digital_downloads/TVoLCoaching
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
- https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/docs-land-nearly-400-million-first-year-controversial-2026a10006e8
- https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/courses/appropriate-use-of-g2211-in-optometry
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For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com
https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Monday Mar 02, 2026
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For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com
https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Dr. Katie Chu shares her journey from 30 years serving an immigrant community in the San Gabriel Valley to rediscovering purpose after COVID, divorce, and isolation. She breaks down how she “cleared the noise” through therapy tools, healthier friendships, and firmer boundaries—and how one bold decision created a ripple effect into a breakout year of creativity. Katie also unpacks the heart behind Chewie’s Bold Move, the music and lullabies tied to her books, and her big vision for a future “living masterclass” leadership retreat at sea.
Connect with Katie, get the books and hear the music:
https://chuonwhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @katiewchu
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiechuod/
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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Aaron Werner, Brianna Rhue, and first-time Book Nerds guest Dr. Ben Thayil unpack Seth Godin’s Tribes through the lens of real-world practice leadership. They explore what separates leaders from managers, why tribes thrive on member-to-member communication, and how fear is often less about failure and more about blame. The conversation digs into innovation timing (and the penalty for being late), practical ways to evaluate risk, and how to empower teams through delegation, alignment, and freedom to make mistakes—plus tactical takeaways like daily KPI texts, the “rope theory,” and a simple question to spark ownership: What change do you want to lead, and why?
Join BookNerds WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kg7fQNNyEQq2HWUEwOX9GP?mode=gi_t
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Monday Feb 16, 2026
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For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com
https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
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For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com
https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth