Digging Deep into Optometry
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
"Aaron kicks off 2026 with practice manager and Working Genius coach Sophie Thune to unpack what changed in the second half of 2025—when capture rates dipped and the “cracks” in systems and leadership became impossible to ignore. Together they break down Werner Optometry’s leadership team Working Genius map (Wonder → Tenacity), what’s missing (hello, Galvanizing), and how each genius is fueled—or crushed—by specific leadership behaviors. A practical, vulnerable conversation on communication, accountability, team dynamics, and rebuilding stronger for the year ahead.
Learn more and contact Sophie:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-thune
Email: sophie@goodlifeeyecare.com
EyeCodeEducation's ""Practice Culture Builder"" course (https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/courses/PracticeCultureBuilder)"
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Episode Description
In this year-end episode, Chris Wolfe, OD takes a step back from protocols, products, and positioning statements to examine a more fundamental question in clinical care: when does belief help us act, and when does belief get ahead of the data?
Throughout the year, we’ve emphasized that belief during the comprehensive exam is what drives action. If doctors and teams do not truly believe something matters, it does not get prioritized. But belief has a failure mode. When belief outpaces evidence, especially in pediatric care, it can distort expectations, decision-making, and policy.
Using the FDA’s decision on low-dose atropine as a case study, this episode explores how belief forms, how it spreads, and where it may diverge from what the publicly available data actually show. This is not an argument against myopia management or atropine therapy. It is an attempt to slow the conversation down and examine effect size, study design, endpoints, and uncertainty with clarity and humility.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why myopia management itself is not the controversy, but certainty often is
How belief influences behavior in the comprehensive exam, for better and for worse
What the FDA actually said in its Complete Response Letter on SYD-101
How professional statements and press releases can amplify belief beyond available data
What the STAR trial poster does and does not show, including effect size and subgroup uncertainty
Why modest effect sizes behave differently in real-world clinical practice
How to think about dose, endpoints, and population selection without oversimplifying
Why belief should motivate action, but evidence should calibrate expectations
Key Sources Referenced in This Episode
FDA and Manufacturer Statements
Sydnexis Complete Response Letter Press Release
Sydnexis Receives Complete Response Letter from FDA for SYD-101 to Slow Pediatric Myopia Progression
https://www.sydnexis.com/news/sydnexis-receives-complete-response-letter-from-fda-for-syd-101
Sydnexis Phase III STAR Trial Topline Data Press Release
Sydnexis Announces Topline Pivotal Data from Phase 3 STAR Trial
https://www.sydnexis.com/news/sydnexis-announces-topline-pivotal-data-from-phase-3-star-trial
UK Approval Announcement (Based on STAR Data)
Sydnexis Announces UK Approval of Ryjunea by Partner Santen
https://www.sydnexis.com/news/sydnexis-announces-uk-approval-of-ryjunea
Professional Organization Statements
AAOMC Public Statement
AAOMC Calls for Access to Proven Myopia Therapies as Low-Dose Atropine Gains Global Approvals
https://aaomc.org
AAPOS Commentary on Nonapproval of SYD-101
Available via LinkedIn and Healio OSN
Clinical Commentary and Analysis
Kyle Klute, OD – Optometry Simplified
My Alternative Take on Atropine, Fast Progressors, and Effect Size (NNT Analysis)
https://optometrysimplified.com/posts/optometry-simplified-weekly-my-alternative-take-on-atropine-fast-progressors-in-glaucoma-lab-test-ordering-and-more
Strongly recommended for a detailed discussion of effect size and Number Needed to Treat. This episode references Kyle’s framework without reproducing his calculations.
Review of Myopia Management – Ashley Wallace Tucker, OD
What Does the FDA Decision on SYD-101 Mean for Eye Care?
Review of Optometry – Paul Karpecki, OD
Sydnexis Snubbed
Review of Optometry – Cory Lappin, OD
Optometric Physician Commentary on SYD-101
Healio OSN – Ed Wilson, MD and John Hovanesian, MD
AAPOS: Nonapproval of SYD-101 Has Important Implications
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is not about picking sides. It is about learning to sit in uncertainty without abandoning action. It challenges listeners to examine where belief helps patient care and where belief may unintentionally replace careful analysis.
If you manage myopia, counsel parents, interpret clinical trials, or influence policy, this episode is designed to help you think more clearly, not more loudly.
Connect and Continue the Conversation
If this episode resonated with you, or if you found yourself uncomfortable in parts of it, that reaction is worth exploring. Thoughtful medicine requires both conviction and restraint.
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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/myopia-management
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Monday Dec 22, 2025
Monday Dec 22, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Nicole Maldonado shares her journey in optometry, focusing on her practice in San Antonio and the integration of IPL technology for dry eye treatment. She discusses the importance of systematic approaches to patient care, the ROI of new equipment, and the significance of tracking patient outcomes. Dr. Maldonado emphasizes the need for courage in implementing new practices and the value of standardizing treatment protocols among practitioners. The conversation highlights the opportunities for optometrists to enhance their practices and better serve patients with dry eye conditions.
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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/myopia-management
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
"In this solo monologue, Aaron Werner reflects on a simple coaching lesson that became a framework for leadership, personal growth, and continuous improvement. As 2025 is coming to a close, this episode challenges listeners to stay curious, question habits, and find better, more efficient ways to work, train, and lead into 2026.
Terry Moor Ted Talk ""How To Tie Your Shoes"": https://youtu.be/zAFcV7zuUDA?si=vH_Gwq7pqr6VDzqI"
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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 Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
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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://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEt3AkIpRrfNhieeImiZBF5lYRIR2aAsl7UqWJ_m2GV6OKEA/viewform?usp=header
https://coopervision.com/our-company/...
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
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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://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEt3AkIpRrfNhieeImiZBF5lYRIR2aAsl7UqWJ_m2GV6OKEA/viewform?usp=header
https://coopervision.com/our-company/...
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
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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://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEt3AkIpRrfNhieeImiZBF5lYRIR2aAsl7UqWJ_m2GV6OKEA/viewform?usp=header
https://coopervision.com/our-company/...
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
In this episode of The Book Nerds Podcast, Aaron, Brianna, and Kyle dive into The Stress Paradox by Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist — exploring why stress isn’t the enemy we think it is. From redefining “good stress” to balancing life’s pressures with purpose, they connect insights on biology, mindset, and leadership with their own lives and practices. The conversation touches on fasting, cold plunges, resilience, and how embracing discomfort drives growth.
Join us reading November 2025's book: The Science of Scaling by Benjamin Hardy
References from our discussion:
- Chuie's Bold Move by Dr Katie Chu (https://a.co/d/958zf1W)
- Optometry Simplified Newsletter - click here to Subscribe to Kyle's biweekly newsletter
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
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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://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEt3AkIpRrfNhieeImiZBF5lYRIR2aAsl7UqWJ_m2GV6OKEA/viewform?usp=header
https://coopervision.com/our-company/...
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
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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 Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
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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/...
Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts
Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
As 2025 winds down, Aaron sits down with Refractional CFO’s Jackson Pace and Kevin Dang to break down the major tax changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” They unpack what practice owners need to know about bonus depreciation, Section 179, QBI updates, ERC audits, and new deductions and credits—from child tax to senior benefits. Whether you love talking numbers or dread tax season, this episode helps you plan smarter, avoid surprises, and end the year financially prepared.
For more info you can reach Jackson and Kevin here:
https://www.refractionalcfo.com/
Jackson Pace direct email <jackson@refractionalcfo.com>
Schedule a call https://calendly.com/refractionalcfo/discovery-call
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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