Defocus Media Top 5 Podcasts 2018

Recently I spotted a great LinkedIn post by Dr. Ryan Corte, founder of IntroWellness. He did an investigative comparison of contact lenses from online vendors, subscribing to each of their services and ordering lenses in his prescription to rate them on comfort and experience. It was so interesting to watch his video and realize that we had interviewed many of the featured contact lens disruptors this year as we brought you the news in 2018.  From our interviews with Aveo founder Cecile Thai and Waldo founder Ashleigh Hinde, to our discussion of doctor versus customer focused subscription contact lens services with Sight Supply founders Anthony Tavieso and Alec Schwengler, we went deep on disruptive technology entering the contact lens market this year.  That inspired me to investigate what you guys, the listeners that have so generously tuned in and supported us since we first launched in 2016, felt were the most fascinating topics we covered in 2018.

So we’re wrapping up 2018 by taking a look back at the most popular podcasts on the Defocus Media platform in the past year.  These are the pods that inspired you the most – from in depth interviews with the leading minds in our industry to thorough discussions of new innovations in the world of optometry. If you missed them when they launched, it’s a great time to catch up!

5. Glaucoma Update with Dr. Thomas Hunter

We sat down with ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist Dr. Thomas Hunter of Duke Ophthalmology during Glaucoma Awareness Month to bring you an up to date overview of new technology and treatment options for managing this blinding disease.  The podcast focused on what testing should be standard of care for managing glaucoma patients in optometry and what we should know about managing patients we refer to glaucoma specialists.

4. VisionTECH Podcast: Scleral Lenses with Dr. Melissa Barnett

The VisionTECH podcast hosted by Dr. Fayiz Mahgoub launched in 2018 and brought you the very latest in technology shaping our industry. This podcast featured scleral lens expert Dr. Melissa Barnett and a look into the various manufacturers and lens options available on the scleral market.  She shared pearls on how technological innovations in the design of scleral lenses are helping doctors overcome the unique challenges we often face during the fitting process.

3. Chang Reaction Podcast: Unlocking Secrets to a Scleral Lens Specialty Practice with Dr. Tom Arnold

Scleral contact lenses were a major topic of interest to listeners this year with 2 scleral podcasts grabbing spots in the top 5! We were so excited to welcome Wills Eye Hospital Cornea and Contact Lens specialist Dr. Clark Chang to the Defocus family this year with the Chang Reaction podcast. In his very first podcast, Dr. Chang interviewed Dr. Tom Arnold about his secrets to building a successful scleral contact lens practice, Today’s Vision in Sugarland, Texas.

2. Corporate Optometry Nation Podcast: Marketing for ODs with Dr. Sandi Eveleth

We love to embrace women making a difference in optometry here at Defocus, and the addition of a podcast hosted by Dr. Maria Sampalis, founder of the Corporate Optometry website and Facebook group to the Defocus Media platform was a natural partnership! This podcast was a huge favorite among listeners, featuring optometrist and social media management entrepreneur Dr. Sandi Eveleth. She drops knowledge about Facebook ads, Google marketing, and website design with a focus on what you can do right now to grow your business and patient reach. We consider this one a must-listen for any business owner or entrepreneur in optometry!

And the number one most listened-to podcast of 2018?

1.  Let’s Get Real About Blue Light with Pete Hanlin

It’s all about blue light and what you need to know as an eyecare professional to educate your patients. Our expert guest is former optician and current Senior Director of Professional Solutions at Essilor, Mr. Pete Hanlin. We geek out on the real science and go deep on the available technology and what we need to understand to best educate our patients in the exam room and in our optical.

We loved seeing the topics that inspired you the most this year, and in 2019 we plan to bring you more of the technology, innovation, and news in eyecare. We’re here to keep you up to date on the ever-changing world of optometry and inspire you about all the amazing paths this career and profession can take!