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- Vision Therapy Simplified: Dr. Reese explains strabismus and exotropia in clear, relatable terms, comparing therapy to physical therapy for the eyes.
- Real-World Clinical Cases: From pediatric exotropia to angle recession glaucoma risk, the doctors highlight how everyday patient encounters connect to larger teaching moments.
- Optometry Meets Film: Movie themes spark conversations about diabetes, stroke risk, UV protection, and the importance of residencies in shaping clinical expertise.
The Reel Eyes Podcast is back with a twist! Hosts Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson sit down with special guest Dr. Josh Reese, a recent graduate of the Arizona College of Optometry now completing his residency in Portland, Oregon, to review Freakier Friday, a family comedy with more than a few eye-opening lessons. True to form, the doctors connect pop culture with clinical pearls, making this episode a blend of movie fun and optometric insights.
Table of Contents
Residency Insights with Dr. Reese
Dr. Reese shares his steep learning curve in residency, working in vision rehab, pediatrics, and neuro-optometry. His case of a young patient with V-pattern exotropia sets the stage for a discussion on strabismus, explained simply: “Exotropia means the eyes like to turn outward. A V-pattern means the eyes behave differently when looking up versus down.”
He likens vision therapy to physical therapy for the eyes, helping children learn how to coordinate eye movements through structured play and exercises. Both co-hosts praised his ability to break down complex concepts for parents and patients alike.
Clinical Case Connections
The conversation moves beyond residency as the doctors each share recent cases:
- Angle Recession after Trauma: Dr. Wilson describes a patient with elevated intraocular pressure after blunt trauma, raising the risk for secondary glaucoma.
- Chronic Dry Eye and Autoimmune Disease: Dr. Cleaver presents a challenging case that uncovered possible Sjögren’s syndrome, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary care with rheumatology.
- Stroke and Vision Loss: Both guests stress how optometrists can play a critical role in detecting systemic disease, with Dr. Reese highlighting how strokes may cause sudden, painless vision loss.
These real-world scenarios reinforce the podcast’s mission: weaving optometry education seamlessly into entertainment.
Movie Review: Freakier Friday
In this sequel to the 2003 hit, Lindsay Lohan returns as Anna, now a single mom, alongside Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess. The plot centers on family, blended relationships, and—of course—another unexpected body swap.
The Reel Eyes crew highlight moments where optometry sneaks into the storyline:
- Transition Lenses: A humorous jab at transitions sparks a spirited defense of modern lens technology and a nod to Transitions Academy.
- Pre-Diabetes and Donuts: A scene with donut overload leads into a discussion about diabetes and its ocular complications.
- Stroke Warning Signs: A joke about “having a stroke” segues into a deeper dive on hypertension and its ocular consequences.
- UV Protection: Sunglasses featured in the film remind the doctors of the importance of protecting against ocular surface disease and cataracts.
The blend of medical commentary with pop culture keeps the review engaging while offering clinical teaching points for eye care professionals.
The Value of Residency Training
For optometry students considering the next step, Dr. Reese provides candid advice: residency is like “another year of school on steroids.” The intensity helps clinicians internalize specialty care, whether pediatrics, neuro, or vision rehab—and provides confidence in managing complex cases. Both hosts emphasize residencies as invaluable for career growth, while acknowledging they are a personal choice
