Podcasts provide an audible way to gain insights, trends, and expert opinions that can enhance your knowledge and skillset. Some of the best optometry podcasts feature discussions with industry thought leaders and innovators, and they also offer unique perspectives on current challenges and opportunities within the eye care community. Finding a podcast that you love can help you keep up with the latest developments and contribute to your career growth and effectiveness in your role. Take a look at my pick-six and other notable U.S.-based optometry podcasts.
Carissa’s Pick-Six Podcasts
Defocus Media
Why I Love It: Live interviews! Defocus Media broadcasts live (with previous notice so you can join), where viewers can tune in and communicate with the host and guest in real time. Episodes are indexed, providing the option to listen/watch at any time, but having the ability to engage and participate during an episode is quite unique.
Hosted By: Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jennifer Lyerly
About the ‘cast by the ‘cast: Defocus Media assists in providing eye care professionals with the latest in optometric industry news, eyewear trends, and discussions of the hottest topics in the eye care profession. Join Drs. Darryl Glover and Jennifer Lyerly!
Frequency: Weekly
Official Defocus Media Homepage | Defocus Media on LinkedIn
Distribution channels: YouTube | Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Android
Practice Advantage
Why I Love It: This podcast has some heavy-hitting guests. Dr. Manning’s episodes not only provide clinical coverage, but they also cover the full scope of running a practice. There are also some mini-series within the podcast that really stand out, especially the recent “The Future of Eye Care Series.”
Hosted By: Justin Manning, OD, MPH, FAAO
About the ‘cast by the ‘cast: Running an independent eye care practice and business is hard work. Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) understands the challenges you face and provides the tools and insights you need to run your business with ease. Join the Practice Advantage podcast as we interview experts from within the eye care industry and beyond, providing actionable tips and strategies with each episode to make your practice and business more successful.
Frequency: Monthly
Official Practice Advantage Homepage | PECAA on LinkedIn
Distribution channels: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | iHeartRadio | Overcast
OWA Talks
Why I Love It: The Optical Women’s Association podcast is a true representation of what their community is — an exceptionally diverse membership base whose sole purpose is to connect, inspire, and lead women in the optical industry. The guests on the show provide insights and experiences from all facets of the eye care industry.
Hosted By: Carissa Dunphy, ABOC, and Tatiana Stewart
About the ‘cast by the ‘cast: The OWA Talks Podcast is an essential resource to gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the optical industry. The monthly chats feature expert guests who share valuable experiences and knowledge, fostering a supportive community that empowers women to excel in their careers. Engaging with this content can enhance professional development and inspire listeners to take active roles in shaping the future of the optical field.
Frequency: Monthly
Official OWA Talks Homepage | Optical Women’s Association on LinkedIn
Distribution channels: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | iHeartRadio | Overcast
Think Again
Why I Love It: Having been a guest on this podcast, I can say firsthand that Dr. Jens is a deep digger — he asks really thought-provoking questions to get to the bottom of the topic at hand. Think Again’s episodes are all around 15 minutes, making for an easy listen.
Hosted By: Scott Jens, OD, FAAO
About the ‘cast by the ‘cast: Dr. Scott Jens talks to ODs and eye care industry pros about common challenges and misconceptions that practitioners often face in private practice — and how to overcome them. His guests cover a variety of perspectives and speak from a number of different places along their professional journeys.
Frequency: Monthly
Think Again Homepage | GPN Technologies on LinkedIn
Distribution channels: Buzzsprout
Nerdy Optometrist
Why I Love It: Anyone who can publicly embrace the nerdy-ness of our profession is top-notch in my book! Ukti’s personality is the star of this podcast, and it really comes through in the guests that she hosts. Any who’s who in the industry has been a guest on the Nerdy Optometrist 😎
Hosted By: Ukti Vora, MBA, M. Optom, FAAO
About the ‘cast by the ‘cast: Whether you are an optometrist by accident or by choice, this podcast channel is meant for you. Hi! I am Ukti Vora, an Indian optometrist who bumped into this wonderful profession by accident and fell in love with it. My struggle from India to the USA inspired me to start this podcast channel for all the optometry enthusiasts out there. This podcast series is a one-stop-shop for students, fresh graduates, and experienced eye care professionals who want to explore new opportunities. It has a group of speakers who share their real-life experiences and important takeaway messages that will help you better understand the opportunities in the eye care profession around the world. I am happy to invite you to my nerdy journey in the world of Optometry.
Frequency: Monthly
Nerdy Optometrist Homepage | Nerdy Optometrist on LinkedIn
Distribution channels: YouTube | Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Castro
Power Hour
Why I Love It: Nostalgia! Power Hour began in 2012 and has well over 500 episodes. I remember when the show first began — our team would finish clinic, lock the doors, and race to the back office to listen to Dr. Gerber. The history of this show provides content from every topic imaginable.
Hosted By: Eugene Shatsman
About the ‘cast by the ‘cast: The Power Hour is Optometry’s longest-running show. With millions of listens, it’s a must-subscribe for optometric community members. The show regularly features content around industry news, innovation, growth strategies, and leadership development. The show is backed by The Power Practice, a consulting and coaching powerhouse dedicated to supporting independent optometry. The Power Practice offers support for practice owners looking to grow financially, increase their free time, and gain confidence in their decision making.
Frequency: Weekly
The Power Hour Homepage | The Power Practice on LinkedIn
Distribution channels: YouTube | Apple | Spotify
More Notable Mention Optometry Podcasts
The 20/20 Podcast
Hosted by: Harbir Sian, OD
About: Dr. Harbir Sian is an award-winning optometrist based in Vancouver, Canada. In The 20/20, Dr. Sian interviews guests from various backgrounds and industries to share their struggles and successes. Guests include business owners, entrepreneurs, world-class athletes, media personalities, medical professionals, and more. Through conversations with these guests, Canada’s #1 optometry podcast brings clarity to business, entrepreneurship, and eye care. Dr. Sian also shares his personal experiences through his shorter Eye2Eye segment. In these short episodes, Dr. Sian opens up and provides a vulnerable look into the challenges he has faced (and overcome) in his personal and professional life. The 20/20 Podcast gives you a look through different lenses and helps you focus on your growth.
20/20 MONEY Podcast
Hosted By: Adam Cmejla, CFP
About: 20/20 MONEY, hosted by Certified Financial Planner and experienced Wealth Advisor Adam Cmejla, aims to bring clarity to financial concepts and strategies that impact optometrists.
EyeCode Media
Hosted by: Christopher Wolfe, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO
About: EyeCode Media Podcast offers discussions related to optometric practice, digging Deep into Optometry.
Eye Own A Business
Hosted by: Steve Vargo, OD
About: Build an optometry practice and life you love! Eye Own a Business teaches independent ODs how to grow a thriving practice while wearing the hats of both a doctor and a business owner. Tune in as Dr. Steve Vargo and his guests guide you with the tools and strategies you need to build the practice of your dreams, one step at a time.
Four Eyes
Hosted by: Amrit Bilkhu, OD, and Deepon Kar, OD, MSc
About: YoungOD Connect presents Four Eyes, a podcast hosted by Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Deepon Kar in which they discuss a wide range of relevant and timely clinical topics. With perspectives from recent graduates as well as experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists, each episode delves into information that is useful to U.S. and Canadian optometrists.
Optometric Insights
Hosted by: David Kading, OD, FAAO, &and Dr. Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO
About: Optometric Insights Media aims to provide you clinical cases, latest in optometry, and other resources that could help you ACCELERATE YOUR SUCCESS in Optometry.
The Myopia Podcast
Hosted by: David Kading, OD, FAAO
About: Stay up to date with the rapidly evolving field of myopia management as “The Myopia Podcast” unveils expert interviews, case studies, success stories, and evidence-based strategies. Discover new perspectives, learn about emerging technologies, and explore innovative practice management techniques to optimize your approach in managing myopic children.
The MOD Pod
Hosted by: Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO
About: The MOD Pod is a companion podcast to Modern Optometry, a publication for medically minded optometrists, with a concentration on dry eye, ocular disease, myopia management, integrated care, contact lenses, and more. Each episode offers a selection of articles from each issue in audio form, so you can stay current on important topics without having to lift a finger to turn a page.
The Optical Journal
Hosted by: Daniel Feldman
About: The Optical Journal podcast shares insights and stories from optical designers, store owners, optometrists, and business leaders that educate and inspire our readers, viewers, and listeners to succeed by being meaningfully different.
To the Point
Hosted by: Jessilin Quint, OD, MS, MBA, FAAO, and Jackie Garlich, OD, FAAO
About: To the Point is aimed at helping optometrists build their dry eye practices. Hosts Dr. Jessilin Quint and Dr. Jackie Garlich speak candidly with each other and with guests to offer listeners tips and insights on both basic and advanced topics. To the Point is just that, and whether you’re new to treating dry eye or you consider yourself a pro, there’s something for everyone.
Try Not to Blink
Hosted by: Roya Habibi OD, and Sheila Morrison, OD
About: Try Not to Blink is a podcast about the ups and downs, ins and outs, news, tips, and tricks of those who live the optometry lifestyle.
WO Voices
Hosted by: Marjolijn Bijlefeld
About: WO Voices is a podcast series from Women In Optometry (WO), featuring women ODs and others who talk about some aspect of practice, business, career choices, family, volunteer interests, leadership in the profession, and more. Hosted by WO’s Editor-in-Chief Marjolijn Bijlefeld, WO Voices is a chance to share ideas within the WO community and beyond. It’s another platform to bring women’s voices in the profession to the fore.
You and Eye
Hosted by: Miriam Korik, OD
About: Join host Dr. Miriam Korik as she ventures through the hot topics in optometry today. From new technology to jurisprudence of optometry, Dr Korik will host expert discussions on what really matters to the optometric community. Join her as she interviews subject matter experts, reviews research updates, and even lets us in on her practice management journey.
There you have it — THE list of U.S.-based optometry podcasts to check out in 2025. I challenge you to review the list and check out a podcast that you haven’t listened to before. Love the list? Share it on LinkedIn — be sure to tag me and let me know your favorite!