Four Eyes

As 2025 comes to a close, Deepon and Amrit are hitting pause to reflect on the year that was, including the lessons learned and the advice they wish they’d heard earlier in their careers. In this wrap-up episode, they each share their top three takeaways from 2025, touching on clinical growth, practice ownership realities, and what it really takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in optom...

In this episode, Deepon and Amrit break down the pediatric binocular vision skills every new grad needs to confidently crush a primary care eye exam. We cut through the noise and highlight the handful of BV tests that matter most when you’re tight on time but want meaningful clinical data. You’ll learn: The essential BV tests every primary care OD should prioritize in a pediatric exam When BV find...

In this case reflection episode, Deepon walks us through uveitis cases that didn’t exactly go as planned, because let’s be honest, not every case fits neatly into the textbook. We share what went right, what went sideways, and how we navigated the unexpected twists that come with managing inflammatory eye disease in the real world. From differentiating anterior vs intermediate vs posterior uveitis...

High astigmatism in pediatrics is one of the most common challenges optometrists face in the exam room. In this Case Reflection episode, Amrit walks through a case where she approached a young patient’s high astigmatism in a way that went beyond the standard playbook. Instead of reaching straight for a full cycloplegic refraction and prescribing the high numbers, we undercorrected strategically an...

In this refreshingly honest episode, we chat with Dr. Meenal Agarwal, an Optometrist and private practice owner, about the mental health challenges that often come with life after optometry school. Geared toward students and new grads, this conversation covers: What burnout really feels like and when to hit reset How to build a sustainable work/life balance by aligning yourself Setting boundaries...

Curious about how optometrists are expanding into the world of aesthetics? In this episode, Dr. Carly Rose shares how she built Clear Eyes + Aesthetics—a dry eye specialty clinic—and what that journey looked like from the ground up. Dr. Rose shares how she chose which aesthetic services to offer (and which to avoid), how she screens for ocular aesthetic concerns during a routine eye exam, and what...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Christina Gratkowski, an optometrist who blends functional medicine with eye care to uncover the root causes of chronic eye conditions. With functional medicine gaining momentum—especially among younger generations seeking answers beyond traditional treatments—Dr. Gratkowski shares why this whole-body approach is transforming the healthcare conversation. We dive...

In this episode of Four Eyes, we sit down with Dr. Marcella LaBelle, an optometrist in Alberta with over 20 years of experience in refractive surgical care, to dive into the world of intraocular and light-adjustable lenses. From identifying ideal candidates (even those without cataracts) to demystifying premium IOLs and new technologies on the horizon, Dr. LaBelle shares expert insights every prim...

In honor of the podcast’s fifth year anniversary, Deepon and Amrit host another popular Happy Hour episode and play an Optometry version of “Have You Ever”. So grab your drink, sit back, and listen as our two hosts go down memory lane of their most wild patient experiences!

Headaches are one of the most common patient complaints—but how do you know if they’re vision-related? In this episode, Dr. Kar and Dr. Bilkhu break down different types of headaches, key signs that point to a visual cause, and when to refer for urgent medical attention. We also dive into treatment strategies, from prescribing plus lenses and NeuroLens to specialty tints like Avulux and FL-41, and...

Part two of our conversation with Dr. Sophia Leung takes a clinical turn as she shares her top tips for managing corneal diseases and dystrophies in primary care practice. We discuss red flags to watch for, when to treat versus refer, and practical advice for navigating complex corneal cases. If you’re looking to elevate your skills in corneal care or enhance your confidence in managing anterior s...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sophia Leung, an exceptional Optometrist specializing in cornea and anterior segment disease. Part one dives into Dr. Leung’s journey to becoming a cornea specialist, including her transition from private practice to a residency in Oklahoma, relationships she’s developed working alongside ophthalmology, and a day in the life as a corneal specialist in Calgary,...

In this episode of our New Grad Case Reflection series, Dr. Kar shares an interesting case of one (small but mighty) dot hemorrhage causing chaos for the doctor and the patient. How far would you go to investigate one minor finding in the retina? Join Dr. Kar as she reflects on the case that was shared by her colleague, who saved a patient’s vision from permanent damage. What would you have done i...

In this episode of our New Grad Case Reflection series, we dive into the challenges of managing a patient who consistently abused their contact lens wear. Patient education on contact lens hygiene is vital, but what happens when they ignore your advice?    Join Dr. Bilkhu as she reflects on her experience as a new grad optometrist, dealing with a patient who resisted her professional advice. What...

Dr. Bilkhu and Dr. Kar dive into an alternative perspective on myopia that challenges the traditional medical approach. While current treatments often focus on myopia as a problem of it’s own, Dr. Bilkhu shares insights on why myopia may actually be a symptom of a deeper problem: near visual stress. Together, the hosts explore how the behavioral approach suggests that as long as the eyes are under...

In this episode, Drs. Kar and Bilkhu share their personal tips to help new grad ODs master refraction skills. Learn from their experiences to reduce pesky prescription redos, create an exceptional patient experience, and even boost optical sales as an associate OD. These insights will help you build trust with your patients and ensure they leave your office feeling truly appreciated from just a si...

Join Dr. Kar and Dr. Bilkhu as they interview Dr. Michael Neal, an Optometrist and founder of Build My Team – an innovative company transforming how optometry practices hire staff members. Dr. Neal discusses the limitations of traditional interview methods and shares how Build My Team identifies the strengths and weaknesses of candidates to place them in roles where they can excel. We also discuss...

In this episode, we dive deep into the revolutionary role of AI in clinical trials and patient care with George Magrath, MD, an esteemed ophthalmologist and the CEO of a cutting-edge pharmaceutical company specializing in ophthalmic drug development. Dr. Magrath shares his expertise, having trained in ocular oncology at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Magrath shares the innova...

Dr. Diana Chu is an optometrist at the Washington Eye Institute. In this episode, we learn about Dr. Chu’s first hand encounter with a concussion, exploring her path to recovery. She highlights the validity of symptoms even in the absence of physical injury, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one’s recovery journey. Dr. Chu also reviews biomarkers to detect nutritional and hormonal imbalan...

Dr. Hardeep Kataria, a seasoned Optometrist practicing advanced dry eye at Avant Eyes in California, returns to the podcast to discuss the vital role of mentorship in the journey of optometry. We discuss the profound impact mentorship can have on shaping your career and personal growth at various stages. From guidance in clinical practice to navigating the anxieties of selecting a practice modalit...

Amrit and Deepon chat with Dr. Arian Fartash, creator of GlamBaby, about her new line GlamBaby Dry Eye. Dr. Fartash combined her optometric knowledge and parenting experience to create dry eye products catered for infants and toddlers. Tune-in to hear more details about how she designed, manufactured, and marketed these products to other optometrists, online retailers, and big box stores across th...

Join Dr. Bilkhu in her discussion with Dr. Mila Ioussifova about taking a holistic approach to dry eye disease. Dr. Ioussifova is a residency-trained optometrist with a private practice in Portland, OR. She is dedicated to helping patients with dry eye disease and offers advanced dry eye therapies in her practice. Dr. Mila Ioussifova recently studied human nutrition and functional medicine at the...

In this special two-part episode, we're diving deep into the world of financial planning for Optometrists across Canada and the U.S. Whether you're a student OD, a recent graduate, or a seasoned professional still figuring out your financial strategy, this episode is made for you. Our panelists include Lainey Bokhaut from Winnipeg, Canada, and Evon Mendrin from Madera, California. These experts kn...

In this special two-part episode, we're diving deep into the world of financial planning for Optometrists across Canada and the U.S. Whether you're a student OD, a recent graduate, or a seasoned professional still figuring out your financial strategy, this episode is made for you. Our panelists include Lainey Bokhaut from Winnipeg, Canada, and Evon Mendrin from Madera, California. These experts kn...

In this episode, Deepon interviews Amrit along with Dr. Manraj Fervaha to dive into the dynamics of their business partnerships within Northern Sight Optometry. They discuss what strategies they used to determine a suitable business partner, what qualities they look for in a partner, and the pros and cons to owning a private practice with a partner.  This episode offers great perspectives to help...