In Focus

Dr. Jennifer King—a board-certified sports medicine physician, former NFL cheerleader, and lead author of the AAP policy statement on cheerleading injuries—joins host Dr. Rupa Wong to dive into the invisible world of head injuries. This episode explores the human side of sports medicine, shifting the focus from rigid protocols to the nuanced reality of how a young athlete's brain actually heals. I...

In this episode of In Focus, Dr. Rupa Wong, a pediatric ophthalmologist and mother of three, pulls back the curtain on the "logistical disaster" of trying to do it all. She shares a raw look at a moment she found herself hiding in a car to maintain a professional facade while her family life swirled in chaos just outside the window. This conversation is for every parent who has ever felt the physi...

The eye is often the first place an autoimmune story begins, yet many people spend years dismissed by the medical system before getting an answer. In this episode, host Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Hillary Norton to bridge the gap between vision health and systemic disease. Dr. Norton shares her unique perspective as both a specialist and a patient living with an...

Dr. Rupa Wong is standing at a major crossroads—her 50th birthday—and she’s marking the milestone by stripping away the fluff and getting honest about what actually works. After five years of hosting In Focus and decades spent as a pediatric ophthalmologist and mother of three, she’s synthesized her most downloaded advice into ten non-negotiable systems for modern life. This episode is a mastercla...

Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with cataract and glaucoma specialist Dr. Michael Chua to pull back the curtain on why viral eye myths are currently outperforming medical advice in our social media feeds. This conversation digs into the real-world friction between "Dr. Google" and the exam room, exploring how curiosity-driven care can bridge the gap between patients and providers. Whether it’s navigating...

Dr. Rupa Wong invites you into her kitchen—the real one, cluttered with size 12 Crocs and lingering mail—to dismantle the "never enough" trap that plagues high-achieving parents. After a sudden encounter with a neighbor’s pristine, magazine-ready home sparked a wave of inadequacy, Rupa realized how easily we weaponize someone else’s highlight reel against our own behind-the-scenes reality. This ep...

In this episode of In Focus, Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with Paige Brattin, a mother who turned a challenging medical diagnosis into a mission to help families everywhere. After her daughter was diagnosed with severe vision issues at age five, Paige navigated the grueling reality of long-term patching and the emotional toll it takes on a household. Their conversation dives into the "why" behind the s...

Dr. Rupa Wong sits down to unpack why our modern habit of continuous partial attention is wearing us out and tricking us into feeling productive when we are actually just busy. She looks at the friction between wanting our kids to focus on their homework while we simultaneously model a life of digital distraction at the kitchen island. By digging into the core principles of deep work, this episode...

Do you know the hidden emotional and physical toll of a wandering eye? Whether you are an adult managing it yourself or a parent terrified of putting your child through surgery, the physical misalignment is only half the story. In this episode of In Focus, board-certified ophthalmologist and strabismus surgeon Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with her former patient, Emma, who underwent eye surgery at exac...

Dr. Rupa Wong invites you into a "no-shame zone" to discuss a silent struggle every modern parent faces: the magnetic pull of the smartphone during floor time. Drawing from a massive 2025 JAMA Pediatrics study involving 15,000 children, this episode explores why those "quick glances" at a notification are reshaping child development more than we realized. Dr. Wong shares her own vulnerable history...

How much is all that scrolling actually messing with our kids' heads? In this episode of In Focus, Dr. Rupa Wong has an honest conversation with 16-year-old high school junior Ashlyn Hirota. Ashlyn shares the results of her "Quest Project" - a deep dive into how social media is impacting her peers' self-esteem. From running her own school surveys to making art out of actual makeup, Ashlyn gives us...

Ever feel like you’re running in low power mode all day? In this episode of In Focus, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Rupa Wong reveals why your eyes are the ultimate control center for your energy. Moving beyond "aesthetic" morning routines, Dr. Wong explains how to leverage your biology to stop the 2 p.m. crash and fix the "tired and wired" cycle. Learn how to use your eyes as a gateway to b...

Perfect for proactive parents and health-conscious professionals, this episode provides a simple guide to catching the "silent thief of sight" before vision loss occurs.  Dr. Rupa Wong, pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three, sits down with glaucoma specialist Dr. Vicki Chan to explain the "flow in, flow out" mechanics of eye pressure. Learn how to move from reactive worry to intentional preve...

Perfect for busy parents and professionals, this episode provides a step-by-step Sunday system to eliminate the "Sunday Scaries" and reduce decision fatigue.  Dr. Rupa Wong, pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three, breaks down the practical routines her family uses to move from reactive chaos to intentional alignment. Learn how to protect your mental bandwidth and transform your household into...

Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with coach and speaker Erin Treloar to talk about raising kids in a filtered, image‑obsessed world. They explore how social media and screens shape body image, where early warning signs can hide in plain sight, and how parents can start simple, honest conversations that protect confidence without fear or shame. Key Topics: 1. Growing Up in a World of Filters and Comparisons...

In this reassuring episode, pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three Dr. Rupa Wong takes on a headline that has scared parents for decades: do night lights actually ruin your child’s vision? She walks through how one old study spread fear, what newer research really shows, and why a tiny glow in your child’s room is not the villain it’s been made out to be. This conversation is about calm, guilt...

In this eye‑opening conversation, Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with Sergeant Michael Chun, a veteran detective in crimes against persons, to talk about what really happens in kids’ online spaces—and what parents usually don’t see. They explore how predators actually think, why “just handing over the iPad” can quietly open doors to danger, and simple, practical ways to start protecting your kids without...

In this episode, Dr. Rupa Wong, pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three, breaks down how to protect your family’s eyes using everyday habits and simple foods—not another bottle of gummies. You’ll learn what’s really behind tired, burning eyes, why some “eye vitamins” aren’t what they seem, and how to build lifelong vision habits at the dinner table and beyond. Key Topics: 1. Why Your Eyes Are t...

In the final episode of the cataract surgery series, Dr. Rupa Wong is joined by world-renowned cataract surgeon Dr. Uday Devgan for a candid conversation about what truly keeps patients safe before, during, and after cataract surgery. Together, they discuss how surgeons use surgical video to continuously learn and improve, why complications can still occur even in the most experienced hands, how e...

Join Dr. Rupa Wong and Dr. Neda Shamie as they pull back the curtain on how cataract surgeons actually choose lens implants—not just to clear foggy vision, but to fit how you live, work, and play. From dry eyes to night driving to screen time, they explain why two people with “the same cataract” may need completely different lenses, and why your neighbor’s “perfect lens” might not be right for you...

In this episode, Dr. Rupa Wong and corneal/refractive surgeon Dr. Dagny Zhu break down why eyelid inflammation and “lash mites” matter more than most people realize—especially before LASIK and cataract surgery. They explain, in simple terms, how the eyelids, tear film, and ocular surface work together to create clear vision and why treating seemingly “minor” eyelid issues can be the difference bet...

Wondering what happens after cataract surgery? In this episode, Dr. Rupa Wong guides you through the recovery journey, what might surprise you, and how to recognize when it’s time to call your doctor. Discover tips, real talk about healing, and how to set your expectations for the best results. Key Topics: 1. Right After Surgery—What Will You Feel? - Why might your eyesight seem different than you...

Join Dr. Rupa Wong and Dr. Neda Nikpoor as they demystify the complexities of cataract surgery for patients who have previously undergone LASIK. Discover how modern technology is changing vision correction and what you should know before your procedure. Key Topics: 1. LASIK Basics: Your Eye's Previous Makeover - What really happens during LASIK - How the procedure changes your eye's shape - Why an...

Join Dr. Rupa Wong and Dr. Priya Mathews as they demystify cataract surgery, exploring the latest lens technologies and helping patients make informed decisions about their eye health. Key Topics: 1. Understanding Cataracts - Natural aging process of the eye - When to consider surgery - Importance of early detection 2. Surgical Approaches - Traditional vs. laser-assisted surgery - Benefits of diff...

Ever wondered when it's really time to consider cataract surgery, either for you or a loved one? Join Dr. Rupa Wong as she shares personal experiences and practical guidance to help you feel more confident and prepared in making eye health decisions. Key Topics: 1. Recognizing Changes in Vision - Noticing shifts in nighttime driving or reading comfort - Understanding why vision can change graduall...