Sandbox Stories - The Podcast

Dr. Janene Sims is on Faculty at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry.  She works with the Community Eyecare Initiative, an outreach service of the School, and has a tremendous commitment to humanity.  The Stories within the Story include: 1:00  The Farming Story 8:22  The Eyecare Motivation Story 10:00  The Advanced Education Story 11:47  The Community Support Story 14:20  The...

This short Sandbox Story sends a message of thanks for life's many inspirations.  Included is a wish for us to take control of our lives from the negative effects of social media.  Happy Thanksgiving!

In this Sandbox Story perspective piece, I review the key takeaways from the book, “Why We Sleep”, by Matthew Walker, PhD.

Dr. Kelly Nichols is Dean of the School of Optometry at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and the current President of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.  Hear her many stories including advice for ODs to implement management of dry eye disease care in their practices.

Richard Mangan, OD, FAAO, is a 30-year industry clinician who now does medical liaison work for Sun Pharma, and is also on the editorial board of ModernOD.  As someone who has studied the research on physician burnout, Dr. Mangan gives insights on his experiences with burnout, as well as potential methods to deal with it.  As October winds down the recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, thi...

Dr. Moes Nasser is a philanthropic, globally-minded Optometrist.  From his family history, starting in India and then in Africa, to his successful practice in Houston, to his contributions to Optometry Giving Sight, Dr. Nasser’s stories are sure to inspire.    The Stories within the Story include: 1:04  The Tanzania Story 6:04  The Childhood Vision Story 12:31  The Early Career Mindset Story 14:16...

Pierre Bertrand is an industry veteran and has an incredible ability to tell meaningful stories. His current role is with Neurolens.  Learn about his upbringing in Montreal, as well as what his grasp of fear has taught him.

This Sandbox Story features Brittany Ammerman, a fourth year student at the Penn State College of Medicine.  Her story is shared to show my Optometry colleagues the path of an enterprising young woman who was influenced to pursue medicine.  Brittany’s stories are compelling - some are very relatable  - and others are simply fascinating, including the story about how an outreach trip to Africa to f...

One word describes Dr. Howard Purcell - passionate.  In this Sandbox Story, you will learn about his passion for optometry, fellow optometrists, music, and family.  I caught up with Dr. Purcell earlier in the summer when his schedule at the College became lighter, and we covered a variety of his views on optometric education, as well as his efforts in the optometry industry sector.  He’s a leader,...

Dr. Justin Bazan is a recognized optometry leader on topics of disruptive, insightful business operations and social media strategies for eye care businesses.  In this Sandbox Story, he shares insights about his life experiences that have led him to where he is today, and also pearls of advice about how to contemplate the future of practice.   The Stories inside the Story include: 0:55  The Upbrin...

Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown practices in Chicago, IL.  She joined the practice of her late father, who had the foresight to build a clinic that not only served the community through primary eye care services, but also via a not-for-profit entity that assured that all children could be given the opportunity to vision therapy.  She talks about her time in leadership of the National Optometric Associ...

EHR vendors are not eager to more deeply integrate with important third-parties that eye care businesses want to utilize.  That is shameful, and it's time for it to change.  Here are my thoughts, along with a little history of how I got involved in EHR during my career.

Dr. Brianna Rhue is the Co-founder and CEO of DrContactLens, an emerging practice performance software system.  Her commentary includes a review of her practice of myopia management, as well as personal stories including how yoga has transformed her.  Dr. Rhue and Sandbox Stories host, Dr. Scott Jens, take turns pointing out the critical need for EHR vendors to better provide access to a practice’...

Remember the first time you were called “Doctor”?  This Sandbox Story kicks off with the pure joy of a new grad being called “Doctor” for the first time, and then wanders through a variety of topics that help highlight the rigor of today’s Optometric education, as well as the preparation that new graduates make as they begin their careers as a Doctor of Optometry.  From student debt insights, to t...

This is a Sandbox Story Interview of tech entrepreneur, Dr. Nikki Iravani.  She developed the Eyexam app and continues to be on the cutting edge of eye care service.  She is also on the Board of "Women in Optometry", and has an incredible set of family stories.     The Stories within the Story: 1:08  The Iran Story 6:04  The Influence Story 11:17  The OD Women Story 12:15  The Family Story 17:00 ...

Marge Axelrad is a true journalistic leader in the eye care industry.  As Senior Vice President and Editorial Director of Vision Monday, VMAIL, and 20/20, she has had a special perspective on the stories in eye care for over thirty years.  Learn about her psychology background, her appreciation for rock ’n roll, and deep love of her family and friends.   The Stories within the Story include: 1:12 ...

Dr. Andrea Thau is a committed optometry volunteer - having served as AOA President, as well as driving a new leadership concept.  She has also promoted the value of regular eye care services in her work with the American Public Health Association.  She is a compassionate, caring person who constantly cares about the wellness of others.   The Stories within the Story: 0:53  The Swimmer Story 2:02 ...

A residency-trained optometrist, Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy practices in retail optometry locations in Atlanta.  Dr. Ngoddy created the Anwuli Eyewear line of frames and is making strong headway, despite it being the hardest thing she has ever done.  As a first generation Nigerian-American, she cares deeply for the community that her family has been a part of, and she has actively helped others through th...

Dr. Richard Castillo has committed his career to Optometry - he is an educator at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tallequah, OK, and many in his family have gone down the optometry path.  He expanded his professional abilities by also getting an MD and doing a residency in ophthalmology.  Learn about his perspective on the advancement of optometry and his efforts to educate o...

Dr. Ken Lawenda is a lifelong optometry volunteer, and brings a unique perspective having served on a number of optometry regulatory boards.  From his Bronx upbringing, to his work in photography, his many stories are quite enjoyable. (Apologies for slight audio imperfection in the first 45 seconds!)   The Stories within the Story include: 1:10  The Montreal Story 2:29  The Family Story 3:18  The...

Dr. Millicent Knight was born and raised and Optometry trained in Chicago.  After running an incredibly successful private eye care practice, she today serves as SVP of the Customer Development Group at Essilor.  These many Stories cover her upbringing, her commitment to strong parenting, and many insights that an Optometrist will appreciate.     The Stories within the Story include: 0:57  The Hig...

Mr. Erwin Deutsch was born in Germany, where in his teen years his Jewish family endured the awful impact of Nazi rule.  He entered the concentration camp at Buchenwald, yet made it out after a month of despairing experiences.  As a patient, he shared his time as we discussed his many experiences, for which I am forever grateful.  He was a positive, powerful, thoughtful man.  In this Sandbox Story...

This Sandbox Story brings the perspective that I gained when I recently visited a FedEx store.  Not only did I get a very strong experience in customer service, but I also was leaned upon for some eye advice.  Every Eye Care Professional should take in opportunities to be in support of their neighbors, but also must always be on the lookout for great customer experience examples that they can shar...

Mr. Dave Brown is the President and CEO of the doctor-alliance group, IDOC.  Learn about his efforts to develop a leadership mentality through a trusting, listening approach, as well as his use of mindfulness to become the best leader he can be.  And be sure to watch for video of his participation in an 1980 television commercial!   The Stories within the Story include: 1:05  The J&J Story 2:20  T...

Dr. Jacobi Cleaver is an inspiring Doctor of Optometry - an identical twin with a tremendous number of family stories, as well as an eye doctor in Baylor's community health center system. Learn about his commitment to increasing participation in Optometry by Black high school and college students through Black EyeCare Perspective. The Stories within the Story: 0:58  The Texas Upbringing Story 4:54...