Topics Covered

• Kim’s career journey from consulting to optical leadership
• Branding and innovation lessons from Procter & Gamble
• Reinventing the Verilux brand and driving global impact
• Leading digital transformation with HELIX
• Navigating leadership challenges and change
• Transitioning from corporate executive to entrepreneur
• Personalization and consumer engagement in eye care
• Growth mindset and lifelong learning
• The future of technology, AI, and augmented reality
• Building community and meaningful connections
• Leadership resilience and avoiding burnout 

Kim shares thoughtful reflections on leadership, innovation, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace change, take risks, and prioritize meaningful connections. Her journey demonstrates how curiosity, resilience, and purpose can shape a fulfilling career and lasting impact.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Introduction
01:36 – Career Motivation & Growth Mindset
04:23 – Early Career Lessons from Bain & P&G 
08:33 – Reinventing the Verilux Brand 
10:45 – Toughest Leadership Moment
17:08 – Leadership Inspiration & Women in Leadership 
23:53 – Reinventing Yourself as an Entrepreneur 
29:53 – Personalization & Consumer Engagement 
31:05 – Technology Driving Vision Care Demand 
35:32 – Social Media & Practice Growth 
39:24 – Growth Mindset & Career Development 
42:27 – Future Consumer Trends 
49:25 – Finding Joy and Purpose 
50:40 – Closing & Prevent Blindness Texas Mission

Topics Covered

• Living with Graves’ disease and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
• The emotional journey of chronic illness and self-acceptance
• Why vulnerability is actually a source of strength
• The importance of patient advocacy and storytelling
• Common misconceptions about TED
• Balancing motherhood, career, and chronic illness
• The connection between oral health, eye health, and whole-body health
• Barriers to care: cost, comfort, and emotional resistance
• How the ASPECT program empowers patient advocates
• The role of community and connection in healing
• Shifting from people-pleasing to self-advocacy
• Learning to set boundaries and embrace discomfort for growth

Dr. Lohmann’s journey is a powerful reminder that while chronic illness can feel isolating, it can also be a catalyst for growth, connection, and impact. By choosing to take action, embrace vulnerability, and use her voice, she’s not only transformed her own life, but is helping others feel seen, heard, and empowered in theirs.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:57 – Layla’s Story Begins

03:20 – The Power of Vulnerability

05:48 – Diagnosed at 12

08:05 – Parenting & Chronic Illness

09:39 – Second Diagnosis During Pregnancy

10:27 – Learning to Advocate for Yourself

13:55 – The Art of Listening & Communication

16:11 – Misconceptions About TED

18:40 – You Are Not Alone

21:20 – Choosing Action Every Day

25:25 – Whole-Body Health Connection

29:15 – Finding Advocacy Through ASPECT

32:00 – Why Patient Voices Matter

37:10 – Building Community

41:40 – Take Action

42:45 – Key Takeaways

44:15 – Closing Thoughts

The conversation explores women’s eye health, access to care, advocacy in healthcare policy, and the evolving role of optometry. Through powerful patient stories and professional insight, Dr. Deakins highlights how eye exams can reveal broader health issues and why building stronger connections between providers, communities, and policymakers is essential for improving vision health.

Topics Covered

• Dr. Deakins’ path into optometry and the mentors who influenced her career
• The importance of mentorship and saying “yes” to opportunities
• Leadership challenges women face in healthcare
• Preventing burnout and staying connected to your “why”
• How women’s eye health changes across life stages
• The connection between vision health and systemic diseases
• Real patient stories illustrating the impact of early detection
• Why advocacy matters in protecting patient access to care
• Legislative wins for optometry in Texas
• Barriers to care for underserved populations
• The future of optometry and inspiring the next generation of eye care professionals

Dr. Deakins closes the conversation with two powerful reminders: meaningful change starts with taking the first step, and strong partnerships and relationships make lasting impact possible. Her message highlights the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and continued innovation in ensuring accessible eye care for all.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:32 – Dr. Deakins’ Journey into Optometry

05:40 – Career Decisions that Shaped Her Path

07:45 – Challenges as a Woman in Leadership

12:19 – The Power of Mentorship

15:45 – Preventing Burnout in Healthcare

21:38 – Women’s Eye Health Across Life Stages

29:12 – Vision Issues That Often Go Unnoticed

30:54 – Patient Stories That Stay With You

34:12 – Eye Exams as a Window to Overall Health

38:06 – Advocacy and the Power of Storytelling

40:37 – Legislative Wins for Optometry in Texas

44:09 – Why Eye Health Still Needs More Awareness

47:13 – Barriers to Eye Care

51:01 – The Future of Optometry

54:32 – Final Advice for Listeners

From her early start in journalism to becoming a nationally recognized healthcare leader, Ryane reflects on the importance of curiosity, empathy and strategic restraint in building both personal leadership capacity and systemwide impact.

Topics Covered

• Ryane’s path from communications and fundraising to healthcare leadership
• The mentors and champions who influenced her career
• Learning not to “die on every hill” as a leader
• The importance of timing, reading the room and strategic influence
• Letting go without losing your voice
• Addressing non-medical drivers of health (housing, food insecurity, access)
• The evolving challenges facing community health
• Why cross-sector partnerships are essential for lasting impact
• Creating intentional opportunities for the next generation of leaders
• The power of asking “why” with curiosity and empathy

This conversation is a thoughtful reminder that leadership isn’t about winning every battle, it’s about asking better questions, building strong partnerships and staying grounded in purpose. Ryane’s insights challenge us to lead with humility, courage and a deep commitment to community.

Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
02:15 – Ryane’s early career and unexpected path into healthcare
06:40 – Who influenced her leadership journey
10:25 – Learning not to “die on every hill”
15:10 – Timing, strategy and reading the room
20:30 – Addressing housing, food insecurity & non-medical drivers of health
27:45 – The current landscape of community health funding and access
33:20 – Why healthcare systems and nonprofits must collaborate
39:10 – Creating opportunity and mentorship for emerging leaders
44:05 – Final reflections: Ask “why”

Topics Covered in This Episode

• What thyroid eye disease (TED) is and how it affects vision, appearance, and quality of life
• The emotional and psychosocial toll of living with a rare and isolating condition
• How loneliness and stress can impact inflammation and overall health
• Turning lived experience into leadership and advocacy
• The importance of “agency” in rewriting the patient narrative
• Building the TED Community Organization from the ground up
• Creating global support systems through mentorship and collaboration
• Why early detection, prevention, and eye health education matter
• How community connection improves health outcomes

Christine’s story is a reminder that leadership often begins not with a plan, but with compassion, and that no one should have to navigate their health journey alone.

🤝 This episode is brought to you in partnership with Amgen.

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights

• 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Christine Gustafson
• 03:45 – What thyroid eye disease is and why it’s often misunderstood
• 08:30 – The isolation of living with TED and never meeting another patient
• 13:15 – Becoming an “accidental leader” through advocacy
• 18:40 – The power of agency and rewriting your personal story
• 23:50 – Building the TED Community Organization
• 29:10 – Why community and connection impact health outcomes
• 34:45 – Mentorship, collaboration, and growing a global movement
• 40:20 – Prevention, early detection, and protecting lifelong vision
• 45:30 – Final reflections and what’s next for the TED Community

Resources

• TED Community Organization: https://www.tedcommunity.org
• Prevent Blindness Texas: https://www.preventblindnesstexas.org 

Dr. Mack also shares a powerful personal story about patient advocacy and why using your voice can change your health outcomes.

Topics Covered Include:

• Dr. Mack’s early inspiration and journey into optometry
• The evolution of the optometrist’s role and patient care
• Integrating wellness and lifelong learning into a professional career
• How global insights shape eye care product innovation
• The role of consumer and professional feedback in product development
• Emerging trends in eye health technology, AI, and diagnostics
• The importance of patient empowerment and self-advocacy

⏱️ Episode Highlights (Key Takeaways)

00:01:07 – Early Inspiration in Eye Care
Dr. Mack shares how exposure to eye care professionals in her youth sparked a lifelong passion for optometry.

00:04:23 – The Impact of Vision on Daily Life
Explains how receiving her first contacts opened a world of clarity and inspired her commitment to improving vision for others.

00:05:35 – Lifelong Learning and Career Growth
From academia to global industry leadership, Dr. Mack emphasizes the value of continuous learning and curiosity.

00:09:14 – Staying Grounded and Motivated
Highlights three guiding principles: life happens by you, get out of your comfort zone, and choose your circle wisely.

00:10:58 – Wellness Practices
Discusses consistent exercise, sleep, nutrition, and a positive mindset as keys to maintaining focus and effectiveness.

00:13:31 – Vision and Brain Health
Explores the eye as a window to systemic health and potential biomarker for early disease detection.

00:14:47 – Advice for Making an Impact
Recommends starting with personal wellness to be equipped to educate, advocate, and influence others in vision and health.

00:15:38 – Evolution of Optometry
Discusses how patient care, new diagnostics, and the concept of patients as consumers have reshaped the profession.

00:18:22 – Advocacy and Community Connections
Encourages building relationships within the healthcare system to improve patient care and professional influence.

00:20:09 – Skills for Emerging Eye Care Professionals
Focus on patient-centered care and adaptability to evolving technology and practice models.

00:22:03 – Bridging Academia, Patient Care, and Industry
Shares how experiences across sectors enhance global eye health strategies.

00:24:04 – Global Insights and Market Nuances
Highlights learning about optometry in different countries and adapting products for global impact.

00:26:20 – Consumer Insights and Product Development
Explains how feedback shapes product ideation, testing, launch, and adoption.

00:28:40 – Product Development Timelines
Discusses the typical 3 – 5-year cycle, adoption period, and sometimes longer timelines for meaningful impact.

00:33:02 – Integrating Eye Care Professional Insights Strategically
Shows how feedback informs five-year global strategies and annual regional plans.

00:33:40 – Emerging Trends in Eye Health
Digital and AI tools, biologics, nutraceuticals, and neuromodulators as drivers of improved access and outcomes.

00:36:28 – Patient Advocacy and Self-Empowerment
Illustrates why using one’s voice and asking questions can dramatically affect health outcomes, including a personal story of her mother’s Parkinson’s diagnosis.

00:39:57 – Closing Thoughts
Emphasizes partnership, advocacy, and engagement with organizations like Alcon and Prevent Blindness Texas to drive change.

🔗 Connect with Us

Learn more, volunteer, or support our mission at:
Website: www.preventblindnesstexas.org 
Facebook: @Eyespiring

Instagram: @EyespiringPod

LinkedIn: Eyespiring

X: @Eyespiring

Topics Covered

• Prevent Blindness Texas’ mission and statewide impact
• Powerful client success stories and why vision care matters
• Vision screenings, education, and community outreach
• Access to eye exams and glasses for those in need
• The growing demand for children’s vision services
• The importance of follow-up care and care coordination
• Education around diabetes and vision health
• Volunteer engagement and leadership opportunities
• Signature fundraising and awareness events
• Strategic priorities for the future of vision care in Texas

From celebrating milestones and community partnerships to planning for the future, this episode highlights how Prevent Blindness Texas continues to expand access to vision care, and how supporters, volunteers, and advocates can help be the difference.

Check out our Impact Report at https://texas.preventblindness.org/prevent-blindness-texas-impact-report/ 

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring
Heather Patrick introduces a special year-in-review episode focused on reflection and looking ahead.

01:28 – Why the Work Matters
Monica Guerrero shares powerful client success stories that anchor the organization’s mission and “why.”

04:50 – By the Numbers: A Year of Impact
Over 61,000 individuals screened, 130,000 educated, and 9,200 people connected to eye exams and glasses.

07:11 – Growth, Progress, and What’s Still Needed
Reflecting on how far PBT has come—and the work still ahead across Texas.

08:18 – Call to Action: Volunteers Make It Possible
How community volunteers help expand screenings, education, and outreach statewide.

09:06 – Investing in Vision Care
Why financial assistance for exams and glasses is life-changing for thousands of Texans.

11:33 – Looking Ahead to 2026
Education takes center stage, with growing demand for programs focused on diabetes and vision health.

13:12 – World Sight Day in Action
How PBT amplified global vision awareness through community screenings and events.

15:13 – Fundraising That Fuels the Mission
Highlights from Tee Off to Prevent Blindness, Eye Stroll for Vision, and new DIY4Sight initiatives.

17:18 – Celebrating Leadership & Volunteer Excellence
Recognizing award winners, dedicated volunteers, and board leadership.

20:30 – Collaboration as a Core Value
Why partnerships and shared purpose drive sustainable impact.

23:15 – Dark Dining & Year-End Momentum
A look at PBT’s signature event and the importance of recognizing champions of vision care.

25:18 – Strategic Planning & the Future of Vision Health
Children’s vision, myopia, mental health, and ensuring follow-up care take priority.

28:40 – Be the Difference
Heather shares details about PBT’s year-end campaign and how supporters can make an impact.

29:20 – Closing Reflections & Gratitude
A heartfelt thank-you and a look ahead to new conversations in the coming year.

Topics Covered:

1.    Nurse Somers path from LVN to RN and her experiences in pediatric home health, labor & delivery, and school nursing

2.    The unique role of school nurses and the relationships they build with students

3.    Balancing immediate care with preventative health screenings, including vision and hearing

4.    Real-life impact of vision screenings on students’ learning, behavior, and confidence

5.    How Prevent Blindness Texas supports school nurses and accelerates vision care

6.    Strategies for engaging parents and community members in eye health initiatives

7.    The importance of vision advocacy and integrating health into student success

8.    Tips for aspiring nurses and school nurses seeking to make a difference in their districts

Nurse Somers story highlights how one nurse’s dedication, compassion, and advocacy can transform the educational experience for students while promoting lifelong vision health.

Timestamps & Highlights:

· 00:00 – Introduction – Heather welcomes listeners and introduces Nurse Melissa Somers.

· 01:08 – Melissa’s Nursing Journey – From LVN to RN; pediatric home health to school nursing.

· 03:08 – Why School Nursing is Special – Creating a safe space and forming long-term relationships with students.

· 04:18 – Lessons from Previous Nursing Roles – Pediatric and labor & delivery experience shaped her calm, resourceful approach.

· 05:47 – From Elementary to High School Nursing – Differences in student needs and responsibilities at different grade levels.

· 07:10 – Advice for Aspiring Nurses & Early Career Professionals – Importance of empathy, compassion, and finding your calling.

· 09:32 – A Day in the Life of a District Nurse – Balancing urgent care with preventative screenings and health education.

· 11:59 – Challenges in School Nursing Today – Mental health, parent communication, and workflow logistics.

· 13:48 – Vision Screenings & PBT Partnership – Becoming a certified vision screener and the power of early detection.

· 18:18 – Impact Stories – Students whose vision screenings dramatically improved classroom performance.

· 20:05 – High School Screenings – The importance of maintaining vision checks for older students.

· 21:26 – Tips for Nurses Considering Partnerships – Taking the first step with Prevent Blindness Texas.

· 22:39 – Engaging Parents & Community – How volunteers, parents, and teachers can support eye health programs.

· 24:22 – Vision Advocacy in Schools – School nurses bridging gaps in access to care.

· 26:25 – Integrating Health Into Student Success – Early detection of health issues improves learning and behavior.

· 27:32 – Key Takeaways for Students – Feeling cared for, being heard, and understanding that their health matters.

· 28:37 – Final Thoughts – Vision is more than seeing: volunteer, listen, and take every health concern seriously.

· 31:07 – Get Involved with Prevent Blindness Texas – Ways to volunteer, get certified, donate, or support student eye health.

Dr. Murphy reflects on her journey from social work to global nursing, including her years in the Peace Corps working on public health initiatives in Senegal. She shares how those experiences taught her to see the beauty in unexpected places and the importance of being open to learning from others.

Together, Heather and Dr. Murphy discuss:

1. How early family values of service and advocacy shaped her career path

2. The personal experiences that deepened her understanding of eye health as a foundation for overall well-being

3. The power of partnerships, like those between Prevent Blindness and schools, to address unmet vision needs in children

4. Why equity and connection matter just as much as access to care

5. What it means to be a mentor and teacher, especially for women in healthcare

6. The wisdom of learning to pace yourself and focus on what truly matters

Dr. Murphy’s insight reminds us that health is more than a system, it’s a shared responsibility. Her story is a testament to how one person’s dedication can ripple through communities and across borders, helping others live better, longer.

Timestamps & Highlights:

00:20:22 – Shaping Your Career Path Dr. Murphy emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of your career. She encourages early-career professionals to define what they want and come to the table with ideas, noting that “your fear shouldn’t be about doing it. Your fear should be about not understanding why you have fear and then work on that to get it to the place you want it to be.”

00:21:41 – Joining Prevent Blindness Texas She shares her path from Prevent Blindness Wisconsin to Texas, and how being part of a collaborative organization enables meaningful community impact beyond screenings, focusing on advocacy, resource management, and partnerships.

00:26:12 – Leadership Lessons as a Woman in Charge Dr. Murphy reflects on her experiences leading at the state and national levels, discussing the inner reckoning required when stepping into new leadership roles. She advises other women: embrace the challenge, understand your fear, and leverage trusted colleagues for guidance.

00:30:38 – Eye Health Insights From her work with underserved populations, Dr. Murphy highlights the broader impact of vision on daily life, employability, and safety. She illustrates how simple activities, like grocery shopping, rely heavily on vision and stresses the importance of preventive care.

00:34:58 – Taking Care of Your Eyes She shares practical advice for maintaining eye health: don’t delay annual checkups, use available resources, take screen breaks, and follow evidence-based strategies.

00:37:15 – Vision Through the Lifespan Dr. Murphy discusses eye health from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing screenings for developmental conditions, the impact of chronic diseases like diabetes and thyroid disorders, and the role of vision in overall health and self-realization.

00:41:10 – Global Health Lessons for Local Care She compares global and local healthcare, emphasizing collaboration, creative problem-solving, and maximizing the capabilities of healthcare providers to improve access and outcomes.

00:44:13 – Career Challenges and Growth Dr. Murphy reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her career, including taking on difficult public health initiatives in schools and navigating her unique path outside hospital nursing.

00:47:03 – Future of Eye Health & Nursing She discusses the promise of AI and technology in vision care and the urgent need to address the nursing shortage, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting the profession.

00:49:47 – Industry Change Wish Dr. Murphy’s vision for the future: universal access to a basic level of eye care with pathways for treatment when needs are identified.

00:50:23 – Final Advice & Call to Action Her parting message: support Prevent Blindness Texas through, donations, volunteering, and advocacy, to help expand their critical work in eye health.

Together, they explore the connection between integrative health, population health, and behavior change. Dr. Martinez explains how coaching differs from therapy, why asking the right questions matters more than having the right answers, and how the University of Houston is preparing the next generation of coaches to make an impact in their communities.

With warmth and insight, Dr. Martinez reminds us that humility and greatness go hand in hand. Each of us has been created for greatness he says, and when we recognize that truth in ourselves and others, transformation becomes possible.

Key Takeaways

1. Integrative health looks at the whole person mind, body, and spirit, acknowledging that well-being extends far beyond physical health.

2. Health coaching is about listening deeply, building trust, and helping people uncover their own motivation for change.

3. The University of Houston’s program makes professional health coaching education accessible and community driven.

4. Population health connects individual well-being to community outcomes, emphasizing data, equity, and collective progress.

5. Humility is strength, it means recognizing that everyone you encounter is also created for greatness.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about the University of Houston Integrative Health and Well-Being Coaching Program: www.uh.edu/population-health/education/coaching-certificate.php 

• Explore Prevent Blindness Texas initiatives: www.preventblindnesstexas.org 

• Follow Prevent Blindness Texas on social media: @PreventBlindnessTexas

This episode is a powerful reminder that true health begins with connection to ourselves, to others, and to the purpose that drives us.

✨ Subscribe to the Eyespiring Podcast wherever you listen and join us as we continue empowering you to see the world differently.

Leslie opens up about the emotional side of vision loss, the isolation, fear, and frustration, and how embracing tools, community, and self-acceptance helped her thrive personally and professionally. She also explains the profound role of advocacy in shaping care, from joining Prevent Blindness Texas’ ASPECTS Patient Engagement Program to speaking at FDA meetings and advocating on Capitol Hill.

This conversation highlights the importance of sharing your story, staying engaged, and using your voice to create change in the vision loss community. Leslie’s experiences are both inspiring and practical, offering insights for anyone navigating life with a disability or looking to make an impact through advocacy.

Key Takeaways

· Vision loss affects every aspect of life, but resilience and adaptation make it possible to stay engaged and “in the game.”

· Community support and self-advocacy are crucial for overcoming isolation and achieving personal and professional goals.

· Sharing your story is a powerful tool, it raises awareness, influences decision-makers, and connects you to advocacy opportunities.

· Patient advocacy can take many forms, from individual conversations with healthcare providers to participating in national forums and policy discussions.

· Tools, technology, and resources are vital in maintaining independence and enabling success with vision impairment.

Leslie’s story reminds us that even in the face of vision loss, using your voice, building community, and staying engaged can create real change.

Subscribe to Eyespiring for more conversations that empower, educate, and inspire in the eye health space.

Dr. Garza brings forward real stories from her practice, including patients whose outcomes might have been different with earlier care, and she highlights the importance of prevention, education, and advocacy. The conversation spans from the role of nutrition in vision, to challenges in chronic diseases like diabetes and glaucoma, to the importance of mental health when facing vision loss.

Listeners will also hear about Dr. Garza’s path into optometry, her early volunteer work with Prevent Blindness, and her growing involvement with the national organization, where she helps train primary care doctors on the importance of integrating vision into overall health.

Finally, Heather and Dr. Garza discuss the future of vision care, the role of technology and access, and why collaboration across all of healthcare is the key to progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Early action matters: prevention and timely care can save vision.
• Education and advocacy are essential to closing the gap between fear and action in eye health.
• Vision care must be integrated across all aspects of healthcare.
• Everyone has a role to play, from volunteering to donating to spreading awareness.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Prevent Blindness Texas: https://texas.preventblindness.org/
• Follow Eyespiring on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/eyespiring/id1814699268 

If you’re passionate about making a difference in vision health, this episode will inspire you to take action.

Subscribe today and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•           Carol’s journey with keratoconus and four cornea transplants

•           How breast cancer treatment unexpectedly impacted her vision

•           The critical role of advocacy in navigating the healthcare system

•           The link between eye health and overall health

•           Why women often put themselves last — and how to change that

•           The inspiration behind The Rebalancing Act and its message for women everywhere

Timestamps

•           00:03:00 – Carol’s early diagnosis and journey with keratoconus

•           00:06:20 – The impact of cornea transplants and medical advances

•           00:18:45 – Eye health as a solvable problem — if we act now

•           00:24:30 – Breast cancer, tamoxifen, and unexpected vision loss

•           00:28:40 – The importance of advocacy and proactive healthcare

•           00:37:00 – Women, self-care, and the need to prioritize ourselves

•           00:43:45 – Key takeaways from The Rebalancing Act

•           00:45:45 – Reflections, lessons learned, and letting go of perfection

Resources & Links

•           Get The Rebalancing Act by Carol Enneking: https://carolenneking.com/book/

•           Learn more about Prevent Blindness Texas: https://texas.preventblindness.org 

•           Follow Eyespiring for future episodes: https://eyespiring.transistor.fm