Episodes

  • 85. Blink Twice If You Love AI with Dr. Rehan Ahmed
    Jun 18 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rehan Ahmed, a board-certified ophthalmologist, healthtech innovator, and co-editor of AI in Eyecare published by Jobson. As the Chief Medical Officer at Blink by Global Medical, Dr. Ahmed brings a unique perspective at the intersection of clinical excellence and cutting-edge technology.

    We explore his multifaceted journey—from performing surgeries to scaling tech-driven solutions in eye care. Whether you're a healthcare professional, technologist, or someone curious about where vision care is headed, this episode offers valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in ophthalmology.

    Some of the episode highlights include;

    • How Dr. Ahmed’s journey into eye care began
    • Balancing clinical ophthalmology with entrepreneurship
    • What sparked his passion for technology and innovation
    • The AI and diagnostic tools that excite him most today
    • Major roadblocks faced along the way—and how he overcame them & more

    Don’t miss the game segment where we get to know the lighter side of Dr. Ahmed, in our "Rapid Fire" game segment.

    Connect with Dr. Rehan Ahmed on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rehan-ahmed-md/

    You can check all other episodes at www.nerdyoptometrist.com

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations.


    Support the show

    Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • 84. AI in focus: Vision, Impact, and Innovation with Dr. Masoud Nafey
    May 20 2025

    In this insightful episode, Dr. Masoud Nafey, an optometrist, 3X tech founder, and strategic advisor, joins us to discuss the potential and power of artificial intelligence in transforming the future of eyecare. From building cutting-edge digital health tools to shaping global strategies at VSP and EssilorLuxottica, Dr. Nafey shares his journey, his perspective on the biggest breakthroughs in smart vision tech, and what eye care professionals need to know as the landscape rapidly evolves. This episode bridges clinical wisdom and AI innovation in a way only Dr. Nafey can.

    Some of the episode highlights are:

    1. How a passion for people led him to optometry
    2. His journey from clinic to tech founder and global advisor
    3. What sparked his obsession with innovation and AI
    4. The one technology he’s most excited about right now
    5. How smart tech is reshaping the future of eyecare
    6. Key challenges holding back innovation
    & more.

    Don’t miss the game segment where we get to know the lighter side of Dr. Nafey, in our "This or That" game segment.

    Connect with Dr. Masoud Nafey at
    🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-masoud-nafey/

    You can check all other episodes at www.nerdyoptometrist.com


    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations.

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • 83. Build, Grow, Transition, your eye care business with Erich Mattei
    Apr 18 2025

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erich Mattei, the dynamic President & CVO of Akrinos, LLC, a practice management consultancy dedicated to helping independent eye care professionals start, grow, and transition their private practices.
    Erich shares how he found his way into the world of optometry, the vision behind Akrinos (including the story behind its unique name), and how his team is transforming practices across North America. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and real-world strategies, Erich brings a fresh perspective to the business of optometry.

    Key Highlights:
    🔹 How Erich got introduced to the eye care industry
    🔹 The inspiration and mission behind Akrinos
    🔹 What makes Akrinos different and how it supports optometrists
    🔹 Business tips for starting, growing and sustaining eyecare practice
    🔹 Entrepreneurial challenges and key lessons learned
    🔹 A powerful takeaway message for eyecare entrepreneurs

    Don't miss the fun game segment where we get a glimpse of Erich’s life beyond the business.

    You can learn more about Erich Mattei and Akrinos:

    🔗 Website: www.akrinos.com
    🔗 LinkedIn: /in/erichmattei

    Listen to the full episode on your favorite streaming platform.

    Listen to the full episode on your favorite streaming platform.
    🎥 YouTube: https://lnkd.in/g8t3SSgq
    🌐 Website: www.nerdyoptometrist.com

    #OptometryBusiness #PrivatePracticeGrowth

    #EyeCareLeadership #Entrepreneurship #HealthcareInnovation

    #Podcast #Akrinos #ModernOptometry

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • 82. Stepping Stones: Pre-Reg optometry journey from India to UK with Optom. Zulfikar Barodawala
    Mar 7 2025

    In this episode, I had a pleasure of speaking with Optom. Zulfikar Barodawala, a dedicated optometrist transitioning from India to the UK. Currently pursuing pre-registration training with Boots Opticians, he shares his journey, challenges, and insights on becoming a UK-registered optometrist.

    Zulfikar has over five years of experience as a Consulting Optometrist and Speciality Contact Lens Consultant in India. He co-founded Prizmatic Visionary Solutions and the Online Optom Learning Series, empowering optometric professionals globally. His creative pursuits include graphic design, photography, and social media marketing.



    Key Highlights of the Episode:

    • Journey into Optometry: How Zulfikar discovered his passion for eye care.
    • Why the UK?: Reasons behind choosing the UK for career growth.
    • Application Process: Steps to pursue optometry in the UK.
    • Challenges Faced: Adapting to new clinical, cultural, and regulatory environments.
    • Return on Investment (ROI): Insights on career prospects and personal growth.
    • Final Takeaway: Advice for aspiring optometrists eyeing a similar journey.

      Don't miss out the game segment where we learn a lot more about our guest and what he loves.

      You can learn more about Optom. Zulfikar;

      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/optometrist-zulfikar/
      OOLS Website: https://www.youtube.com/@SKOptics_OOLS
      PVS Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prizmatic-visionary-solutions

      #Immigration #EyeCare #Entrepreneurship #UKOptometry #PreReg #Podcast


      Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • 81. Augmenting the way we see with Dr. Fayiz Mahgoub
    Nov 29 2024

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Fayiz Mahgoub, optometrist, tech entrepreneur, and founder of Augmented Vision Labs, a groundbreaking company focused on solving problems in eye care with technology. Dr. Mahgoub shares his inspiring journey from optometrist to industry leader, shedding light on his innovative work to solve the problem of contact lens dropout using cutting-edge technology.

    Tune in to hear about Dr. Mahgoub's passion for merging technology with healthcare, his entrepreneurial journey, and the challenges he faced along the way. Plus, don't miss the surprise game segment that adds a fun twist to this insightful conversation!

    Join us for a candid conversation about:

    • Learn about his journey from optometrist to entrepreneur
    • Motivation behind starting Augmented Vision Labs
    • Key insights on collaborating with tech giant like Amazon to revolutionize eye care
    • The major challenges faced in building a tech-driven healthcare business

    &much more

    Don't miss out the game segment where we learn a lot more about our guest and what he loves.

    You can learn more about Dr. Fayiz Mahgoub

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fayizmahgoub/
    Website: https://augmentedvisionlabs.com/

    #AugmentedVision #EyeCareInnovation #TechInHealthcare #Entrepreneurship #Optometry #VisionTech #TechGiants #HealthTechRevolution #Podcast

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • 80. The Aesthetic Optometrist: Merging Vision Care & Beauty with Dr. Jennifer Tabiza
    Oct 30 2024

    In this episode, we explore the unique journey of Dr. Tabiza, who has successfully blended optometry and the world of aesthetics. From discovering a passion for eye care to becoming an accomplished aesthetician, Dr. Tabiza shares insights and experiences that will inspire aspiring professionals.

    We delve into how to get started in the dual fields of eye care and skin care, highlighting essential tips for those venturing into this industry. Discover the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology and AI into your practice, as well as the major roadblocks faced along the way.

    Join us for a candid conversation about:

    1. The serendipitous path that led our guest to eye care and aesthetics
    2. Key steps and considerations for offering skincare, eye care, and spa services
    3. Innovative technologies shaping modern clinics and enhancing patient care
    4. Valuable lessons learned from overcoming challenges in this evolving field

    & much more..

    Don't miss out the game segment where we learn a lot more about our guest and what he loves.

    You can learn more about Dr. Tabiza :

    LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenntabiza/

    Visit: www.nerdyoptometrist.com to checkout all the episodes.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • 79. Seizing the Moment - An entrepreneurial insight on AI & Eye care with Ehsan Vaghefi
    Sep 2 2024

    In this episode, we dive into the world of AI in eye care with Ehsan Vangefi, entrepreneur and Associate Professor of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence in Optometry and Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland. With a distinguished career marked by over 45 peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 patents, and more than $10M in research grants, Ehsan shares his extensive expertise and entrepreneurial journey. Together with his co-founder, Dr. David Squirrell, Ehsan launched Toku Eyes in 2018, which has since attracted over $11M in VC funding and is backed by major industry players like Topcon Healthcare and NVI. Tokus’ AI platform is revolutionizing eye care in clinics across the US, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand. They are building an AI solution beyond eyecare.

    Some of the episode highlights include:

    1. Journey into Eye Care: Discover how Ehsan’s personal story led him to building a revolutionary solution in eye care and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

    2. Professional Milestones: Ehsan discusses how his academic background helped him become a passionate entrepreneur

    3. The Toku Story: Learn the inspiration behind the name Toku Eyes and how Ehsan and Dr. David Squirrell turned their vision into a groundbreaking AI platform.

    4. Entrepreneurial Challenges: "If not me then who and if not now then when"? Ehsan opens up about the hurdles he faced in his entrepreneurial journey and the key lessons learned along the way.

    5. AI and the Future of Eye Care: Gain insights into how AI is transforming eye care and Ehsan’s perspective on the future of healthcare technology and innovation.

    Don't miss out the game segment where we learn a lot more about our guest and what he loves.

    You can learn more about Eshan and Toku :

    LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehsan-vaghefi-2495b08b/
    Website: https://tokueyes.com/usa/

    Visit: www.nerdyoptometrist.com to checkout all the episodes.

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • 78. The Science of Seeing with myopia expert Dr. Pavan Verkicharla
    Aug 9 2024

    Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of myopia researcher Dr. Pavan Verkicharla, a leading scientist at the L V Prasad Eye Institute, India. He has a B.Sc. in Optometry, a PhD from Queensland University of Technology, and post-doctoral research experience from Singapore Eye Research Institute. With over 60 publications, he has received the "Bernard Gilmartin Award" and the "INSPIRE Faculty Award." Dr. Verkicharla leads the Infor Myopia Centre and is an ambassador for the International Myopia Institute. Dr. Verkicharla shares insights into his journey from optometry student to renowned myopia researcher, his impactful work in the myopia field, and the exciting future of myopia management.

    Some episode highlights include:

    1. Discovering Eye Care: How Dr. Verkicharla's journey into eye care began.
    2. Professional Journey: From optometry student to leading myopia researcher at L V Prasad Eye Institute.
    3. Opportunities in India: Unique research and career opportunities within the Indian context.
    4. Innovative Myopia Control: Cutting-edge strategies and initiatives at the Infor Myopia Centre.
    5.Program for all: Learn about how he has developed myopia management programs for students, practitioners and end users.
    6. Future Insights: Upcoming innovations and the future of myopia management.

    Don't miss out the game segment where we learn a lot more about our guest and what he loves.

    You can learn more about Dr. Pavan and the initiatives at LVPEI :

    LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavan-kumar-verkicharla-9b942237/

    Website: https://imarc.lvpei.org/

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins