In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes dry eye expert Dr. Tracy Doll, Director of Ocular Surface Care Services at Sunset Eye Clinic in Oregon. Dr. Doll shares her signature "Clean, Calm, Protect" approach to treating chronic dry eye and ocular surface disease—especially in individuals with keratoconus.

They explore how inflammation, corneal nerves, lifestyle habits, contact lenses, and even cosmetics influence comfort and visual clarity. Whether it’s diagnosing lid disease, coaching through contact lens challenges, or tackling makeup myths, Dr. Doll provides practical strategies to empower patients and elevate care.

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Dr. David Piñero, associate professor at the University of Alicante in Spain and one of the world’s leading experts in corneal topography. With over 450 published papers and a deep passion for improving keratoconus care, Dr. Piñero shares his insights on artificial intelligence, early detection, and the evolution of scleral lenses. Together, they explore how emerging technologies and patient-centered communication are reshaping the keratoconus journey.

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Professor Adi Einan-Lifshitz, a leading cornea and cataract surgeon from Israel’s Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center. They explore innovative approaches to managing keratoconus, including a groundbreaking study on perceptual learning that may improve vision in patients with stable KC. From early diagnosis and cross-linking strategies to the potential of brain-based training, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and points to new possibilities in patient care.

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett connects with Dr. Sam Garg, Vice Chair of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, about collaborative care in keratoconus management. They discuss patient expectations, cross-linking, specialty contact lenses, and how optometrists and ophthalmologists can work together to provide seamless, high-quality collaborative care.

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett sits down with Dr. Jennifer Harthan, Professor at the Illinois College of Optometry, Chief of the Cornea and Contact Lens Center, and the newly appointed Executive Director of the GP Lens Institute.

Together, they explore the power of education, research, and patient-centered care—especially when it comes to keratoconus. Dr. Harthan shares insights from a groundbreaking study conducted in a pediatric clinic in Chicago, which found keratoconus prevalence to be as high as 1 in 334—much higher than previously reported. The episode explores the implications of these findings, highlighting the urgent need for earlier screening, greater awareness, and better access to care.

Dr. Harthan also discusses the wide range of specialty contact lens options now available for patients with keratoconus and the importance of setting realistic expectations. From corneal shape and lens materials to dry eye management and midday fogging, she offers clinical pearls for both practitioners and patients alike.

Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or someone living with keratoconus, this episode is full of actionable insights—and a reminder that no one should face keratoconus alone.

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In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett features Rocky Kelley, an artist and passionate keratoconus advocate who won the senior category in our most recent World Keratoconus Day contest. The episode delves into Rocky’s journey as an artist living with keratoconus and the inspiration behind his winning artwork, Shattered.

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett interviews Dr. Jay Mashouf, an experienced optometrist and owner of Scripps Poway Eye Care in San Diego. Dr. Mashouf shares his approach to managing keratoconus (KC), emphasizing the importance of compassionate communication, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans, including options like crosslinking and scleral lenses. He also highlights the value of collaborating with specialists to provide comprehensive care.

Clearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes the Chief Medical Officer at Epion Therapeutics Dr. Michael Belin, and VP Clinical Operations at Epion Therapeutics Tiffany Haynes to discuss advances in keratoconus diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Bellin highlights the importance of early detection and intervention, made possible by modern imaging tools like corneal tomography. The conversation also covers Epion’s Phase 3 clinical trial of EpiSmart, a new epithelium-on crosslinking intended to preserve the cornea’s surface, reduce discomfort, speed up recovery time, and minimize the risk of scar formation and infection. Tiffany explains how patients can join the clinical trial, currently enrolling at 26 sites in the United States.