Aaron Werner welcomes Dr. Ben Thayil for a thoughtful conversation on refraction, identity, leadership, and the evolving role of the modern optometrist. Together they explore whether too much weight is placed on refraction, how doctors can unintentionally tie their identity to one task in the exam lane, and why the real value of care goes far beyond a prescription. From patient problem-solving and practice systems to change management and internal confidence, this episode looks at what truly defines an optometrist and the lasting impact doctors have on patients’ lives.

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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Wolfe discusses the Vision Source D25 program with Mick Kling, exploring its origins, benefits, and how it fosters community and value among independent optometrists. Discover how the program reinvests in practices and strengthens the independent optometry community.

Chapters

00:00 Weather Talk and Introduction 01:11 Unpacking the D25 Program 02:04 The Origin Story of Vision Source 05:10 The Value of Community in Vision Source 09:30 Understanding the D25 Program 11:06 Member Dividends Explained 17:42 The Mechanics of D25 Participation 28:49 Future Opportunities and Closing Thoughts

resources

Vision Source Official Website - https://visionsource.com Insight Member Platform - https://visionsource.com/insight Mick Kling on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickkling/ Amir Kashnevis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirkashnevis/

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickkling/

---------------------- For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

"Aaron sits down with Dr. Kyle Klute to talk about what it really takes to build a stronger practice. They discuss why being busy is not the same as being effective, how better systems lead to better patient care, and why lasting growth comes from intentional mindset, clear metrics, and step-by-step implementation rather than quick fixes. It is a practical conversation about building pillars like myopia management, dry eye, and glaucoma care in a way that actually works.

Links referenced in the discussion: Kyle's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyledkluteod/ Practice Performance Partners - Comprehensive Optometry Simplified: https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/bundles/comprehensive-optometry-simplified ""Optometry Simplified"" Kyle's biweekly newsletter: https://optometrysimplified.com/" ----------------------

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

In this episode, we take an honest look at one of the habits many of us developed long before we ever became leaders; the instinct to give advice. For years I believed that being helpful meant having the answer. But what I’ve learned is that constantly giving advice may solve a momentary problem while quietly creating long-term dependence. Coaching, on the other hand, invites people to think, to grow, and to take ownership of their own solutions. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from being the person everyone comes to for answers or frustrated that the same problems keep showing up in your practice, this conversation will challenge the way you lead and offer a different path forward. If you want the 10 transformational questions that anchor whole-person coaching, download the Vision of Leadership Whole-Person Coaching Whitepaper. You can get your copy at: https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/products/digital_downloads/TVoLCoaching

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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

1. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/docs-land-nearly-400-million-first-year-controversial-2026a10006e8
2. https://www.eyecodeeducation.com/courses/appropriate-use-of-g2211-in-optometry

---------------------- For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?eventid=4970954&groupId=6158316&key=6D958B67035A8B4047B2FBD06AE4F38A&sessionid=1&sourcepage=register?partnerref=website&target=reg20.jsp

---------------------- For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

Dr. Katie Chu shares her journey from 30 years serving an immigrant community in the San Gabriel Valley to rediscovering purpose after COVID, divorce, and isolation. She breaks down how she “cleared the noise” through therapy tools, healthier friendships, and firmer boundaries—and how one bold decision created a ripple effect into a breakout year of creativity. Katie also unpacks the heart behind Chewie’s Bold Move, the music and lullabies tied to her books, and her big vision for a future “living masterclass” leadership retreat at sea.

Connect with Katie, get the books and hear the music: https://chuonwhatmatters.com/ Instagram: @katiewchu LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiechuod/

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Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision