The Mindset Advantage Poker Podcast 172 - Dr. Bryce Appelbaum - Why Poker Players Lose Focus & the Vision Skill That Fixes It
Jan 13, 2026
Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a neuro-optometrist specializing in performance vision, reshapes our understanding of sight in relation to brain function. He highlights how functional vision impacts attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation, especially under pressure. The discussion also covers how screen exposure can hinder poker performance due to fatigue and reduced peripheral awareness. Bryce introduces quick exercises like the 20-20-20 rule and Eye Pushups to combat visual stress, emphasizing that optimizing the eye-brain connection is essential for peak mental performance.
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Vision Is Brain, Not Just Eyesight
- Vision is a brain process, not just eyesight clarity measured by charts.
- Functional vision reflects how the brain filters, stores and uses visual input.
NBA Draft Pick Transformed By Vision Training
- An NBA draftee ranked low on vision testing became a much better player after vision training.
- Bryce took him from 'kindergarten level' visual development to late-teen functioning with targeted exercises.
Visual Processing Is Core To Poker
- Poker heavily depends on visual processing skills like peripheral awareness and visual memory.
- Under pressure vision tunnels and degrades decision-making and situational awareness.