

EyeCode Media
Christopher Wolfe, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO
Digging Deep into Optometry
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 10, 2025 • 35min
AWP: A Vision for Vision with Prof John Nolan
"In this enlightening mini-episode, Aaron catches up with Professor John Nolan, a global leader in ocular nutrition research, for a compelling conversation on John's ""Vision For Vision"" philosopathy that spans the full human lifecycle—from early fetal development to peak athletic performance and aging brain health.
Prof. Nolan shares a powerful perspective on the vital role of carotenoids and omega-3s in supporting not just vision, but cognitive development, maternal health, and long-term neuroprotection. He explains how science is evolving beyond just disease prevention, moving toward optimizing health at every stage of life.
What we discuss:
• Why expecting mothers become depleted of carotenoids—and why it matters
• How nutrition impacts early brain and retina development
• The future of vision care: From AMD to athletes and military performance
• Why the concept of “cradle to the dance floor” is the new frontier of ocular and brain health
• A preview of the groundbreaking research to be presented at the Bond Conference (July 2025, Boston)
Don’t Miss!
If you’re attending the Vision Source Exchange (www.vstheexchange.com), mark your calendar for Prof. Nolan’s keynote sessions—this is one of the most forward-thinking voices in ocular science today.
"
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questions@eyecode-education.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

Apr 9, 2025 • 57min
AWP: “From Scrubs to Style: Eyewear, Fashion, and Practice Strategy with Mikki Collins”
"In this episode of the Aaron Werner Podcast on iCode Media, Aaron sits down with the dynamic and multifaceted Mikki Collins—a former surgical tech turned optical fashionista, ABO speaker, and industry insider. From the OR to the runway, Mikki shares her unique journey and dives into the evolving intersection of optical retail, fashion, patient experience, and practice growth.
What You’ll Learn:
• Mikki’s journey from ophthalmology surgical tech to optical fashion leader
• Why opticians should know the story behind the frame—and how to tell it
• What bespoke acetate is and why it matters in premium eyewear (yes, even Kate Spade!)
• The real role of frame reps—and how to partner better with them
• How AI tools like ChatGPT can help forecast trends and understand local demographics
• Using social media trends and retail experiences (TJ Maxx vs. Gucci!) to design your optical
• How to elevate your team’s communication, styling, and selling confidence
• Why “practice, not roleplay” can transform staff training
• Tips for masterclass binge-watching that actually helps your clinic
• Why it’s okay to say “we’re not for everyone”—and how to lean into your brand identity
Resources & Shoutouts:
• Optical Women’s Association (OWA)
• MasterClass picks: Salman Rushdie, Jocko Willink, Daniel Pink
• To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
• Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
• Vision Source (https://visionsource.com) FrameDream Program
• HubSpot Academy (https://academy.hubspot.com/) – Free sales & marketing courses
• Coursera (https://www.coursera.org) – Retail & psychology courses
Whether you’re an OD, optician, or part of the optical care team, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights on how to build a smarter, more stylish, and more strategic optical.
Contact Mikki Collins: Mikki.Collins@safilo.com"
________________________
questions@eyecode-education.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

Apr 7, 2025 • 18min
The Chris Wolfe Podcast: The Patient Is Not the Villain: Old Media, New Media, and the Case for Plain Talk
In this episode, Chris discusses the significance of scripting in patient communication and the evolving narrative of the doctor-patient relationship. He reflects on a media training session that highlighted the outdated view of patients as villains and emphasizes the need for authenticity in healthcare interactions. Chris contrasts old media practices with new media expectations, advocating for genuine conversations that prioritize patient needs and experiences. He encourages healthcare professionals to foster deeper connections with patients through open dialogue and to move away from scripted narratives that dehumanize the interaction.
https://beverlyhillspublishing.com/how-conventional-media-differs-from-new-media/
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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

Apr 2, 2025 • 56min
AWP: Evidence-Based Optometry: Behind the Scenes of AOA’s Clinical Practice Guidelines
Carl Urbanski and Andy Morgenstern, both second-generation optometrists, dive deep into AOA's Evidence-Based Optometry Committee. They unravel the importance of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and their evidence-first 14-step development process. Listeners learn how CPGs enhance patient care and why prevalence data should reshape scheduling approaches. They emphasize that CPGs are grounded solely in evidence, free from industry influence. The conversation also highlights the benefits for students and patients in engaging with these guidelines, enhancing clarity and quality in optometry.

Mar 31, 2025 • 13min
The Chris Wolfe Podcast:From Belief to Behavior: What IPL Data Tells Us About Dry Eye Management
In this episode of the Chris Wolfe Podcast, the discussion centers around the significant gap between beliefs and actual practices in optometry, particularly in managing dry eye disease. Chris Wolfe emphasizes the importance of structured evaluations and the integration of technologies like IPL to improve patient care. Through data from a workshop with vision source doctors, he highlights the need for practices to align their actions with their beliefs to enhance treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. The episode concludes with a call to action for practitioners to build effective systems that prioritize comprehensive care for dry eye disease.
https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/bundles/comprehensive-optometry-simplified
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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

Mar 29, 2025 • 20min
AWP: From Hero to Guide: Rethinking AMD Care and the Power of ForseeHome Monitoring
In this solo episode, Dr. Aaron Werner reflects on a powerful conversation between Dr. Chris Wolfe and Dr. Amanda Legge about at-home AMD monitoring with the ForeseeHome device. He shares a personal story about a missed opportunity in managing a patient’s dry AMD, and how that shaped his view on care and responsibility.
Key topics include:
- The shift from being the hero to becoming the guide in patient care
- Why ForeseeHome’s use of Vernier (hyper)acuity is a game-changer
- The importance of building clear, consistent protocols for AMD, dry eye, glaucoma, and other chronic conditions
- Why your entire care team should understand the “why” behind every process
A must-listen if you’re serious about elevating patient care and building processes that actually work.
Links in the show notes:
- Wolfe & Legge AMD discussion (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyecode-media/id1449429774?i=1000700551281)
- ForeseeHome info (http://notalvision.info/ECM)
- Comprehensive Optometry Simplified course (https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/bundles/comprehensive-optometry-simplified) from eyeCode Education Use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out
questions@eyecode-education.com
________________________
questions@eyecode-education.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

Mar 28, 2025 • 58min
AWP: Cold Start Success w/ Dr. Eric Baas: Education, Strategy & Private Practice Growth
"In this episode, Dr. Aaron Werner sits down with Dr. Eric Baas, co-founder of iCare Advisors, to discuss the realities of cold starting an optometric practice. They explore:
- Why education, not persuasion, is key for new ODs
- Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them
- The importance of team, process, and community
- How every cold start can look different based on goals and market
If you’re thinking about starting a practice—or just want to be inspired by smart strategy and passion for private practice—this one’s a must.
Dr Eric Baas can be reached at drbaas@icareadvisorsllc.com"
________________________
questions@eyecode-education.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

Mar 24, 2025 • 56min
The Chris Wolfe Podcast: Monitoring AMD From Home
In this episode, Dr. Amanda Legge and Barbara Benedict, VP of Strategy & Operations at Notal Vision, join Chris to explore the integration of remote patient monitoring technology in managing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They discuss the evolution of monitoring tools like ForeseeHome AMD Monitoring Program and their impact on early detection and proactive AMD management. The conversation delves into key aspects of remote monitoring, including patient education, training, financial considerations, and real-world applications. They also examine the future role of AI in transforming remote patient care and the broader healthcare landscape. This episode is sponsored by Notal Vision – a leader in remote monitoring solutions for AMD. Learn more at http://notalvision.info/ECM
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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

Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
AWP: Creating Efficiency with Virtual Team Members
Dr. Aaron Werner is joined by Dr. Audrey Raley and Trevor Mower to explore the power of virtual team members in optometric practices. They discuss:
- How virtual scribes reduce charting time
- The key to successfully onboarding remote staff
- Tasks virtual assistants can handle to improve efficiency
- Real-life success stories from practices using virtual team members
Click HERE to learn more about working with virtual team members from TEEM
Dr Audrey Raley info:
Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-r-8453b192/
Instagram - @doc_raley_od
drraley@icareadvisors.com
________________________
questions@eyecode-education.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

Mar 15, 2025 • 47min
AWP: Transforming Dry Eye Care with Lacrifill: Insights from Dr. Jenny Drake
Dr. Jenny Drake shares her experience with Lacrifill, an innovative hyaluronic acid-based punctal filler, and how it fits seamlessly into her well-established dry eye protocols. From primary care to advanced treatments, we disucss:
- How Jenny identifies dry eye patients
- The importance of creating a systematic approach to treating dry eye, starting with comprehensive exams and early interventions
- Integrating Lacrifill as a practical and patient-friendly option for dry eye management
- The power of team buy-in and getting your staff engaged in new treatments
- "Manipulating" patient experience (in the best possible way) to improve outcomes
- The impact of hyaluronic acid and why Lacrifill is a game-changer for both doctors and patients
We also disucss a poster presented by Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO at SECO 2025 "A novel gel may work better than punctal plugs for lacrimal occlusion" (https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/seco-2025-a-novel-gel-may-work-better-than-punctal-plugs-for-lacrimal-occlusion)
Tune in now! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the episode with fellow eye care professionals!
For more information on Lacrifill visit lacrifill.com
________________________
questions@eyecode-education.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


