Optometric Insights

So you want to bring clinical research into your private practice but don't know where to start? 🎯

In this deep dive episode of The OI Show, Dr. Ashley Tucker goes beyond the highlight reel and into what it actually takes to build a successful clinical research site.

3 Big Lessons from the Episode:
1. Your niche is your leverage.
Dr. Tucker didn't chase research companies; they came to her because of her deep myopia management and specialty lens patient base.

2. You can't do it alone.
She quickly learned that high-quality research demands dedicated staff and rock-solid systems. You can't be the doctor, study coordinator, and recruiter all at once.

3. Don't overpromise on recruitment.
Negotiate your subject numbers. It's better to commit to 25 and enroll 30 than promise 50 and stall at 20.

If you've ever thought, "clinical research sounds amazing, but I'm not sure my practice is ready" this deep dive is for you.

Full conversation with Dr. Tucker — link in bio.

Seattle Eye Expo 2026. 🌟

We are so grateful to have been part of such an inspiring event. A heartfelt thank you to some of our incredible panelists: Dr. David Kading, Dr. Mile Brujic, Dr. Selina Mcgee, Dr. Jay Haynie, Dr. Kristi Kading, Dr. Sydney Kapp, and Dr. Dheri for sharing their knowledge, passion, and time with the optometric community.

Until next year!

Two years of development. One question that started it all: "Is there a simpler way to put these lenses in?"

That question repeated by scleral lens patients planted the seed for ScleralEase, a dual-purpose applicator and remover now patent pending and available through Contamac.

Dr. Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, recently shared the full story with Optometry Times, and a few things stand out for anyone who thinks about innovating in practice.

The first prototype was handmade. Literally cut-and-combined from two existing devices. You don't need a lab to start; you need a clear problem and the willingness to build something.

Patients validated it immediately. Early users loved the ergonomics, the intuitive grip, and critically, having one device instead of two. Patient feedback is your most honest R&D department.

The right partner matters more than infrastructure. Rather than building manufacturing from the ground up, Dr. Brujic partnered with Contamac, a company that already understood eye care. Know when to collaborate.

🔗Read the full Optometry Times feature: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/filling-the-gap-in-scleral-lens-application-with-scleralease

Most of what we do in the exam lane today is possible because someone before us fought for it.

On last week's episode of The OI Show, I sat down with Dr. Terri Gossard, National Medical Director for Clinical Integration at EyeCare Partners and Vice President of the AOA to discuss how organized optometry quietly shapes our daily clinical reality.

If you've ever thought "advocacy isn't my thing — I'm just a clinician," this episode might change your mind.

🎧 Full conversation with Dr. Gossard — link in bio.

Dr. Mile Brujic is presenting two lectures at CE Wire 2026 on Sunday, June 7th, and both are topics every OD needs on their radar.

🔬 Modern Technology — Leveraging it to Diagnose Glaucoma
June 7th @ 12:10 PM ET

👁️ Ocular Findings Are the Missing Puzzle Piece to Systemic Disease
June 7th @ 1:15 PM ET

📍 Join online at cewire.com
Save your spot and add both to your schedule.

Ocular Surface Disease is more than dry eye. 👁️

OSD is an umbrella term encompassing a spectrum of conditions including aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and conjunctivochalasis all of which compromise the integrity of the ocular surface.

For clinicians, recognizing OSD early means better patient outcomes, reduced surgical complications, and more targeted treatment planning.

Key diagnostic considerations:
• Tear osmolarity & MMP-9 testing
• Meibography for MGD assessment
• TFOS DEWS II diagnostic criteria
• Corneal staining patterns

Are you integrating a structured OSD workup into your practice? Share your approach in the comments. ⬇️