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Shows

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 35: Stronger Together: Collaborative Care for KeratoconusIn 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. 2025-05-2513 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 34-Rethinking Rare: Raising Awareness and Rewriting the Keratoconus NarrativeIn 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 u...2025-04-1718 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 33 - Keratoconus and Creativity: An Award-Winning Artist's JourneyIn 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. 2025-02-0518 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 32 - Empathy in Keratoconus Care: Dr. Jay Mashouf's ApproachIn 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. 2024-12-1217 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 31 - Innovations in Keratoconus CareClearly 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...2024-11-0514 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 30 - Contact Lens DropoutClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD welcomes Dr. Fayiz Mahgoub OD the founder of Augmented Vision Labs a company that is utilizing cutting edge technology to help end contact lens dropout due to difficulty with lens application and removal. 2024-10-0716 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 29 - Collaborative Eye CareClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD welcomes Dr. Justin Schweitzer OD from Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, SD to discuss co-management of keratoconus patients. Dr. Schweitzer notes he practices in a tertiary eyecare setting, and local optometrists regularly refer patients for testing, treatment, or surgery. Dr. Schweitzer acts as the conduit between community optometrists and the Vance Thompson Vision surgeons. He reports successful collaboration usually means the patient returns to the referring doctor for post-operative care. He emphasizes the benefit of educating patients about their treatment options and stresses the importance of communication between referring doctors to assu...2024-07-3019 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 28 - Contact Lens QuestionsClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD checks in with Dr. Karen DeLoss OD of the Kellogg Eye Center at University of Michigan and reads questions collected from keratoconus patients. Dr. DeLoss offers some brand name solutions that she recommends and cautions that not all solutions work for all lenses. She reveals she quizzes her patients on their lens management techniques and uses these sessions to find out if her patients have developed any bad habits or gaps in understanding. For the patient who says she can’t insert her scleral lens, Dr. DeLoss encourages the patient to keep try...2024-07-1519 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 27 - Debunking KC MythsClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD explodes some myths with crosslinking expert Dr. William Trattler MD, of the Center for Excellence in Eye Care in Miami. He shares that patients with extremely thin corneas can be successfully crosslinked if the surgeon makes some adjustments in the treatment protocol. While most crosslinked patients will not need a second procedure, he observed that a repeat treatment can be safely performed if progression is suspected. Another myth debunked is that disease progression stops at age 40. Dr. Trattler reported seeing progression in older patients, often after years of no change, reinforcing the need...2024-07-0118 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 26 - The LensBase InventorClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD visits with Mark Morarie, inventor of The LensBase, a useful device that helps patients insert scleral lenses. Mark remembers receiving the keratoconus diagnosis after his near perfect vision declined. His vision improved with scleral lenses, but he struggled with applying his lenses. Over several years, he tinkered with designs to produce an aid for contact lens wearers. Now an FDA registered medical device, The LensBase is portable, clean, stylish, low tech and gentle on the eye. Designed by a keratoconus patient and scleral lens user, anyone who dreads putting lenses in should listen...2024-04-2919 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 25 - Social Media InfluencerClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD spends some time with Ash Arellanes, digital content creator and enthusiastic KC advocate. Ash shares her journey of vision loss until she finally was diagnosed with keratoconus. She remembers how she experienced relief to finally have an answer along with confusion and loneliness of having a condition she knew nothing about. Ash had an existing online presence for her dog, Demi, and she started using her social media to share stories of life with keratoconus. Through her TikTok account, @demi_the_vlog_dog, Ash educates and entertains her 320,000 followers, including many in the...2024-04-0115 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 24 - Insights from a Patient/ScientistClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD welcomes colleague Dr. Jason Marsack PhD from the University of Houston, where his lab is engaged in correcting higher order aberrations. Dr. Marsack shared his story of a keratoconus diagnosis while a college student and his vow to apply his engineering skills to improving the vision of others. He and Dr. Barnett discuss isolation, empathy and the “KC Personality” which he observes may be the search for answers and frustration with the technology gap that many patients experience. He is encouraged by advances in KC treatments and the dedication of scientists and practiti...2024-03-1123 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 23 - Recollections of Carl DomkeClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD chats with Carl Domke of McKinney, Texas. Carl is the winner of the 2023 World KC Day Photo Contest with a photo collage that celebrates improved vision with contact lenses. The 80-year old photographer shared what it was like to be diagnosed with KC in 1959 and how, as a high school sophomore, he was given contact lenses that ‘changed his life’ and made it possible to continue his education. Carl also shares the story of waiting for donor tissue and his 3-day stay at Wills Eye Hospital where he had a corneal transplant 20 years l...2024-03-0416 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 22 - Tips & Tricks from Wellness AdvocateClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD meets up with Myeisha Essex of Los Angeles to discuss tips, tricks and hacks to simplify life with keratoconus. Myeisha shares her KC journey from diagnosis during graduate school to her career as an entertainment journalist. Her eye doctor convinced Myeisha to refocus on her vision health, and she left long days under bright studio lights to start Essex Media Group and to work as a meditation and wellness coach. Since she has transitioned to a mindfulness advocate, Myeisha has learned to slow down and pay attention to life’s lessons. In their co...2024-02-2720 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 21 - Cornwall IllustratorClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD visits with Poppy McCabe, a recent graduate of Falmouth University in England. Poppy was runner-up in the 2023 World KC Day Photo Contest. Her submission shows her at her final art exhibit at school. Investigating symptoms associated with her Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Poppy learned keratoconus was the source of her vision struggles. She used her diagnosis as inspiration for an installation that invites viewers to experience the visual distortions that accompany keratoconus. Through graphic design, Poppy found a way to channel her creativity to raise diseases awareness. 2024-02-1215 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 20 - Down syndromeClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD asks Dr. Ann Ostrovsky MD about managing the care of individuals with Down syndrome who are diagnosed with keratoconus. Dr. Ostrovsky who is chief of ophthalmology at ECU Health in Greenville, North Carolina stresses the importance of avoiding eye rubbing and scheduling regular eye exams to monitor for vision changes. She notes that it can sometimes be difficult to get reliable test results and shares tips to make these patients more comfortable. Dr. Ostrovsky notes the importance of working with parents or caregivers who are vested in optimizing their child’s eye healt...2024-01-2917 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 19 - Inspirational South Africa TeacherClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD welcomes Dylan Muyambo of Cape Town, South Africa. For the 2023 World KC Day Photo Contest, Dylan submitted a joyful picture with his students on a field trip. Dylan shares with Dr. Barnett how he struggled with his vision from a young age, was diagnosed with severe keratoconus at age 9, and underwent corneal transplants in both eyes by the time he was 20. Dylan admits because of his poor vision, he relies on attentive listening and believes keratoconus motivated him to a career in education. 2024-01-2218 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 18 - PubtometryClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD invites Dr. Araba Otoo OD to talk about pubtometry – a word Dr. Otoo uses to describe the intersection of optometry and public health. Ghana-born Otoo is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry; she started Cherish Eyesight & Vision, a nonprofit whose mission is to increase vision health literacy and educate the public about eye conditions. Partnering with NKCF, Otoo and her global team of animators created short entertaining videos about keratoconus as part of the Vision Tales project. To watch Cherish Eyesight Vision Tales, visit https://www...2024-01-0820 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 17 - Higher Order AberrationsClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD sits down with keratoconus guru Dr. Christine Sindt OD, from University of Iowa for a discussion of higher order aberrations (HOA), a common concern of individuals with keratoconus. Dr. Sindt notes doctors have sympathized with their patients who complain of halos or double vision but until recently could do little to fix the problem. While the technology is still in its infancy, Dr. Sindt reports understanding of how to correct for the complicated optics that cause glare and ghosting are better appreciated. Within a few years, she is confident contact lenses will be...2024-01-0219 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 16 - InnovationsClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD is joined by ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Greenstein MD and optometrist Dr. John Gelles OD, partners at the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute in New Jersey. Dr. Gelles shares results of wave front guided scleral lenses, an emerging technology that creates a 3-D model of the cornea to craft individualized contacts. Dr. Greenstein spoke of CTAK (corneal tissue addition keratoplasty) a new surgical procedure that adds biocompatible donor tissue to reshape corneas, improving vision and contact lens comfort. Drs. Barnett, Gelles and Greenstein recounted their curation of the 2023 Keratoconus Education Initiative, a c...2023-12-2519 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 15 - A Need for Pediatric ScreeningClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD catches up with KC expert Dr. Andy Morgenstern OD who shares that his career in keratoconus was inspired when he first had access to pentacam tomography, a technology that visualizes the back (posterior) of the cornea. He also spoke of a soon-to-be published paper that used tomography to screen Chicagoland students to reveal the prevalence of pediatric KC in the US is much higher than previously predicted. As co-founder of International Keratoconus Academy for Eye Care Professionals, Dr. Morgenstern shared details of the upcoming IKA symposium for optometrists and ophthalmologists o...2023-12-1123 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 14 - An Invisible DisabilityClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD celebrates World KC Day with returning patient and health advocate Rachel Dungan. They discuss keratoconus as an invisible disability that others may not perceive or appreciate. Rachel declares that KC makes her move through the world and pick up cues from others differently. The two also assess the importance of not letting KC hold you back, even if it means taking extra steps to achieve your goal. They discuss the importance of trusting yourself and communicating changes in health and vision with your doctor in order to find the right treatment options. 2023-11-2719 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 13 - The Future of CrosslinkingClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD chats with Sacramento-based cornea surgeon Dr. Sam Lee MD. Dr. Lee has performed corneal crosslinking since the procedure earned FDA approval in 2016. He described the procedure in detail and noted the results are quite good, with only 1-5% of patients needing retreatment and emphasized the importance of crosslinking as soon as there is any evidence of progression. Dr. Lee and Dr. Barnett ended with a comparison of epi-on versus epi-off protocols, and Dr. Lee predicted that the future would bring less invasive and more individualized crosslinking techniques to treat keratoconus. 2023-11-1317 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 12 - Pregnancy & KeratoconusClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD visits with Dr. Suzanne Sherman OD, Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Tampa’s University of South Florida. Dr. Sherman and Dr. Barnett discuss the impact of estrogen and progesterone on vision. Increased hormone level resulting from pregnancy can lead to many changes in the body, including decreased stiffness in the cornea, increasing the bending and shifting that is common in keratoconus. Dr. Barnett agrees that doctors should educate all patients of the possibility of temporary vision changes during pregnancy and the post-partum period so that patients will not be alarm...2023-10-3016 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 11 – Patient Advocate Rachel DunganClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD visits with Rachel Dungan, a Director with Academy Health, a Washington DC policy institute. In 2016, Rachel’s short video, “How Do I Look?” was awarded first prize at the NKCF Film Festival. Since then, she has addressed lawmakers, clinicians, and health researchers about her keratoconus journey. Rachel shared her experience of living with undiagnosed KC and how it affected her confidence, her health, and her interactions with others. Rachel reflected that keratoconus impacted her career choice and led her to her present position advocating for more patient input and engagement in health research.2023-08-1422 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 10 – Dry Eye DiseaseClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD and Dr. Daddi Fadel, DOptom celebrate Dry Eye Awareness month by answering listener questions. Dr. Fadel is a clinician scientist at the University of Waterloo in Canada and co-author of “Clinical Guide for Scleral Lens Success” with Dr. Barnett. Dr. Fadel observes that a majority of individuals with keratoconus also suffer from dry eye disease. She describes the different types of dry eye and how the tear film bathes and nourishes the ocular surface. Dr. Barnett mentions several new and existing products available to manage dry eye. 2023-07-3118 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 9 - Law Professor Louis KaraolisClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD visits with Louis Karaolis LLB, PhD, professor, Head of Law, and Director of Academic Affairs at Cyprus Business School. An expert on EU law, he has been visiting lecturer at UK law schools, and law school admissions examiner at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Now splitting his time between London and Cyprus, Karaolis shares his experience of being diagnosed as a teenager and undergoing a corneal transplant at age 23. He shared the study of law entails endless reading of textbooks and journals and, at times, he wondered if he had chosen the wrong prof...2023-07-1021 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 8 -Professional Race Car Driver Joey GaseClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD was joined by Joey Gase, NASCAR Xfinity owner-driver and ambassador for National Keratoconus Foundation. Joey shared his story of wearing eyeglasses and contacts from an early age and becoming frustrated with frequent vision changes in his 20s. His eye doctor, unable to improve his vision beyond 20/40, diagnosed keratoconus, the cut-off for participating in NASCAR events. Gase talked about the impression molded scleral lenses he is now wearing and his efforts to educate fans about KC. Dr. Barnett and Gase share their experiences with organ, eye and tissue donation for loved ones. 2023-06-2617 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 7 - Corneal Transplantation and Eye BankingClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD and Dr. Jennifer Li MD, professor of ophthalmology from Univ. of California-Davis, and chair of the Eye Bank Association of America, discuss how corneal transplantation is undergoing changes with advances in surgical techniques. Dr. Li relayed how cornea tissue is prepared and sent to surgeons within days of a donor’s death for implantation. She reported that those who have undergone transplant for advanced keratoconus can expect to have many years with healthy transplanted tissue and noted the number of corneal transplants for keratoconus has dropped significantly since treatment options like corneal cros...2023-06-1220 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 6 - The ’So-Called’ KC PersonalityClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD and Dr. Muriel Schornack OD from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester debate if there is such a thing as a keratoconus personality. Individuals with KC tend to score differently on personality tests, but Dr. Schornack points out that the disease impact often comes in youth or young adulthood where coping mechanisms are not fully developed. KC can have a profound impact on an individual's ability to navigate life, yet the condition is invisible to observers. They agreed doctors need to listen and if a patient expresses anxiety or depression, referral to a men...2023-05-2621 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 5 - Age & Prognostic ValueClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD visits Dr. Marguerite McDonald MD, a legendary clinician scientist. Dr. McDonald offered her take on impact of age on disease. She finds that younger patients tend to have more aggressive disease and it is important to treat quickly in order to save vision. A second group exists with a slow, mild version and many of these older patients only learn of their keratoconus when planning cataract surgery. Dr. McDonald said these patients generally need no additional treatment as ‘Father Time’ has stabilized their corneas. Drs. Barnett and McDonald also discuss advances in the cross...2023-05-2318 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 4 - AllergiesClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD visits Dr. Hae Young Aaron Song MD, a board-certified allergist from Orange County, CA. Dr. Song discusses two types of environmental allergies: seasonal, referring to pollen, grasses and weeds linked to the local landscape, and perennial, year-round allergens like animal dander and dust mites. He talked about testing to identify specific allergies and noted that about 20% of the population suffers from ocular allergies. For individuals affected by keratoconus, Dr. Song reported there are several inexpensive and effective over the counter remedies to control ocular and nasal symptoms that can trigger eye rubbing. 2023-04-1821 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 3 - Scleral LifeClearly KC podcast host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD talks with Jeff, diagnosed with KC in 2007. He recounts vision changes after college that drove him to an eye doctor where he learned his diagnosis. He tells of trying different options and then giving up when there seemed to be no hope of vision improvement. Jeff describes getting scleral lenses in 2013 as life changing. Very satisfied with his vision now, he talks about the years lost when he was uninformed about keratoconus and unmotivated to continue looking for a solution. His message, not to give up hope, is one that he share...2023-04-0319 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 2 - Prevalence and GeneticsClearly KC host Dr. Melissa Barnett OD chats with Dr. Barry Eiden OD of Chicago. Dr. Eiden discusses prevalence of keratoconus, and the fact that rather than a rare, orphan disease, we are learning that KC is relatively common. He talks about genetics and genetic testing. Drs. Barnett and Eiden consider the need for technology that would permit primary eye care doctors to screen their patients for keratoconus and encouraging early intervention. Dr. Eiden, founder of the International Keratoconus Academy, previewed the Keratoconus Conference for eyecare professionals scheduled for April 2023. 2023-04-0122 min

Clearly KC PodcastEpisode 1 - WelcomeThe host of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett OD, and Mary Prudden, Director of National Keratoconus Foundation invite the audience to join them for a podcast focused on keratoconus, a disease of the cornea. Dr. Barnett noted the prevalence of this condition is much higher than originally believed; because more people are diagnosed with keratoconus (or KC), more people have questions about their vision and eye health. Clearly KC will address myths and misunderstanding about KC. Dr. Barnett will address who gets keratoconus and what treatments are available and she'll be inviting other experts to join her, as well as...2023-03-2709 min