In 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.

In 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 urgent need for earlier screening, greater awareness, and better access to care.

Dr. Harthan also discusses the wide range of specialty contact lens options now available for patients with keratoconus and the importance of setting realistic expectations. From corneal shape and lens materials to dry eye management and midday fogging, she offers clinical pearls for both practitioners and patients alike.

Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or someone living with keratoconus, this episode is full of actionable insights—and a reminder that no one should face keratoconus alone.

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In 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.

In 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.

Clearly 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 enrolling at 26 sites in the United States.

Clearly 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.

Clearly 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 assure patients are appropriately managed.

Clearly 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 trying: there will be a great pay-off if the patient perseveres.