Residency is one of the most debated steps after optometry school. In this candid guide, Dr. Ryan Corte shares why you should or should not consider a residency, the real pros and cons including finances and timing, and lessons from his own year in ocular disease and primary care so you can choose with confidence.

Hospital based optometrist Dr. Gloria Chiu shares how persistence, mentorship, and specialty contact lenses shaped her 16 year career at USC Roski Eye Institute. From rebuilding an optometry service inside ophthalmology to mastering billing and collections, she explains how to prove your value, protect your time, and grow your impact. We also cover advocacy on Capitol Hill, mentoring the next generation, and the mindset shifts that turn early rejections into long term wins.

Dr. Kriti Bhagat’s journey in optometry is a powerful example of passion meeting purpose. From her academic roots at PCO to launching a cold start private practice specializing in specialty contact lenses, Kriti shares how resilience, mentorship, and advocacy have shaped her career. Her story is an inspiring reminder that optometry offers endless possibilities for those willing to carve their own path.

From humble beginnings as a curious undergrad to Dean of Student Affairs at ICO, Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh’s journey is a masterclass in intentional growth. In this episode, we reflect on testing assumptions, building a career in academia, and the future of optometry education.

Optometrists Dr. Nick Vu and Dr. Elizabeth Davis spent a year teaching in Vietnam and traveling to 28 countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica. From clinical labs to penguin encounters, their story is a bold example of living intentionally, embracing adventure, and making a global impact in optometry.

What does it mean to live a life that truly matters? In this episode of Ryan Reflects, Dr. Ben Thayil shares how defining your vision, leading with values, and investing in your team can transform your practice and your life.

Dr. Hardeep Kataria shares her journey from glaucoma to dry eye specialty, private practice, and the future of ocular aesthetics.

Navigating NBEO challenges, Josh Reese shares his optometry journey, exam struggles, and the need for transparency in testing.

Dr. Ryan Corte discusses YouTube, optometry, and education with Dr. Joseph Allen, aka Doctor Eye Health, on the Ryan Reflects podcast.

Dr. Ryan Corte answers the question "Why optometry?", including reasons you should consider becoming an optometrist yourself.