Dr. Pam Theriot: Why Ocular Hygiene Deserves a Place on the TEDx Stage

When a two-year-old can tell you to brush their teeth, you know oral hygiene has become second nature. But ask them or most adults what it means to take care of their eyes, and you'll likely be met with silence.

That’s the exact issue Dr. Pam Theriot set out to change when she stepped onto the TEDx stage in Grandview Heights, Canada. A dry eye specialist with 24 years of experience and a TEDx Editors Pick under her belt, Dr. Theriot is on a mission to make ocular hygiene a mainstream conversation. And trust me, it’s one we need to be having.

A Career Built Across States and Against the Elements

Dr. Theriot’s journey is as unique as her message. Married to an Air Force pilot, she spent the first 20 years of her career rebuilding her patient base every 2 to 3 years as she moved across the United States, from dry deserts to icy New York winters.

Through it all, one thing remained consistent: her love for treating dry eye disease. “I suffered from it myself,” she shared. “Living in dry climates, running outside during marathon training, and trying to wear contact lenses, my own experience shaped the way I now care for patients.”

Working alongside corneal specialists in ophthalmology practices, she immersed herself in anterior segment care. Over time, she realized something powerful: dry eye disease isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a barrier to daily function, productivity, and comfort.

The Rise of Digital Eye Strain and What to Do About It

Fast forward to today, and digital eye strain has exploded. A 2024 study of 800 full-time workers revealed that 63 percent had at least one eye issue affecting their productivity. From fluctuating vision to eye fatigue, the modern workforce is blinking less, straining more, and looking for solutions, some as misguided as putting water in their eyes.

That’s where Dr. Theriot’s TEDx talk comes in. Although she couldn’t give medical advice from the stage, she did create a practical three-step framework for taking care of your eyes during the workday.

The 3 P’s of Ocular Hygiene: PREPARE, PERFORM, PRESERVE

PREPARE

Just like an athlete warms up, our eyes need prep before a full day on screens. That means optimizing lighting, adjusting monitor settings, and increasing font size for better readability.

PERFORM

Throughout the day, short “eye breaks” are critical. Dr. Theriot recommends blinking exercises, hydration via artificial tears or sprays, and even mini-stretches for your visual system.

PRESERVE

End the day by restoring and protecting your eyes. Think warm compresses, lid and lash cleansers, and omega-rich supplements to support long-term eye health.

For Eye Care Providers: Get Ready for the Wave

Dr. Theriot’s TEDx message ends with a simple call to action: “Schedule an eye exam.” If you're an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or member of an eye care team, now’s the time to prepare.

Here’s how:

Offer patient education on digital eye strain during wellness visits
Stock and recommend lid hygiene products, artificial tears, and nutritional supplements
Consider branding and distributing Dr. Theriot’s free digital eye strain handout, available at PamTheriot.com/TEDxOD
- You can customize it for your practice and use it in office, at health fairs, or during corporate outreach.

Eyes Are the Next Frontier of Wellness

Companies already offer standing desks, meditation apps, and healthy snacks, but what about eye care? Dr. Theriot encourages employers to:

Provide screen setup guides and ergonomic tips
Create break rooms with artificial tears next to the coffee
Invite optometrists to lead wellness workshops focused on eye health

“Meibography is now more accessible than ever,” she notes. “Let’s show patients the damage that’s already been done and help them prevent more.”

Final Thoughts from Dr. Pam Theriot

“I appreciate everyone who supports patients by encouraging them to schedule an eye exam,” she says. “And to thank you, please take advantage of the free resources I’ve created for clinics to download and use.”

Pam is passionate about collaboration. If you’re an eye care provider, reach out via PamTheriot.com, or connect on LinkedIn.

Resources

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