AI in Optometry: Reducing Burnout and Restoring Patient Connection

AI in optometry is opening a conversation about how doctors spend their time—and how much of that time reaches the patient. Between administrative demands, staff questions and the daily work of running an office, meaningful patient interaction can become squeezed by the responsibilities surrounding it. For optometrists experiencing burnout, greater efficiency matters most when it creates room for a more satisfying way to practice. In this Defocus Media episode, Dr. Steve Vargo joins Dr. Darryl Glover to explore that connection. Drawing on his consulting experience and his book, Human-Centered AI , Dr. Vargo explains how simpler systems, accessible practice knowledge, and thoughtful technology use can help reduce operational friction. His central concern is what doctors can do with the time they recover: strengthen patient relationships, lead their teams, and enjoy life beyond the office. Optometrist Burnout: The Work Surrounding Patient Care For Dr. Vargo, the discussion begins with an experience he remembers clearly. After arriving at work one morning, he sat in his parking space for 10 minutes, reluctant to go inside. That moment informs how he approaches doctors who are struggling. A conversation that initially appears to be about practice growth may reveal a more personal goal