Clearly KC Podcast

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Clearly KC, a podcast produced by the National Keratoconus Foundation, featuring information about life with this eye disease. Each month, Dr. Melissa Barnett OD, a leading authority shares valuable insights, speaks with medical professionals who treat this condition and listens to patients and families affected by keratoconus. Our goal is to share information to help you manage your keratoconus, seek out the best treatment options and live a full and productive life. Clearly KC is for patients, family members, and medical professionals interested in learning more about KC. This podcast is intended to provide general information about KC and should not be considered an alternative to medical consultation and treatment with your eyecare provider. Dr. Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS is an internationally recognized expert in keratoconus and other conditions that affect the cornea. She is Director of Optometry at University of California, Davis. National Keratoconus Foundation is the oldest and largest organization dedicated to raising awareness of the eye disease keratoconus. Although based out of University of California, Irvine, NKFC’s reach is truly international. To learn more, visit nkcf.org

Listen to episodes

39 recent

April 20, 2026Episode 3925 min

Episode 39: From Patient to Advocate: A Nurse Researcher's Story on Keratoconus

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Deidra Bonner, PhD candidate, registered nurse, and keratoconus patient advocate. Drawing from both her clinical background and personal experience, Deidra shares how her diagnosis shaped her path toward research focused on the quality of life of individuals living with keratoconus. Together, they explore the realities of delayed diagnosis, the life-changing impact of scleral lenses, and the often-overlooked emotional, social, and functional challenges that extend far beyond visual acuity. Deidra also introduces a holistic framework for understanding the patient experience and discusses the importance of communication, emergency preparedness, and advocacy in navigating life with keratoconus. This episode offers a powerful perspective on what it truly means to care for the whole patient—and why listening to the lived experience is essential to improving outcomes.

February 26, 2026Episode 3818 min

Episode 38: The Ocular Surface Equation: Strategies for Dry Eye and KC

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes dry eye expert Dr. Tracy Doll, Director of Ocular Surface Care Services at Sunset Eye Clinic in Oregon. Dr. Doll shares her signature "Clean, Calm, Protect" approach to treating chronic dry eye and ocular surface disease—especially in individuals with keratoconus. They explore how inflammation, corneal nerves, lifestyle habits, contact lenses, and even cosmetics influence comfort and visual clarity. Whether it’s diagnosing lid disease, coaching through contact lens challenges, or tackling makeup myths, Dr. Doll provides practical strategies to empower patients and elevate care.

January 15, 2026Episode 3715 min

Episode 37: AI, Insight, and Innovation: A New Era in Keratoconus Diagnosis

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Dr. David Piñero, associate professor at the University of Alicante in Spain and one of the world’s leading experts in corneal topography. With over 450 published papers and a deep passion for improving keratoconus care, Dr. Piñero shares his insights on artificial intelligence, early detection, and the evolution of scleral lenses. Together, they explore how emerging technologies and patient-centered communication are reshaping the keratoconus journey.

September 27, 2025Episode 3715 min

Episode 36: Broadening Horizons: Perceptual Learning in Keratoconus Management

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Professor Adi Einan-Lifshitz, a leading cornea and cataract surgeon from Israel’s Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center. They explore innovative approaches to managing keratoconus, including a groundbreaking study on perceptual learning that may improve vision in patients with stable KC. From early diagnosis and cross-linking strategies to the potential of brain-based training, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and points to new possibilities in patient care.

May 25, 2025Episode 3613 min

Episode 35: Stronger Together: Collaborative Care for Keratoconus

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.

April 17, 2025Episode 3518 min

Episode 34-Rethinking Rare: Raising Awareness and Rewriting the Keratoconus Narrative

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. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite app and download other episodes for offline listening anytime!

February 5, 2025Episode 3418 min

Episode 33 - Keratoconus and Creativity: An Award-Winning Artist's Journey

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.

December 12, 2024Episode 3317 min

Episode 32 - Empathy in Keratoconus Care: Dr. Jay Mashouf's Approach

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.

November 5, 2024Episode 3214 min

Episode 31 - Innovations in Keratoconus 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.

October 7, 2024Episode 3116 min

Episode 30 - Contact Lens Dropout

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.