In this episode of Nerdy Optometrist, I sit down with Colton Calandrella, Co-Founder and CEO of Barti, for a conversation that goes beyond software and gets to the heart of why eye care technology needs a serious rethink.

Colton is one of those rare founders who leads with both purpose and precision. Before Barti, he built software for Fortune 500 companies at Bain, launched an AI venture inside an accelerator, created a startup that reduced airport wait times, and even began his career as a teacher—supporting high school students in math and special education. That diverse journey deeply shapes how he’s approaching problems in eye care today.

In our conversation, we explore:
👁️ How Colton first found his way into eye care
🚀 The story behind Barti and how the company got its name
🤖 How AI is changing the day-to-day reality for eye care practitioners
📉 What practices often underestimate about the cost of outdated EHR systems
⚡ Common misconceptions about EHRs—and about Barti specifically
📈 Real success stories and how easily practices can transition to modern systems
🔮 What the future of eye care could look like when innovation is done right

We also wrap things up with a rapid-fire round, where Colton shares founder habits, favorite reads, travel picks, and a few things you might not expect.

🎁 Special Listener Perk: https://barti.com/nerdy-optometrist
Barti is offering something special for the Nerdy Optometrist community.
👉 Use promo code NERDY, book a demo, and receive a $50 gift card.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Nerdy Optometrist so you never miss a conversation shaping the future of eye care.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations.

#EyeCareInnovation #AIinEyeCare #DigitalHealth #Optometry #HealthTech #StartupStories #NerdyOptometrist #Barti

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In this episode of Nerdy Optometrist, we welcome Dr. Melissa Barnett — world-renowned optometrist, educator, author, certified coach, and host of the Clearly KC podcast.

Dr. Barnett shares her journey from clinical excellence in dry eye disease, specialty and scleral lenses, keratoconus, and presbyopia to embracing coaching, mindful leadership, and wellness as a new avenue for impact.

We discuss what inspired her transition, how mindfulness works in today’s competitive healthcare landscape, the real benefits coaching offers optometrists and professionals, and success stories from her clients. She also opens up about the challenges she faced while building this path and the lessons learned along the way.

Recognized with honors such as the Legends Award, Scleral Lens Practitioner of the Year, and named one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical, Dr. Barnett continues to shape the future of eye care and leadership.

Key Takeaways:
• Dr. Barnett’s transition into coaching and mindful leadership
• How wellness and leadership create sustainable success in practice
• Real-world benefits of coaching for optometrists and professionals
• Success stories, challenges, and honest lessons from her journey
• A powerful final takeaway message for anyone seeking growth
& more…

And don’t miss the fun finale, our “This or That” game segment, where we get to know Dr. Barnett beyond the titles!

Follow us for more inspiring conversations at the intersection of eye care, leadership, and innovation.

You can explore all episodes at www.nerdyoptometrist.com
Checkout Alpine Blue Coaching to learn more : https://alpinebluecoaching.info/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations.

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Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gopinath Madeswaran, an award-winning optometrist, clinician, educator, and researcher who has made remarkable contributions to the field of optometry and healthcare research. From being a gold medalist at the Elite School of Optometry and Manipal Academy of Higher Education to mentoring hundreds through Opto Research Consultancy Services, Dr. Gopinath’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

He shares how he first discovered optometry, his evolution from clinician to accomplished researcher, and what led him to establish his own research consultancy. Dr. Gopinath also opens up about his mission “to contribute to research, teaching, and impart evidence-based practice for healthcare professionals.”

One of the most exciting parts of this conversation: how he embraced AI while many remain fearful of it — and how AI tools have transformed his work, productivity, and approach to research.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how Dr. Gopinath transitioned from clinician to respected researcher and mentor
• Learn why he chose to become a research consultant and how he built a thriving consultancy
• Hear how embracing AI (instead of fearing it) has empowered his research and teaching
• Insights into his favorite AI tools and his vision for the future of research and optometry
• Roadblocks, reality checks, and honest lessons from his personal journey
  & more...

Don’t miss the fun finale where we get to know Dr. Gopinath on a lighter note in our "Rapid Fire" segment!

Connect with Dr. Gopinath at optoresearch2022@gmail.com.
Follow us for more inspiring conversations.
You can check out all other episodes at www.nerdyoptometrist.com
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. Please leave me a review if you enjoyed my episodes.