In this Eye2Eye episode, I wanted to do something more personal and reflective. I’m sharing a poem that I’ve come back to time and time again throughout my life: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling.

It’s one of those pieces that seems to hit differently depending on where I’m at. I’ve turned to it during tough moments when I’ve needed a reset, but also during the highs as a reminder to stay grounded and keep my ego in check. For me, it’s not just a poem... it’s a blueprint for how to navigate life with a bit more clarity and intention.

In this episode I want to take a few minutes to reflect on some of the lines that resonate most with me. Lines about staying calm when everything around you feels chaotic, trusting your instincts even when others doubt you, and learning to treat both success and failure as temporary states rather than defining moments.

There are also lessons about being willing to take big swings, knowing that sometimes you might have to start over—and the importance of pushing forward even when you feel like you’ve got nothing left in the tank.

At the end of the day, this episode is really just a reminder (to myself as much as to anyone listening) that growth doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from staying steady, doing the work, and continuing to show up, no matter where you are in your journey.

Key Takeaway

1. Leadership starts with composure

When things feel chaotic, your ability to stay calm and steady is what sets the tone for everyone around you.

2. Success and failure are both temporary

Treating triumph and disaster as “imposters” helps you stay grounded and focused on the long game.

3. Progress requires courage and persistence

Taking risks, starting over when needed, and pushing forward—especially when it’s hard—is what ultimately drives growth.

If this episode gave you something to think about, shoot me a DM, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram or LinkedIn, and send it to someone who might need this reminder today!

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In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Meenal Agarwal, a multi-practice owner, speaker, podcast host, and now author of the upcoming book Stuck in a Flat World. But more than her resume, this conversation is about perspective.

We go deep into something many of us have noticed in clinic but haven’t fully connected the dots on… why patients (especially kids) are changing. Less eye contact. More anxiety. Avoidance of driving. Difficulty engaging socially. We’ve blamed screens for years… but Meenal takes it further.

She introduces the concept of Spatial Awareness Processing Disorder (SAPD), a framework connecting excessive screen use to changes in how the brain processes space, fear, and human interaction. It’s a powerful lens that links optometry to broader neurological and mental health conversations.

But this episode isn’t just clinical… it’s personal.

Meenal opens up about:

• The drive (and trap) of constantly chasing growth
• Burnout and the search for fulfillment beyond business
• Rejection early in her speaking and podcast journey
• Being told she “wasn’t the right fit”—and pushing forward anyway
• A recent experience with online criticism and how the profession rallied behind her

This is a conversation about identity, resilience, and what it really means to show up—not just as an optometrist, but as a human being.

If you’ve ever questioned your direction, your value, or your voice in this profession… this one’s for you.

Key Moments

• Introducing SAPD – Connecting screen use, spatial awareness, and rising anxiety in patients
• Why behavior is changing – Kids avoiding driving, social interaction, and eye contact
• The “Costco effect” – Understanding sensory overload and spatial processing challenges
• From growth to burnout – Building multiple practices and realizing it wasn’t fulfilling
• Pushing through rejection – Starting a podcast and speaking career despite being told “no”

Memorable Quotes

“You can blame everybody else, but you need to believe in yourself.”

“If we feel our profession isn’t worthy, what are others going to think of us?”

“Don’t focus on the people who weren’t there. Be grateful for the ones who were.”

bout Dr. Meenal Agarwal

Dr. Meenal Agarwal is a Toronto-based optometrist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in modern eye care. She owns three practices, hosts the Uncover Your Eyes podcast, and is the author of the upcoming book Stuck in a Flat World, exploring the connection between screen use, brain function, and spatial awareness.

She is passionate about expanding the role of optometry within healthcare and advocating for a more holistic understanding of vision.

What You’ll Learn

• A new framework for understanding behavioral changes in patients
• The neurological link between vision, space, and anxiety
• Practical ways to support kids struggling with spatial processing
• How to push through rejection and build something meaningful
• Why communication and vulnerability matter in our profession

Connect with Dr. Meenal Agarwal

• Instagram: @drmeenalagarwal
• Podcast: Uncover Your Eyes
• Newsletter: Available via Instagram link in bio
• Book Waitlist: https://www.drmeenal.com/book-waitlist-entry

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/

What if the biggest growth opportunity in your clinic isn’t new technology, better marketing, or more patients—but the person standing right beside you?

In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Romie Dhaliwal and optician-entrepreneur Arshdeep Manghera to unpack a topic that quietly shapes every eyecare practice: the relationship between optometrists and opticians.

Too often, that relationship sits somewhere between neutral and strained—defined by silos, hierarchy, and missed opportunities. But Romie and Arsh have built something different.

From a pivotal moment during pregnancy to a bold decision to co-own a practice, Romie shares how she stepped away from comfort and into uncertainty. Arsh brings a story rooted in persistence—building a relationship with a clinic owner over seven years before finally acquiring the opportunity to take over. Together, they transformed a 30-year-old optical into a modern, thriving practice that blends clinical care, retail excellence, and community connection.

But what makes their story truly compelling isn’t just the business success—it’s how they’ve achieved it.

By breaking down the traditional “front vs back” divide, they’ve created a seamless patient experience where clinical knowledge and optical expertise work hand-in-hand. Their collaboration allows for better patient education, stronger trust, and more effective treatment adoption—especially in areas like dry eye.

Beyond the clinic walls, they’ve reimagined what an optometry practice can be. From hosting comedy shows and wellness events to partnering with local businesses and community organizations, they’ve turned their space into a hub for connection. It’s not just about attracting patients—it’s about becoming part of the fabric of the neighborhood.

This conversation also explores the realities of ownership—structuring partnerships, navigating legal complexities, and building systems that support growth. And as they look ahead, Romie and Arsh are investing in branding, social media, and influencer collaborations to take their practice to the next level.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from doing more—it often comes from working better together.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration between ODs and opticians can dramatically elevate both patient care and business growth
• Breaking down traditional roles leads to better communication, trust, and outcomes
• Community engagement is a powerful (and underused) marketing strategy
• Old-school networking still creates massive opportunities
• Growth starts when you step outside your comfort zone

Memorable Quotes

“If we’re not collaborating with each other, how can we collaborate with anyone else?”

“Working together has taken our patient care from neutral to above and beyond.”

“You either win or you learn—the worst they can say is no.”

“When you get too comfortable, you don’t grow.”

Connect with the Guests

eyesonacademy@gmail.com

@academyoptical

@drromiedhaliwal

@thetailoredoptician

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