Dry Eye Girlfriend Podcast

Episode 12: From Chronic Dry Eye to Creating Blinkjoy: A Patient-Led Innovation Story

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520498/fan_mail/new] In today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, host Angela Jenkins sits down with industry insider and founder and CEO of Blinkjoy, Justin Mendelson. Justin shares his personal journey with chronic dry eye, frustrations in finding effective treatments, and how he knew he had to leave his job in Silicon Valley behind to create what he – and so many others – desperately need to alleviate dry eye symptoms. Together, Angela and Justin discuss the importance of community support, advocacy, and what we can be doing to protect and clean our eyes, even before diagnosis of a chronic condition.  🎧If you are ready to be proactive with your eye health – or finally find some relief to your symptoms – this episode is for you!    Justin Mendelson is the founder and CEO of Blinkjoy, a fast-growing therapeutic eye-care company helping people better manage dry eye and eyelid conditions through modern, doctor-backed routines and devices. After struggling with severe dry eye himself for more than 15 years, Justin left a career in Silicon Valley product leadership to build the solutions he wished existed. Today, Blinkjoy serves customers worldwide and is helping redefine daily eye care. Based in Encinitas, California, Justin spends his time outside of work surfing, enjoying ice baths, and getting outdoors whenever possible.  Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.    - - - - - - - - -  If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dry-eye-girlfriend-podcast/id1828038735],Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7djBLOJgV0kdcEu2t4npeT], and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com [http://dryeyegirlfriend.com], and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.instagram.com/dryeyegirlfriend/]) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.tiktok.com/discover/angela-rachelle-jenkins]). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!    Resources and References   * Instagram: @helloblinkjoy  * TikTok: @helloblinkjoy  * helloblinkjoy.com [https://helloblinkjoy.com/]  * eyedropshop.ca     Show Notes    0:52 - Angela introduces today’s special guest, and different things we are looking forward to talking about today!  2:26 – Justin takes use through his dry eye journey thus far, and shares the cause for his diagnosis  9:43 – Justin shares what prompted him to leave his company and start a product line for those suffering with dry eye  12:38 – Justin details what products he offers, why, and how it makes him feel  20:46 – Justin reflects on how everything he is doing with and for dry eye is bigger than he could have ever imagined  22:55 – Justin shares what is being developed for people to keep an eye out for  27:27 – Justin divulges his closing thoughts with our listeners  29:54 – Justin shares where you can find him and his products online, and Angela wraps up the episode

Episode 11: Dry Eye Through a Nutritional Lens with Dr. Rudrani Banik

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520498/fan_mail/new] In today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, host Angela Jenkins sits down with neuro-ophthalmologist, Dr. Rudrani Banik, to discuss her journey from traditional ophthalmology to integrative medicine, as well as the intricate relationship between eye health, brain function, and overall well-being, particularly for women in midlife. She highlights the role of meibomian gland dysfunction in dry eye and discusses various lifestyle and dietary changes that can help alleviate these issues.   🎧If you are ready for answers – and remedies – when it comes to your dry eye, look no further!      Dr. Rudrani (Rani) Banik is a board-certified neuro-ophthalmologist. Dr. Banik is certified in Integrative and Functional Medicine, and runs a private practice based in NYC and is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Mount Sinai. She focuses on the root cause of eye diseases and uses strategies based on nutrition, botanicals, lifestyle modification, and supplements.  Dr. Banik is often featured as an expert in her field, having appeared on Good Morning America, The New York Times, TODAY Online, and many more media outlets. She has been voted Castle Connolly Top Doctor and NY Magazine's Best Doctor in Ophthalmology annually since 2017.  Dr. Banik is the author of two best-selling books, Beyond Carrots - Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z and Dr. Rani’s Plant-Based Visionary Kitchen. She founded The Eye SummitTM, the first online FREE educational event focused entirely on integrative strategies to protect and preserve vision, and shares valuable insights on eye health and migraine on her podcast, The Eye-Q Podcast.    Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.   - - - - - - - - -    If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dry-eye-girlfriend-podcast/id1828038735],Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7djBLOJgV0kdcEu2t4npeT], and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com [http://dryeyegirlfriend.com], and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.instagram.com/dryeyegirlfriend/]) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.tiktok.com/discover/angela-rachelle-jenkins]). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!    Resources and References   * https://www.drranibanik.com [https://www.drranibanik.com/]  * www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik [https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik]  * The Eye Q Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-eye-q-podcast/id1752240271]  * Bruder brand eye care products - https://bruder.com/ [https://bruder.com/]     Show Notes    0:52 - Angela introduces today’s special guest, and different things we are looking forward to talking about today!  4:00 – Dr. Banik recounts her journey to neuro-ophthalmology and her niches within it  9:00 – Dr. Banik describes the root cause of dry eye in 85% of cases 12:55 – Dr. Banik shares a regimen she recommends to her patients to keep meibomian glands healthy and control mite overgrowth  19:52 – Dr. Banik discusses inflammation of the eyelid and ways to remedy that, speaking extensively on omegas (and not just omega 3 supplements)  32:19 – Dr. Banik addresses what she calls the “elephant in the room” and why she thinks eye health has more to do with testosterone than we think  39:06 – Dr. Banik shares her final message to listeners, and Angela wraps up the episode

Episode 10: Empathy in Action - Building “Eye Really Care” and Advocating for Dry Eye Patients

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520498/fan_mail/new] In today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, host Angela Jenkins sits down with Dr. Rana Taji, an optometrist with a strong focus on dry eye and patient advocacy, as well as founder of the non-profit, “Eye Really Care”. In this episode we explore Dr. Taji’s path into optometry, what drew her to dry eye specifically, the gaps she sees in the current system, and how advocacy and education can meaningfully change patient outcomes.  🎧If you want to learn more about advocating for yourself and others when it comes to dry eye, this episode is for you! 🎧      Dr. Rana Taji is a Canadian optometrist and respected clinical leader in dry eye disease. She is the Owner and Medical Director of Toronto Medical Eye Associates in North York, Ontario, where she provides full-scope optometric care with a strong focus on ocular surface disease, patient education, and personalized treatment. Dr. Taji has been in clinical practice since 2010 and brings deep expertise in dry eye disease, glaucoma, blepharitis, and diabetic eye disease. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Taji is an adjunct faculty clinical supervisor, mentoring optometry students from both Canadian and U.S. programs. She lectures nationally, collaborates with industry on dry eye research and innovation, and is the Founder of Eye Really Care, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to improving access, education, and advocacy in eye health.  Her work is grounded in evidence-based care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving quality of life for patients living with dry eye disease.    Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.     - - - - - - - - -    If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dry-eye-girlfriend-podcast/id1828038735],Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7djBLOJgV0kdcEu2t4npeT], and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.  Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com [http://dryeyegirlfriend.com], and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.instagram.com/dryeyegirlfriend/]) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.tiktok.com/discover/angela-rachelle-jenkins]). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!    Resources and References   * www.eyereallycare.ca [https://www.eyereallycare.ca]  * Info@eyereallycare.ca [Info@eyereallycare.ca]  * www.instagram.com/eyedrtaji [https://www.instagram.com/eyedrtaji]     Show Notes    0:52 - Angela introduces today’s special guest, whorecounts her journey into optometry and advocacy  8:17 - Dr. Rana gives us an example of advocacy in action  11:48 – Dr. Rana shares where “Eye Really Care” is in its growth stages and where she sees advocacy leading the dry eye revolution  15:52 – Dr. Rana runs through the core pillars of “Eye Really Care” and its effects on the community so far  20:58 – Dr. Rana shares her thoughts on moving away from mass lectures to small-group, individualized approaches  24:00 – Dr. Rana divulges the works she has planned for 2026 (and how she is going to ground herself in and through that work)  30:52 – Angela and Dr. Rana discuss the importance of the involvement of industry  33:10 - Dr. Rana shares some final advice, and Angela wraps up the episode!

Episode 9: Feeling Seen - Ashley’s Dry Eye Journey, Mental Health, and Finding Community

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520498/fan_mail/new] In today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, host Angela Jenkins sits down with Ashley Noonan, psychotherapist, yoga instructor, dry eye patient, and friend, to talk about her dry eye journey. From diagnosis to IPL, and every treatment in between, Ashley has taken the last 5 years to learn everything she can about dry eye, its symptoms and treatments, and is sharing her findings with us TODAY! 🎧If you are ready to remedy your dry eye disease, or are starting your journey in relief, this episode is for you! 🎧 Ashley Noonan is a psychotherapist, yoga instructor and grateful new mom who is also a dry eye patient. Ashley has been to many doctors & down her own rabbit hole to understand dry eye disease while improving her quality of life since she began her support journey in 2020. She educated herself on the many facets of dry eye disease, and is very informed through her commitment to learning. Ashley supports other dry eye patients online who are just beginning their journey to diagnosis and choosing aligned treatment options through Facebook groups and private messages. Ashley loves to spend time outdoors, attend workout classes and enjoy small cafes. Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.  - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dry-eye-girlfriend-podcast/id1828038735], https://open.spotify.com/show/2VCweZWPfC5vhNcT1413EP?si=57c0cc2efd3647d8Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7djBLOJgV0kdcEu2t4npeT], and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show. Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com [http://dryeyegirlfriend.com], and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.instagram.com/dryeyegirlfriend/]) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.tiktok.com/discover/angela-rachelle-jenkins]). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  * Register for Ashley’s virtual event: Focus on Relief [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAgIwrbtApHx0EPPmoSIEGYf_-EDm02P8dYQGK07rlXRyIdA/viewform] * Find Ashley on Instagram - @oneluvash [https://www.instagram.com/oneluvash/]  Show Notes   1:39 - Angela introduces today’s special guest, who dives into her journey story with dry eye 3:55 - Ashley recalls how she connected the dots with her symptoms and experience to reach her diagnosis of dry eye 10:34 - Ashley describes what her thorough work up and diagnoses looked like when she was finally able to find a dry eye specialist 12:25 - Ashley divulges us on her journey with IPL 18:39 - Ashley advises: try different things at the start of your journey to find the best relief for you! 25:43 - Ashley shares what upcoming virtual dry eye event she is co-hosting (linked above in resources) 27:09 - Ashley runs down additional treatments she has tried for dry eye 28:31 - Ashley describes where she is right now from a relief standpoint - and the importance of air quality to eye health 33:28 - Ashley discusses how she eats for dry eye symptom management - as well as some things she would like to get back to since giving birth 36:21 - Ashley describes how she has adjusted her daily activities as a person with dry eye 38:24 - Ashley shares what she does to get through this and thrive 41:09 - Ashley shares her advise for folks who are at the beginning of their dry eye journey 44:24 - Ashley divulges us with some final advise, and Angela wraps up the episode!

Episode 8: Inside the World of Ocular Hygiene: RF, IPL, and the Beauty Side of Dry Eye with Andrea Marczenko

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2520498/fan_mail/new] In today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, host Angela Jenkins sits down with Andrea Maczenko, owner and certified technician at medical aesthetics company, Your Perfect Skin Inc, to discuss the growing issue of dry eye and the role of ocular hygiene in combatting it. Andrea, an ocular hygienist, explains the importance of lid hygiene, and the advanced treatments available for dry eye, include radio requency and IPL 🎧If you are looking for at-home eye care tips, this episode is for you! 🎧 Andrea Marczenko is the owner and certified technician at Your Perfect Skin Inc., a medical aesthetics company located in downtown Burlington. For ten years Andrea has been a noteworthy leader in the medical aesthetics space with over 10,000 hours specializing in skin tightening and body contouring. Your Perfect Skin Inc. has fostered her inspiration for empowering people to feel better about themselves. In 2022 Andrea received her Ocular Hygienist certification and the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Patricia Fink Optometry / Vision Therapy to assist with the dry eye treatment program. This beneficial treatment not only aligns with Andrea’s skill set but also with her mission. Outside of work, Andrea most cherishes her time being a mom to daughter Tayah. Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.  - - - - - - - - - If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dry-eye-girlfriend-podcast/id1828038735], https://open.spotify.com/show/2VCweZWPfC5vhNcT1413EP?si=57c0cc2efd3647d8Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7djBLOJgV0kdcEu2t4npeT], and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show. Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com [http://dryeyegirlfriend.com], and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.instagram.com/dryeyegirlfriend/]) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend [https://www.tiktok.com/discover/angela-rachelle-jenkins]). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation! Resources and References  * Instagram for Your Perfect Skin, Inc [https://www.instagram.com/yourperfectskin.ca/?hl=en] * yourperfectskin.ca [http://yourperfectskin.ca] * ZocuFoam [https://www.zocular.com/products/zocufoam-eyelid-cleanser-and-moisturizer] Show Notes   1:39 - Angela introduces today’s special guest, Andrea Marczenko, and dives into her story with dry eye 4:58 - Andrea describes what an ocular hygienist is and does, and if it’s possible to clean your eyes at home 9:26 - Andrea reveals where radiofrequency and IPL come into the protocol and what the processes encompass 14:57 - Andrea chats Demodex - what they are, what they do, and how to combat them 16:35 - Andrea discusses treatment protocols and their personalization 18:20 -  Andrea lists some of the beauty benefits of radiofrequency and IPL treatments 21:05 - Angela and Andrea discuss why we should all go see someone who specializes in IPL for dry eye, and describe what the treatments are like 30:10 - Andrea divulges recommendations for at home eye care in between treatments to maximize the impact of treatments 33:30 - Andrea shares where she thinks ocular health and beauty are headed in the future 35:53 - Andrea lets us know where we can find her and what she’s up to right now! 37:12 - Angela wraps up the episode!