Send a text

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,Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• Instagram: @helloblinkjoy
• TikTok: @helloblinkjoy
• 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

Send us a text

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,Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• https://www.drranibanik.com
• www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik
• The Eye Q Podcast
• Bruder brand eye care products - 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

Send us a text

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,Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• www.eyereallycare.ca
• Info@eyereallycare.ca
• 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!

Send us a text

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, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• Register for Ashley’s virtual event: Focus on Relief
• Find Ashley on Instagram - @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!

Send us a text

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, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• Instagram for Your Perfect Skin, Inc
• yourperfectskin.ca
• ZocuFoam

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!

Send us a text

In today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, host Angela Jenkins sits down with renowned integrative and functional medicine physician, Dr. Dana Cohen. She discusses what piqued her interest about hydration, debunks common hydration myths, and shares her insights on the critical role of hydration in overall health.

🎧If you are looking for actionable tips for improving hydration - and overall health - this episode is for you! 🎧

Dana G. Cohen, MD is a renowned integrative and functional medicine physician who has dedicated her career to helping people understand hydration and its powerful role in overall health. She is the author of “Quench” and “Fuel Up,” and in her work, Dr. Cohen introduces us to this fascinating concept of structured water and cellular hydration. She makes hydration feel both approachable and transformative with simple everyday strategies. A New York native, she currently resides in Jackson Heights with her husband Henry and dog Frida and has a home in the Hudson Valley where she loves to garden.

Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.

- - - - - - - - -

If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• https://www.drdanacohen.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/drdanacohen

Show Notes

0:49 - Angela introduces today’s special guest, Dr. Dana Cohen, and dives into what got her interested in hydration, specifically

10:17 - Dr. Cohen reveals some myths and misconceptions around water intake, answering the question: how do people hydrate properly?

13:14 - Dr. Cohen lists symptoms of low grade dehydration

19:20 - Dr. Cohen details the best ways that we should be approaching hydration

23:39 - Dr. Cohen shares her opinion of commercial vs natural electrolytes

26:32 - Dr. Cohen discusses the theory of the fourth phase of water

29:05 - Dr. Cohen describes the reasoning behind her rule to drink a glass of water before each meal

31:00 - Dr. Cohen explains how coffee is hydration, too!

34:16 - Dr. Cohen lists easy-to-implement changes you can make to your hydration routine starting tomorrow

38:45 - Angela wraps up the episode!

Send us a text

In today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, Angela sits down with Executive Director of the Dry Eye Foundation, Aidan Moore. Aidan recounts the story of the Dry Eye Foundation, busting myths and sharing resources along the way. Together, they discuss the growing rate of dry eye, safety, and what people should know if they have recently been diagnosed.

🎧If you have been diagnosed with dry eye, or are supporting someone who has, this episode is for you! 🎧

Aidan Moore is Executive Director of the Dry Eye Foundation. He is a sympathetic listener, supporter, and advocate for dry eye patients, and he believes in using DEF’s platform to reshape the future for dry eye patients. He has been integral to DEF’s community support programs and educational initiatives like the Dry Eye Helpline, Dry Eye Zoom Groups, Eye Drop Safety, MyDryEyeData and more. His motto is “how can we help?”

Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.

- - - - - - - - -

If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• Donate to the Dry Eye Foundation: dryeyefoundation.org/donate
• Dry Eye Zone Guidebook (print and digital): dryeyezone.com/guidebook
• Community Support (Helpline, Zoom Groups, and more): dryeyefoundation.org/support
• Dry Eye Foundation YouTube Channel (Webinars, Symposium, and more): youtube.com/c/dryeyefoundation
• Eye Drop Safety: eyedropsafety.org
• How to check the Amazon seller of your eye drops: eyedropsafety.org/news/blog/check-amazon-seller-video
• Dry Eye Disease and Me Survey (2019-2021): mydryeyedata.org

Show Notes

0:49 - Today's special guest Aidan Moore tells us how the Dry Eye Foundation was started, detailing the development of its programs and resources

8:10 - Aidan details themes that are coming out of the millennial discussion group he leads

10:24 - Aidan details the connection between dry eye and mental health

13:40 - Aidan shares myths and misconceptions about dry eye and treatments

21:06 - Aidan details how the Dry Eye Foundation is helping advocate and push change in research and policy

26:17 - Angela and Aidan discuss the growing rate of dry eye

28:19 - Aidan dives into eyedrop safety, and how to trust the products you put in/near their eyes

34:49 - Aidan describes what Dry Eye Awareness Month (July) looks like for the organization

39:35 - Aidan shares his advice for those newly diagnosed

42:38 - Aidan details what happens if you reach out to the Dry Eye Foundation

46:43 - Aidan divulges how caregivers can get involved in supporting the work of the Dry Eye Foundation

48:35 - Angela wraps up the episo

Send us a text

In today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, host Angela Jenkins sits down with Educator and Ocular Hygienist Samantha Walters, to talk all about how to maintain a beauty/lash routine that is also hygienic for your eyes! Together, they discuss Samantha’s entry into ocular hygiene from the lash extension arena, her complete overhaul of everything she knew about lash extension protocols, and how everything culminated into her current program offering.

You do NOT have to give up on aesthetics and beauty to stay in line with your dry eye protocol! 🎧Listen in to find out how 🎧

Samantha Walters is an Ocular Hygienist, educator, and owner of a leading health-focused salon in the greater Fredericton region. With a deep passion for elevating standards in the eye enhancement industry, she specializes in eyelash and eyebrow rehabilitation—helping clients restore and maintain the health of their lashes and brows. Proudly accredited by the National Association of Lash Artists, Samantha combines artistry with ocular health expertise to promote safer, more mindful beauty practices. Through her commitment to education and innovation, she’s empowering the next generation of beauty professionals to prioritize wellness without compromising results.

Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.

- - - - - - - - -

If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show.

Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!

Resources and References

• @eyegienist on Instagram

Show Notes

0:49 - We introduce today’s special guest, Samantha Walters, and how she got into dry eye

11:03 - Angela asks Samantha to recall what early connections she made between aesthetics and ocular wellness, as well as recount her first Dry Eye Conference experience

16:11 - Samantha divulges what made her overhaul everything she knew - and practiced - about lash extensions

19:54 - Angela shares how she first found Samantha online, and what she loves that Samantha is doing (partnering with eye doctors!)

23:03 - Samantha walks us through how she found out she had dry eye

26:52 - Samantha shares actionable steps to improve ocular hygiene (including eyelash flossing)

31:44 - Angela and Samantha talk eyelash extension preservation with ocular health in mind

35:29 - Samantha details what led her to develop her program

43:15 - Angela wraps up the episode!