In this episode of Eyespiring, host Heather Patrick welcomes Christine Gustafson, Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of the TED Community Organization, for a powerful conversation about patient advocacy, agency, and the life-changing impact of community. Christine shares how her personal journey with thyroid eye disease (TED), marked by isolation and unanswered questions, led her to become an “accidental leader” and build a global nonprofit dedicated to education, connection, and support for those living with TED.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• What thyroid eye disease (TED) is and how it affects vision, appearance, and quality of life
• The emotional and psychosocial toll of living with a rare and isolating condition
• How loneliness and stress can impact inflammation and overall health
• Turning lived experience into leadership and advocacy
• The importance of “agency” in rewriting the patient narrative
• Building the TED Community Organization from the ground up
• Creating global support systems through mentorship and collaboration
• Why early detection, prevention, and eye health education matter
• How community connection improves health outcomes

Christine’s story is a reminder that leadership often begins not with a plan, but with compassion, and that no one should have to navigate their health journey alone.

🤝 This episode is brought to you in partnership with Amgen.

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights

• 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Christine Gustafson
• 03:45 – What thyroid eye disease is and why it’s often misunderstood
• 08:30 – The isolation of living with TED and never meeting another patient
• 13:15 – Becoming an “accidental leader” through advocacy
• 18:40 – The power of agency and rewriting your personal story
• 23:50 – Building the TED Community Organization
• 29:10 – Why community and connection impact health outcomes
• 34:45 – Mentorship, collaboration, and growing a global movement
• 40:20 – Prevention, early detection, and protecting lifelong vision
• 45:30 – Final reflections and what’s next for the TED Community

Resources

• TED Community Organization: https://www.tedcommunity.org
• Prevent Blindness Texas: https://www.preventblindnesstexas.org

In this episode of Eyespiring, Heather Patrick sits down with Dr. Carla Mack, Head, Global and US Professional Education and Development at Alcon, to explore how new eye care products are developed, how patient and provider voices influence innovation, and what emerging technologies, like AI and digital tools, mean for the future of eye health.

Dr. Mack also shares a powerful personal story about patient advocacy and why using your voice can change your health outcomes.

Topics Covered Include:

• Dr. Mack’s early inspiration and journey into optometry
• The evolution of the optometrist’s role and patient care
• Integrating wellness and lifelong learning into a professional career
• How global insights shape eye care product innovation
• The role of consumer and professional feedback in product development
• Emerging trends in eye health technology, AI, and diagnostics
• The importance of patient empowerment and self-advocacy

⏱️ Episode Highlights (Key Takeaways)

00:01:07 – Early Inspiration in Eye Care
Dr. Mack shares how exposure to eye care professionals in her youth sparked a lifelong passion for optometry.

00:04:23 – The Impact of Vision on Daily Life
Explains how receiving her first contacts opened a world of clarity and inspired her commitment to improving vision for others.

00:05:35 – Lifelong Learning and Career Growth
From academia to global industry leadership, Dr. Mack emphasizes the value of continuous learning and curiosity.

00:09:14 – Staying Grounded and Motivated
Highlights three guiding principles: life happens by you, get out of your comfort zone, and choose your circle wisely.

00:10:58 – Wellness Practices
Discusses consistent exercise, sleep, nutrition, and a positive mindset as keys to maintaining focus and effectiveness.

00:13:31 – Vision and Brain Health
Explores the eye as a window to systemic health and potential biomarker for early disease detection.

00:14:47 – Advice for Making an Impact
Recommends starting with personal wellness to be equipped to educate, advocate, and influence others in vision and health.

00:15:38 – Evolution of Optometry
Discusses how patient care, new diagnostics, and the concept of patients as consumers have reshaped the profession.

00:18:22 – Advocacy and Community Connections
Encourages building relationships within the healthcare system to improve patient care and professional influence.

00:20:09 – Skills for Emerging Eye Care Professionals
Focus on patient-centered care and adaptability to evolving technology and practice models.

00:22:03 – Bridging Academia, Patient Care, and Industry
Shares how experiences across sectors enhance global eye health strategies.

00:24:04 – Global Insights and Market Nuances
Highlights learning about optometry in different countries and adapting products for global impact.

00:26:20 – Consumer Insights and Product Development
Explains how feedback shapes product ideation, testing, launch, and adoption.

00:28:40 – Product Development Timelines
Discusses the typical 3 – 5-year cycle, adoption period, and sometimes longer timelines for meaningful impact.

00:33:02 – Integrating Eye Care Professional Insights Strategically
Shows how feedback informs five-year global strategies and annual regional plans.

00:33:40 – Emerging Trends in Eye Health
Digital and AI tools, biologics, nutraceuticals, and neuromodulators as drivers of improved access and outcomes.

00:36:28 – Patient Advocacy and Self-Empowerment
Illustrates why using one’s voice and asking questions can dramatically affect health outcomes, including a personal story of her mother’s Parkinson’s diagnosis.

00:39:57 – Closing Thoughts
Emphasizes partnership, advocacy, and engagement with organizations like Alcon and Prevent Blindness Texas to drive change.

🔗 Connect with Us

Learn more, volunteer, or support our mission at:
Website: www.preventblindnesstexas.org
Facebook: @Eyespiring

Instagram: @EyespiringPod

LinkedIn: Eyespiring

X: @Eyespiring

As the year comes to a close, Eyespiring takes a moment to reflect on the people, partnerships, and purpose driving Prevent Blindness Texas forward. In this episode, CEO Heather Patrick and VP of Programs & Community Outreach Monica Guerrero look back on a year of growth, impact, and transformation, while sharing what excites them most about the future of vision health.

Topics Covered

• Prevent Blindness Texas’ mission and statewide impact
• Powerful client success stories and why vision care matters
• Vision screenings, education, and community outreach
• Access to eye exams and glasses for those in need
• The growing demand for children’s vision services
• The importance of follow-up care and care coordination
• Education around diabetes and vision health
• Volunteer engagement and leadership opportunities
• Signature fundraising and awareness events
• Strategic priorities for the future of vision care in Texas

From celebrating milestones and community partnerships to planning for the future, this episode highlights how Prevent Blindness Texas continues to expand access to vision care, and how supporters, volunteers, and advocates can help be the difference.

Check out our Impact Report at https://texas.preventblindness.org/prevent-blindness-texas-impact-report/

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Welcome to Eyespiring
Heather Patrick introduces a special year-in-review episode focused on reflection and looking ahead.

01:28 – Why the Work Matters
Monica Guerrero shares powerful client success stories that anchor the organization’s mission and “why.”

04:50 – By the Numbers: A Year of Impact
Over 61,000 individuals screened, 130,000 educated, and 9,200 people connected to eye exams and glasses.

07:11 – Growth, Progress, and What’s Still Needed
Reflecting on how far PBT has come—and the work still ahead across Texas.

08:18 – Call to Action: Volunteers Make It Possible
How community volunteers help expand screenings, education, and outreach statewide.

09:06 – Investing in Vision Care
Why financial assistance for exams and glasses is life-changing for thousands of Texans.

11:33 – Looking Ahead to 2026
Education takes center stage, with growing demand for programs focused on diabetes and vision health.

13:12 – World Sight Day in Action
How PBT amplified global vision awareness through community screenings and events.

15:13 – Fundraising That Fuels the Mission
Highlights from Tee Off to Prevent Blindness, Eye Stroll for Vision, and new DIY4Sight initiatives.

17:18 – Celebrating Leadership & Volunteer Excellence
Recognizing award winners, dedicated volunteers, and board leadership.

20:30 – Collaboration as a Core Value
Why partnerships and shared purpose drive sustainable impact.

23:15 – Dark Dining & Year-End Momentum
A look at PBT’s signature event and the importance of recognizing champions of vision care.

25:18 – Strategic Planning & the Future of Vision Health
Children’s vision, myopia, mental health, and ensuring follow-up care take priority.

28:40 – Be the Difference
Heather shares details about PBT’s year-end campaign and how supporters can make an impact.

29:20 – Closing Reflections & Gratitude
A heartfelt thank-you and a look ahead to new conversations in the coming year.