In this episode, Denise is joined by Dr. Miki Zilnicki for a thoughtful conversation about what parents can do when they’re told to “wait and see” — and how families can stay engaged, informed, and empowered during that waiting period.

Together, they explore why waiting is sometimes recommended, what it does and doesn’t mean, and how parents can advocate for their child’s visual development without feeling adversarial or overwhelmed. The discussion also touches on the importance of seeking additional opinions, understanding differences in professional perspectives, and recognizing when it’s appropriate to ask deeper questions.

Denise also introduces an emerging idea she’s developing — using music and movement as a supportive, complementary way to help families stay connected to their child’s visual development. While not a replacement for clinical care, this approach reflects Denise’s background in music education and her belief that gentle, rhythmic movement can help parents remain engaged and aware while they’re navigating next steps.

This episode is especially relevant for parents who feel stuck in uncertainty, unsure whether to wait, act, or seek additional guidance.

Topics Covered

• What doctors usually mean when they tell parents to “wait”
• Why children are sometimes considered “too young” for certain interventions
• How parents can stay actively involved during a waiting period
• The role of patient and parent advocacy in vision care
• When and how to seek additional professional opinions
• Navigating conflicting advice without losing confidence
• Why awareness and connection matter — even before therapy begins
• Introducing music and movement as a supportive, non-clinical tool for families

Who This Episode Is For

• Parents who have been told to “wait and see” and feel unsure what to do next
• Families navigating mixed messages in vision care
• Listeners interested in patient advocacy and informed decision-making
• Parents who want ways to stay connected to their child’s development during periods of uncertainty

Key Takeaway

Waiting doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Staying informed, asking questions, and remaining connected to your child’s experience can make a meaningful difference — even before any formal intervention begins.

Dr. Zilnicki's website and Vision is more than 20/20 podcast: https://twinforksoptometry.com/vision-is-more-than-20-20-podcast/

Questions for Dr. Zilnicki? Here's her email: drzilnicki@twinforksoptometry.com

Join the Healing our Sight Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348

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In this episode of Healing Our Sight, Denise reconnects with Melissa Daniels—vision therapist, educator, and former strabismus patient—to explore how stepping into the role of therapist changed the way she understands healing.

Melissa shares what she wishes she had known earlier in her own journey, how her perspective shifted once she began working with patients, and why the mindset we bring to vision therapy can make such a big difference. You’ll hear them discuss:

• How becoming a vision therapist highlighted Melissa’s understanding of her own strabismus
• What she would do differently if she could restart her journey
• Mindsets and habits that support consistent progress in vision therapy
• Common beliefs or expectations that unintentionally slow down success

Whether you’re a parent navigating strabismus with your child, an adult working to improve your own vision, or a professional supporting patients, this conversation offers both hope and grounded insight into what real progress looks like.

Connect with Melissa:

Website: https://strabismussolutions.com

YouTube: Strabismus to Stereopsis — https://www.youtube.com/@strabismustostereopsis

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Former Division I football player Brady Holt suffered a massive traumatic brain injury as a college freshman when he was ejected from the front window of his car going 75 mph on the freeway. He was initially not expected to live. After surviving, he was not expected to walk or function on his own. He beat all the odds and is now working, married and supporting his wife and daughter and once again able to drive. His story shows that with persistence, vision therapy can help restore visual abilities and independence.

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Denise discusses hyperbaric oxygen therapy with former nine-year Team USA Olympic bobsledder, William Person. They discuss how William's career left him battling the devastating effects of CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, which is a progressive degenerative brain disease thought to be caused by repeated head trauma, including concussions and subconcussive hits. Symptoms include memory loss, mood and behavior changes, cognitive decline, and sometimes aggression or tremors, with severe cases potentially leading to dementia. While only definitively diagnosable after death, CTE is linked to activities with repetitive head impacts, such as contact sports (especially American football and boxing), military service, and physical assault. William points out that it is also found in bobsled racers and others who experience extreme gravity forces.

At his lowest point, William could barely get off the floor, lost in confusion and depression. Hope came when he discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which restored clarity in his thinking, color to his vision, and purpose to his life. Today, William is on a mission to raise awareness of brain damage in sports, and the importance of protecting and healing the brain. He’s also on a mission to open a nonprofit CTE Recovery Center to help athletes and veterans heal at no cost to them.

While this episode is not talking directly about vision, William recounts how he was able to regain his color vision and decrease light sensitivity through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. What other brain issues could be helped by this therapy?

His message is both a warning and a call to action: “Protect your brain. Heal after injuries. Don’t wait. It can seal your fate. Be your own advocate—because “they” don’t care. You have to care for yourself.”

William's Social Media Links:

TIktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zIHPM1xUkw&_r=1

CTE Recovery Fund: https://gofund.me/ba21055f

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/one.man.with.a.chamber.hbot?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willp1234567?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@braininjurysurvival?si=KfTK-iFXlhLORgQC

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In the first episode since returning from China, Denise discusses vision healing with Dr. Angela Peddle. Dr. Peddle's book, Becoming the Vision: The Transformational Power of Vision to Heal, Awaken, and Become Who You Were Meant to Be, was published just last month, on June 27, 2025. This is a must read! Although Dr. Peddle primarily teaches optometrists and vision therapists, the insights of her new framework are applicable to everyone. The invitation is to remember, and to reclaim our vision.

Dr. Peddle includes a link to the book on her website, along with the complete quiz mentioned in the podcast. This quiz helps us analyze where we can improve in the different fields of vision.

Here's a link to her website: https://www.visiontherapyconsulting.com/becoming-the-vision

Get the book on Amazon in the US here: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Vision-Transformational-Awaken-Become/dp/196442111X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GS5QF9VJ01TD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TOiEsvKaYrl-1-3i7IHyjLCUFwEUAbxzWeOshvpvKtV_E_pZyNtjqsvn3R-X6amtEcPGadq11fpC7_6XtGi4AalgzyMbwZTa-0CHM5W8NXm5JhuK7mzsHhFxygE1bDHR0OoJDwMsGM2hZVvfN9avb5VBE9aa-jBaKf9Ir6KcgjUJw6N_c_KtspBcsE7genzCKsQ7NUHcYdiefpBs-zNKPTHQaIHJ0YVvG1tK4t90A_U.G9Lg5Mx0DE__kiUGRGMzWvrEk74nj_SQ1aDMRX_GhU8&dib_tag=se&keywords=becoming+the+vision&qid=1753738023&sprefix=Becoming+the+Vision%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Becoming-Vision-Transformational-Awaken-Become/dp/196442111X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JW06677Q8HI8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VQeGBGKbdo-uHKUQ5UKuZeB5v0cdEXtXaggkWJt0WBaadMQV_ByoP1zwUvjHIW2HVRdwIn_ORZavpuqeg0P3deAAWTJyW9idmKxIIFSxmJU.XImBQsohoX9wmI_6Yz_kr-wgOhMoQYSMUfJJuBpkuzU&dib_tag=se&keywords=becoming+the+vision&qid=1753627917&sprefix=becoming+the+vision%2Caps%2C639&sr=8-1

Connect with Denise Allen:

Website: https://healingmysight.com

Healing our Sight Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348

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Marie Oswalt describes the process of recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which she suffered when she was involved in a multi-vehicle accident in 2016. She was grateful to be referred to Pacific University's Vision Therapy program, where she worked with Dr. Hannu Laukkanen (see his podcast episode from January 29, 2025).

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In this important episode, Dr. Emily Aslakson and Mr. Philip Himebaugh discuss how optometrists and vision therapists can play a crucial role in suicide prevention. Learn how to recognize suicide risk factors, initiate life-saving conversations, and connect patients to the help they need.

What You'll Learn:

• How optometrists can identify suicide risk in patients
• Real-life examples of suicide risk in vision care
• Tools for asking difficult but vital questions
• The importance of triage and timely referral
• Resources for suicide prevention training

Resources Mentioned:

• National Suicide prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255
• QPR Training: Question-Persuade-Refer Training. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide: https://qprinstitute.com/
• Psychology today to search for local mental health providers. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
• ISPATHWARM acronym: ideation, substance abuse, purposelessness, anxiety, trapped, hopelessness, withdrawal, anger, recklessness, mood changes.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

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What if success in strabismus treatment isn’t just straight eyes—but integrated sight?

In this episode of Healing Our Sight, I’m joined by vision therapist and former patient Melissa Daniels for a transformative conversation on peripheral fusion and what it means to truly heal vision. Melissa shares insights from Dr. David Cook’s OVDRA (COVD) Conference presentation, including a fresh take on success that goes beyond appearance and focuses on function and connection. Melissa explains how Cook’s approach—focused on peripheral fusion and real-life functionality—resonated deeply with her, both professionally and personally.

Plus, Melissa reflects on creative strategies she learned from Jules Petteruto’s sessions that help make therapy more accessible, fun, and emotionally safe.

Resources & Links:

Website: https://www.strabismussolutions.com

Course: Mastering Peripheral

Strabismus to Stereopsis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqKqd8qa17tZKcYDZLL5sAA

Dr Cooks Treatise: https://pubs.covd.org/VDR/issue11-1/#

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