Welcome to Clearly KC, a podcast produced by the National Keratoconus Foundation, featuring information about life with this eye disease.
Each month, Dr. Melissa Barnett OD, a leading authority shares valuable insights, speaks with medical professionals who treat this condition and listens to patients and families affected by keratoconus.
Our goal is to share information to help you manage your keratoconus, seek out the best treatment options and live a full and productive life. Clearly KC is for patients, family members, and medical professionals interested in learning more about KC.
This podcast is intended to provide general information about KC and should not be considered an alternative to medical consultation and treatment with your eyecare provider.
Dr. Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS is an internationally recognized expert in keratoconus and other conditions that affect the cornea. She is Director of Optometry at University of California, Davis.
National Keratoconus Foundation is the oldest and largest organization dedicated to raising awareness of the eye disease keratoconus. Although based out of University of California, Irvine, NKFC’s reach is truly international. To learn more, visit nkcf.org
Episode 40: Keratoconus Care in India: Access, Education, and the Patient Journey
In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Professor Monica Chaudhry, a distinguished optometrist, educator, and clinical leader with 40 years of experience in eye care. Drawing on decades of practice in India, Professor Chaudhry offers a global perspective on the evolution of keratoconus care and the challenges patients continue to face.
Together, they explore barriers to specialty contact lens access, affordability, practitioner education, ocular surface management, and long-term aftercare. Professor Chaudhry also discusses the importance of stronger collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology and explains why successful keratoconus management must extend beyond visual acuity to consider binocular function, mental health, quality of life, and each patient’s individual needs.
This episode highlights an important message for keratoconus care everywhere: fitting the lens is only the beginning. Patients need knowledgeable practitioners who can educate, counsel, monitor, and support them throughout their journey.
20 Apr 2026
Episode 39: From Patient to Advocate: A Nurse Researcher's Story on Keratoconus
In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Deidra Bonner, PhD candidate, registered nurse, and keratoconus patient advocate. Drawing from both her clinical background and personal experience, Deidra shares how her diagnosis shaped her path toward research focused on the quality of life of individuals living with keratoconus.
Together, they explore the realities of delayed diagnosis, the life-changing impact of scleral lenses, and the often-overlooked emotional, social, and functional challenges that extend far beyond visual acuity. Deidra also introduces a holistic framework for understanding the patient experience and discusses the importance of communication, emergency preparedness, and advocacy in navigating life with keratoconus.
This episode offers a powerful perspective on what it truly means to care for the whole patient—and why listening to the lived experience is essential to improving outcomes.
26 Feb 2026
Episode 38: The Ocular Surface Equation: Strategies for Dry Eye and KC
In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes dry eye expert Dr. Tracy Doll, Director of Ocular Surface Care Services at Sunset Eye Clinic in Oregon. Dr. Doll shares her signature "Clean, Calm, Protect" approach to treating chronic dry eye and ocular surface disease—especially in individuals with keratoconus.
They explore how inflammation, corneal nerves, lifestyle habits, contact lenses, and even cosmetics influence comfort and visual clarity. Whether it’s diagnosing lid disease, coaching through contact lens challenges, or tackling makeup myths, Dr. Doll provides practical strategies to empower patients and elevate care.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
15
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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