{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Eyespiring","title":"Beyond the Eye Exam: Dr. Jacquelyn O’Banion on Vision & Health Equity","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3128,"description":"What does it take to make eye care accessible to everyone? In this episode of Eyespiring, host Heather Patrick speaks with Dr. Jacquelyn O’Banion, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Emory University School of Medicine and Chief of Ophthalmology at Grady Memorial Hospital. Drawing on her experience in clinical ophthalmology, public health, and global eye care, Dr. O’Banion explains why protecting vision requires more than diagnosing and treating eye disease. It also means understanding the barriers patients face, building trusting relationships, strengthening healthcare systems, and ensuring that people have access to treatment after a problem is identified.\n \nFrom finding her unexpected path into ophthalmology to working with underserved populations in the United States and internationally, Dr. O’Banion shares practical insights about prevention, health equity, collaboration, and the importance of staying connected to your purpose. Her perspective is a reminder that every patient has a unique story—and that improving vision outcomes requires caring for the whole person.\n \nTopics Covered\nFinding her path\nStaying connected to your “why”\nMedicine meets public health\nGlobal ophthalmology\nCollaboration across healthcare systems\nUnderstanding health disparities\nThe importance of early detection\nThe challenges of ongoing treatment.\nMaking vision part of overall health\nBuilding trust with patients\nThe human side of medicine\nPrevention and access to treatment\nLessons from patients\nImproving vision health requires more than identifying eye disease. It takes education, accessible services, coordinated healthcare systems, and a commitment to understanding each patient as an individual. Early detection matters, but screening must be paired with a pathway to treatment so that identifying a problem can lead to meaningful care.\n \nDr. Jacquelyn O’Banion's message is clear: vision health is essential to overall health, and better outcomes require more than clinical expertise...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/RB2kVCWtropYx6BN7_PgAJ1GrP0EeWZ1DE7a-hxRJy4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iYzU3/OWM5YzBhYjU1ZjZm/ODhkOWRhZmJkYWY5/OWVlMy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}