In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist and practice owner Dr. Ryan Corte for an engaging and reflective conversation that blends storytelling with meaningful self exploration.

Recorded in Tampa during a professional training event, this episode follows the podcast’s signature “soft shoes and hard shoes” format, guiding both guests through questions that uncover identity, growth, purpose, and defining life moments.

Dr. Corte shares his journey from growing up in the Midwest to building a multi location practice in North Carolina. He reflects on the leap of faith it took to leave what was familiar and step into something uncertain, as well as the early experiences that shaped his leadership mindset. One pivotal moment came during optometry school, where losing a leadership role challenged his assumptions and pushed him to embrace preparation, humility, and personal accountability.

Katie shares her own deeply personal reflections, particularly around her evolving sense of purpose later in life. She speaks openly about navigating uncertainty, redefining what her next chapter looks like, and building a purpose driven ecosystem that extends beyond patient care into storytelling, faith, and creative impact.

Together, they explore how life’s challenges shape identity, from career decisions to personal struggles. The conversation highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with positive energy, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing that growth often comes from moments of discomfort, humility, and risk.

At its core, this episode is about becoming intentional, choosing growth over comfort, and trusting that even uncertain steps can lead exactly where you are meant to be.

Growth often begins with humility and self awareness Early challenges can reveal blind spots and create the opportunity to develop discipline, preparation, and a stronger leadership mindset.

Purpose evolves and requires intentional action Finding meaning is not a one time decision. It is an ongoing process that often requires stepping into new roles and redefining impact over time.

Taking risks leads to growth Whether it is moving, investing in a business, or starting something new, the moments that feel uncertain often become the most defining.

“I can’t keep going on just expecting things… I need to put in the work.”

“I realized I needed to figure out what my purpose in life is.”

“Sometimes it’s a leap of faith… and you trust that it’s leading you where you’re meant to be.”

Dr. Ryan Corte is the owner of Reflect Vision Care, a multi location optometry practice serving Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina.

He is known for integrating the latest contact lens technology and delivering high quality care to patients of all ages. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Corte actively supports other eye care professionals in growing and strengthening their practices through education, training, and mentorship.

He is a speaker and educator within the optometric industry, contributing to training programs, podcasts, product launches, and doctor led sessions focused on innovation, practice growth, and patient care.

As the founder of Ryan Reflects, he is passionate about both doctor and consumer education, helping people better understand eye health and the business of optometry.

Outside of work, Dr. Corte enjoys working out and spending time with his wife, children, family, and friends

Website https://www.ryancorte.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancorte/

Instagram https://instagram.com/RyanReflects/

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with two of her closest colleagues and friends, Dr. Dana Salgado and Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello, for a deeply personal conversation that goes far beyond optometry.

Recorded during a training event in Tampa, this episode blends laughter, honesty, and vulnerability as the three reflect on their journeys through career, personal growth, and the evolving nature of confidence.

What begins as a lighthearted discussion quickly deepens into meaningful reflections on life decisions, self doubt, and the courage required to grow. Dr. Salgado shares a powerful story about choosing to keep her practice open despite financial advice to close it, guided by her commitment to a loyal patient community. Dr. Tuminello speaks openly about reinventing herself later in life and embracing new opportunities without fear.

A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the gap between how confident we appear on the outside and what we feel internally. Together, they explore imposter syndrome, vulnerability, and the importance of sharing struggles openly as a form of strength rather than weakness.

One of the most powerful aspects of this episode is the emphasis on friendship and connection. Despite living in different parts of the country and only seeing each other occasionally, their bond provides support, perspective, and a reminder that no one has to navigate growth alone.

The episode closes with reflections on what makes people feel safe and understood, highlighting the importance of authenticity, compassion, and being truly seen.

This conversation is a reminder that growth is not linear, confidence is built over time, and having the right people in your corner can make all the difference.

Confidence and vulnerability can coexist Even highly accomplished professionals experience self doubt. True confidence often grows when we allow ourselves to be open, honest, and human.

Growth requires trusting yourself, even when others disagree Whether it is keeping a business open or stepping into something new, trusting your intuition is a key part of personal and professional evolution.

Connection creates resilience Having people who genuinely listen, support, and uplift you can transform how you move through challenges and growth.

“I don’t know what we would do if you weren’t here.”

“I really don’t care what anybody thinks about the decisions that I make.”

“I am shy… I’m not as confident as I appear.”

Dr. Dana Salgado is a private practice optometrist with two locations in upstate New York, one in Albany and one in Chatham.

Her career includes experience in retail optometry and ophthalmology, with a specialty in postoperative care and glaucoma co management. She is affiliated with Vision Source, ADO, and HEA groups.

Dr. Salgado currently serves as Chair of the New York State Board of Optometry, completing her second five year term, and also serves on Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO). She has represented New York at national meetings and continues to play an active role in shaping the profession.

She is also Treasurer of the Albany Executives Association and serves as a mentor for women who are small business owners. Her work has been featured in Modern Optometry.

Dr. Dawn M. Tuminello is a Doctor of Optometry and founder of Eye Was Framed Eyecare, a private practice she established in 2006 with a focus on personalized, patient centered care.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry.

Known affectionately as “Dr. Dawn,” she has built her career around truly listening to patients and helping them find the best solutions for their vision and overall eye health. She is also a respected lecturer, sharing her expertise with fellow optometrists on topics ranging from retinal disease to advanced contact lens care.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Dawn enjoys creating artwork, exploring bookstores and galleries, and traveling with her husband, always seeking meaningful and inspiring experiences.

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with veteran optometrist Dr. David I. Geffen for a reflective and wide ranging conversation about longevity, leadership, and the moments that reshape how we see life.

With more than 40 years in practice, Dr. Geffen shares both the professional lessons and deeply personal experiences that have defined his journey. One of the most profound moments came just a year prior, when he underwent open heart surgery, an experience that forced him to confront mortality and reevaluate what truly matters.

The conversation explores how life changing events can act as a reset, bringing clarity around health, family, and perspective. Dr. Geffen reflects on what it means to continue living with intention after being given a second chance.

Leadership is another key theme. Early in his career, he believed he needed to control every detail of his practice. Over time, he realized that true growth came from letting go, trusting his team, and empowering others to step into their roles.

Beyond career, the episode highlights the richness of life through family, particularly the joy he finds in spending time with his grandchildren, and the simple daily routines, like music and learning something new, that bring lasting fulfillment.

Katie adds her own perspective, sharing her journey of finding her voice, managing stress, and embracing personal storytelling through her podcast and writing.

Together, they explore what it means to outgrow old versions of ourselves, stay curious, and continue evolving, no matter how long you have been in your profession.

This episode is a powerful reminder that success is not just about longevity. It is about growth, perspective, and continuing to find meaning in both the big moments and the everyday ones.

Life changing moments redefine priorities Major health events can create a pause that brings clarity to what truly matters, including health, family, and how we choose to spend our time.

Great leadership requires letting go of control Trying to manage everything yourself can limit growth. Trusting and empowering your team allows both the business and the leader to evolve.

Lifelong learning keeps life and work meaningful Curiosity, learning new skills, and staying engaged are what keep both career and life fulfilling, even after decades of experience.

“When you go into an OR… you think, I might not wake up.”

“I thought I had to control everything… and that’s what was holding my practice back.”

“If I stop learning, that’s when it’s time to stop.”

Dr. David I. Geffen is a board certified optometrist and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry with more than 40 years of experience in clinical care, research, and education.

He serves as Director of Optometric and Refractive Services at the Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, California, where he specializes in refractive and cataract surgery co management, specialty contact lenses, and advanced anterior segment care.

A nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Geffen has delivered over 500 presentations and authored more than 100 publications in leading industry journals. He has also led more than 50 clinical trials with some of the world’s top ophthalmic and contact lens companies.

Known for advancing collaborative care between optometry and ophthalmology, he continues to shape the future of eye care through innovation, education, and mentorship.

Website https://www.gwsvision.com/

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Instagram https://instagram.com/gwsvision/