Eye.Talk.Tech. | Episode #05 - Prof. Brian Holden’s Legacy: Technology & Global Optometry

In this episode, Dr. Griffin Christenson sits down with Dr. J.C. Aragón, OD, to reflect on the enduring impact of Professor Brian Holden, a scientist, humanitarian, and global force in elevating optometry. As a close colleague and friend, Dr. Aragón shares how Prof. Holden’s innovations from silicon hydrogel contact lenses to sustainable eye care systems continue to shape how technology and partnerships expand access to vision worldwide. Optometry Giving Sight will honor Professor Brian Holden at the Founders Award Dinner on October 7, 2025, the evening before the Academy meeting. 👉 Details & tickets: https://givingsight.org/news/brien-ho... Key Takeaways: Prof. Brian Holden’s silicon hydrogel breakthrough redefined contact lenses and laid the foundation for today’s myopia management tools. Mission trips are not enough. OGS funds schools, digital learning, and lasting systems for care. Technology is now core to global education and tele-optometry, not an optional add-on. Partnerships are the force multiplier that makes eye care scalable worldwide. Uncorrected refractive error remains the #1 cause of vision disability, and solving it requires tech, education, and persistence. Guest Bio: Dr. Juan Carlos Aragón , OD is a global leader in vision care with more than 40 years of experience across three continents. A graduate of the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City, he has held senior leadership roles at CooperVision, Bausch & Lomb, and CIBA Vision, and now serves as CEO of Visioneering Technologies. Widely recognized for advancing pediatric myopia management, Dr. Aragón is also Chairman of the Board of Optometry Giving Sight, driving sustainable eye care worldwide through education, partnerships, and long-term impact. 📌 Chapters: 00:00 The Visionary Legacy of Dr. Brian Holden 06:02 Personal Connections and Professional Growth 10:09 From Mission Trips to Sustainable Eye Care 13:23 Technology as a Force Multiplier in Education & Access 20:10 Celebrating Achievements and Future Goals Further Resources: 🌐 More eyecare tech insights: https://odsontechnology.com 🎧 Listen on your preferred podcast platform 🔗 Subscribe for more episodes:    / @fluorescene   #EyeTalkTech #ODsonTechnology #Optometry #BrianHolden #VisionCare #GlobalHealth #OptometryGivingSight #ODsonFacebook ___________________________ About the podcast Eye.Talk.Tech. is an eye tech education podcast series that brings subject matter experts and real conversations to the intersection of eye care and technology. Each episode explores innovations and future trends that matter to eyecare professionals worldwide. It is hosted by Dr. Griffin Christenson, OD, MS, CS, and Interactive Intelligence, and is Executive Produced by Dr. Sweta Patel, M.Optom, MS, Health Technology - IST, MPH, Fellow in Pediatric Optometry. It’s the flagship videocast of ODs on Technology - a public platform hosting eye tech content, research, and breakthroughs. Visit us at www.odsontechnology.com *Who are we*: We’re a collective of optometrists, educators, researchers, scientists, public health leaders, tech leaders, and eyecare practitioners working behind the scenes. Most of us weren’t taught the role of technology in our clinical or management training; some went back to school in their 30s to upskill, while others are self-taught hustlers. However, we all share one common belief and responsibility: Technology is fundamentally transforming how we practice eye care over the next 10 years, and our profession must catch up to lead this wave. This is our effort to bring tech education to our community - in our own language, on our own terms. ___________________________ Disclaimer This episode is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a licensed eye care professional. Guest views are their own and do not reflect those of the host, FluoreSCENE Media, or partners. Mentions of products, tech, or treatments are not endorsements and may include off-label or investigational use. Emerging technologies discussed (e.g., AI, digital tools) may be unapproved and evolving. Use clinical judgment before adopting them. Images are for educational use. For credit or removal requests, please contact [email protected].