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.

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In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist and business owner Dr. Stacy T. Gin for a candid and heartfelt conversation about life, motherhood, success, and the moments that truly matter.

Recorded in a lively setting following a professional gathering, the conversation moves seamlessly between lighthearted reflections and deeply personal experiences. Dr. Gin shares her journey as a practice owner, leader, and mother, offering an honest look at the realities of balancing career, family, and personal growth.

A central theme of the episode is how life’s unexpected pauses can reshape perspective. From the forced slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, which created meaningful family time, to Katie’s personal experience with a breast cancer diagnosis, both women reflect on how these moments shifted priorities and deepened their appreciation for life.

The conversation also explores how definitions of success evolve over time. Both Katie and Stacy share how they once equated success with financial stability and career achievement, only to realize that true fulfillment comes from flexibility, purpose, relationships, and the ability to be present for the people who matter most.

Throughout the episode, there is a strong emphasis on human connection. Whether through friendships, meaningful conversations, or patient relationships, these are the moments that make time disappear and life feel most alive.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while careers and responsibilities shape us, it is connection, perspective, and intentional living that ultimately define a meaningful life.

Life’s pauses often bring unexpected clarity Moments of disruption can feel challenging, but they often create space for reflection, deeper connection, and gratitude.

Success evolves beyond money and titles True fulfillment shifts from external measures of success to internal ones, including happiness, flexibility, family, and purpose.

Meaningful connection is what energizes us most The relationships and conversations we invest in are what make life feel rich, meaningful, and fully lived.

“That 20-minute coffee turns into three and a half hours… and you don’t even realize it.”

“We bought that time… and we’ll never get it back.”

“It’s not just about chasing money anymore… it’s about chasing what makes you happy.”

Dr. Stacy T. Gin is an accomplished optometrist, business owner, and community leader with a passion for both patient care and professional leadership.

She earned her degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry, where she graduated with honors. She completed her residency in Primary Eye Care at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Gin has been recognized as Young Optometrist of the Year by the California Optometric Association and has been named Best Optometrist in Glendale for over eight consecutive years. She has also been recognized by Vision Monday as one of “The 50 Most Influential Women in Optical” and has appeared as a guest speaker on the television show The Doctors.

A dedicated leader and volunteer, Dr. Gin has served as Past President of the Glendale Kiwanis Club, the Asian American Optometric Society, and the San Gabriel Valley Optometric Society. She has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Southern California College of Optometry Alumni Association and Glendale Healthy Kids. In addition, she provides leadership to more than 50 independent private practices as the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Vision Source Co Administrator.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Gin is deeply committed to her family. She is actively involved as a Room Parent, Team Mom, and Troop Leader, and enjoys fishing, pilates, and playing pickleball.

https://glenopto.com/about-us/doctors-staff/

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with cataract and glaucoma surgeon Dr. Kay Khine for a warm, honest, and deeply relatable conversation about identity, leadership, and what it really means to grow into yourself.

Dr. Khine shares her journey from growing up as one of the few minorities in a small town in Minnesota to building a practice with her husband in Pasadena. Along the way, she reflects on navigating professional hierarchies during residency, where staying true to herself often meant balancing authenticity with expectation.

The conversation explores how both Katie and Kay have evolved, particularly when it comes to speaking up, setting boundaries, and stepping into leadership. Dr. Khine shares how she once avoided confrontation, choosing to stay quiet and let things go, but now embraces difficult conversations as a necessary part of leadership, advocacy, and running a business.

Beyond career, the episode highlights the importance of balance. As a mother, Kay reflects on the value of family time, the importance of protecting personal space, and the challenge of learning to say no, even when it feels uncomfortable.

The discussion also dives into legacy, moving beyond titles and external validation toward something more meaningful. Both Katie and Kay emphasize the importance of the impact we have on others, through patient care, relationships, and how we show up in everyday life.

This episode is a grounded reminder that growth is not about perfection. It is about learning, evolving, and choosing to live in alignment with what matters most.

Growth often requires learning to speak up Confidence is not always natural. It is built through experience, leadership, and trusting your voice, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Boundaries are essential, especially as life evolves Learning to say no is one of the most important shifts, particularly when balancing career, leadership, and family. Boundaries protect what matters most.

Legacy is about impact, not titles True success is not defined by titles or achievements, but by the lives we touch and the way we show up for others.

“I used to just let things go… but now I’m not too shy anymore to speak up for myself.”

“Sometimes I just say no… my daughter needs me.”

“I hope that I’ve touched people’s lives… and that I’m more than just a title.”

Dr. Kay T. Khine is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon with a strong commitment to both clinical excellence and patient centered care.

Born in Burma (Myanmar), she immigrated to the United States at age 11 and later attended the University of Southern California. She earned her medical degree at East Carolina University, followed by her internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Dr. Khine completed her ophthalmology residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her glaucoma fellowship at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, consistently ranked among the top ophthalmology institutions in the United States.

She provides advanced medical and surgical care for glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. Dr. Khine also serves as a Voluntary Assistant Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, continuing her involvement in academic research.

Fluent in Burmese, she is passionate about serving the diverse San Gabriel Valley community.

Website: https://www.focuseyecenterla.com/

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