Photo courtesy of Dr. Kara Foster, who is seen here in her exam room counseling a patient on the importance of nutrition.
The importance of providing a nutrition education
By Kara Foster, OD
June 25, 2025
I believe it’s important to care holistically for patients, including providing an education on how nutrition affects their vision, eye health and overall well-being.
When I talk about nutrition education, I’m referring to the vital connection between our diet and eye health. It’s not just about what we eat; it’s about how those choices can directly impact conditions like macular degeneration, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Understanding Nutritional Impact
I focus on imparting knowledge about anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods that support ocular health. Leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin are at the forefront of my recommendations.
I also emphasize the negative effects of ultra-processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats on vision and overall well-being. If appropriate, I review lab results, discuss potential supplements and recommend specific dietary changes tailored to each patient.
Integrating Nutrition into Eye Exams
Nutrition discussions are woven throughout the eye exam process. Depending on the patient’s needs and findings, I often bring up dietary considerations during retinal health assessments, when reviewing OCT images or while discussing risk factors for conditions like macular degeneration or dry eye. This integration ensures that patients understand the relevance of nutrition to their eye health.
Gathering Dietary Information
I don’t currently have formal nutrition-related questions on my intake forms. Instead, I prefer to engage in verbal discussions about diet if it’s relevant to their eye health or if they express interest in preventative care. If I notice signs of inflammation, diabetes or dry eye, I inquire about their diet and lifestyle choices.
Offering Quality Nutraceuticals
I sell high-quality, research-backed nutraceuticals that support ocular health. These include macular health supplements containing lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin and omega-3s, as well as dry eye relief products. I carefully vet the brands I carry, focusing on those with clinical evidence supporting their efficacy.
Connecting Nutrition to Eye Health Risks
I make it a point to tie the nutrition conversation to the risk of macular degeneration and the importance of regular testing and monitoring. I explain how diet and supplementation can slow the progression of macular degeneration and improve overall eye function.
Monitoring with OCT, fundus photos and other advanced imaging allows us to track changes and intervene early. For patients at risk, I recommend nutraceuticals, dietary changes and regular follow-ups.
The Financial Aspect of Nutraceuticals
While I don’t rely on nutraceutical sales as a major revenue stream, they do provide a steady source of supplemental income while reinforcing patient care. Monthly revenue varies depending on patient demand, but my focus is on compliance and long-term use rather than just one-time sales.
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Exploring Testing Devices
I haven’t yet invested in specific testing devices like the MacuHealth LifeMeter or the Zea Performance System from EyePromise. I find that patient education and imaging are often sufficient to motivate dietary changes, but I remain open to adding this type of testing in the future.
Handling Patient Pushback
Some patients initially resist discussing nutrition, thinking it falls outside the scope of eye care. I handle this push-back by making connections to their specific conditions, using visuals like fundus images or OCT scans to illustrate changes linked to diet, and framing the conversation as part of a holistic approach to health.
I’m patient and plant seeds of knowledge, knowing that even if they don’t act immediately, they often return later with questions.
Building a Holistic Practice Brand
The nutrition conversation sets my practice apart as a holistic, prevention-focused office rather than just another place for glasses and contacts. Patients begin to see me as someone who genuinely cares about their long-term health, leading to word-of-mouth referrals from those seeking a more integrative approach to eye care.
Empowering Patients with Realistic Changes
One key aspect of educating patients about nutrition is empowering them with small, realistic changes rather than overwhelming them. I focus on simple swaps, like adding a handful of leafy greens to their daily meals and habit stacking, such as taking omega-3s with breakfast.
Celebrating progress rather than perfection is essential in cultivating a positive relationship with dietary changes.
Resources to Learn More
Dr. Foster has written a booklet about nutrition: Breaking the Matrix: How Real Food Can Prevent Cancer and Chronic Disease: Exposing the system that profits from keeping us sick—and how we fight back with every bite.
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Kara Foster, OD, is the owner of EyeCare for You in Apex, N.C., and now also helps other practices reduce, or eliminate, dependence on managed care. To contact her: drkara@directcaredifference.
