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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focuseyecenterla/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/focuseyecenterla

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist Dr. John Larcabal for a deeply reflective conversation about purpose, perspective, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life.

Dr. Larcabal shares his journey from building and running multiple successful optometry practices to stepping into semi retirement, where he now dedicates much of his time to international humanitarian eye care missions. Through his work with VOSH, he has served communities around the world, gaining a profound perspective on need, adaptation, and gratitude.

One of the most powerful insights from his experiences comes from working with children in underserved regions, where the prevalence of vision issues is significantly higher than in the United States. Yet despite having fewer resources, these communities often demonstrate deep joy, connection, and contentment.

The conversation expands into personal values, including integrity, honesty, family, and the responsibility that comes with parenthood. Dr. Larcabal reflects on how growing up on a farm shaped his discipline and work ethic, while also reinforcing the importance of keeping one’s word and living with consistency.

Katie shares her own reflections on legacy, purpose, and creating spaces where people feel safe to share their stories. Together, they explore the idea that success is not defined solely by professional achievement, but by the impact we leave on others.

This episode is a powerful reminder that perspective shapes everything, and that a meaningful life is built not through accumulation, but through connection, service, and intentional living.

Perspective changes everything Exposure to different environments and communities can completely reshape how we define success, happiness, and fulfillment.

Integrity and honesty are foundational values From handshake agreements to modern leadership, keeping your word and living with honesty remains essential in both personal and professional life.

Legacy is built through impact, not just achievement True success extends beyond career milestones. It is reflected in how we serve others, how we show up, and the difference we make in people’s lives.

“Having all these material things doesn’t always make us the luckier ones.”

“Back then, your word and your handshake… that was the contract.”

“It’s not just about what you achieve, it’s about the impact you leave behind.”

In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist Dr. Arash Sadeghian for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about purpose, sacrifice, identity, and the defining moments that shape our lives.

Recorded during a break at the California Optometric Association House of Delegates, this episode moves seamlessly between lighthearted reflections and profound life insights.

Dr. Sadeghian shares his journey as a private practice optometrist of more than 20 years, reflecting on the realities of growing a practice, mentoring emerging doctors, and continuously evolving as both a clinician and a leader.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when he shares a pivotal story from his early life. He was nearly recruited by the FBI, a path that seemed to disappear as quickly as it appeared. Years later, while in optometry school, he diagnosed a life threatening condition in his own mother and ultimately helped save her life.

That moment reframed everything.

What once felt like a missed opportunity revealed itself as something far more meaningful. A redirection toward purpose.

Together, Katie and Arash explore the balance between career and family, the sacrifices required in healthcare, and the evolving nature of leadership identity. They reflect on the weight of responsibility, the importance of presence, and the small, meaningful moments that ground us in what truly matters.

From cultural roots and childhood memories to professional growth and legacy, this episode is a reminder that purpose is often only clear in hindsight, and that the path you are on may be exactly where you are meant to be.

Purpose often reveals itself through hindsight What may feel like missed opportunities can actually be redirections. Dr. Sadeghian’s journey shows how life aligns in ways we often only understand later.

Sacrifice is part of building something meaningful Balancing career and family, especially in healthcare, comes with trade offs. Meaning is found in how we navigate those sacrifices with intention.

Growth requires evolving your identity Leadership is not static. It requires reflection, feedback, and a willingness to adapt how you show up for your team, your patients, and your life.

“Everything happened for a purpose, for a reason… I couldn’t even imagine a different path.”

“There’s things you need to get done… but at the same time, it’s about providing great care for our patients.”

“At that moment, I realized this is why I’m here. This is why I chose this profession.”