Three Simple Ways to Bring Nutrition Into the Patient Conversation  

Julie Poteet, OD, MS, CNS, FOWNS, is a passionate advocate for the power of nutrition in eye health. As she sees it, optometrists are in a unique position to not only give patients vision care but also provide them with strategies for proactive, preventive care. “We are profoundly spoiled with our ability to image the retina on every patient. It’s one of the few places in the body where we can view the microvasculature without an invasive procedure,” she says. The retina serves as a window into overall health, offering early warnings for neurologic and vascular issues,^1,2 and Dr. Poteet believes in using this opportunity to talk about nutrition as a key to preventing disease.

Dr. Poteet’s philosophy with her patients in Acworth, Georgia, is simple: “Repair the roof before it starts raining.” She believes that by giving the retina and body what they need from the start, optometrists can help mitigate the risk of ocular diseases and even some chronic health conditions later. “The eyes are known as windows to the body’s health. To not embrace this is a disservice to our patients,” she says. Her approach focuses on empowering patients with simple, actionable nutrition advice during their exams. Here are three ways Dr. Poteet suggests incorporating nutrition into everyday patient conversations without requiring much extra time.

EAT THE RAINBOW

One of the simplest and most effective ways to start the nutrition conversation is by encouraging patients to “eat the rainbow.” “Much of your plate should be colorful,” Dr. Poteet advises. Colorful fruits and vegetables are packed with polyphenols, which are important for both eye and brain health.^3-5 These natural compounds support overall wellness and help protect the retina.^3-6

Dr. Poteet highlights two key nutrients—lutein and zeaxanthin—that are essential for eye health but often under-consumed. “We typically get <2 milligrams of lutein, but our bodies need 5-30 milligrams daily,”^7-9 she explains. Increasing colorful vegetables like spinach, kale, and other dark leafy greens can make a significant difference.^10,11

INCLUDE FATTY FISH TWICE A WEEK

Another evidence-based recommendation Dr. Poteet makes is to incorporate fatty fish into the diet at least twice a week. She uses the acronym “SMASH” to help patients remember which five kinds of fish are best: salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring. “These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to benefit cardiovascular, neurological and ocular health,”^12-17 Dr. Poteet explains, citing data from the National Institutes of Health.

Patients often come in asking about fish oil supplements, but Dr. Poteet stresses the importance of the source. “Some studies show that up to 68% of over-the-counter fish oils can be rancid,”¹⁸ she notes, advising patients to stick with whole foods when possible.

EMBRACE OLIVE OIL AND NUTS

For patients looking for simple, everyday changes, Dr. Poteet suggests integrating olive oil and nuts into their diets. These staples of the Mediterranean diet are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, both of which have been shown to support eye health.^16,17,19-21 “It’s a simple switch that can have long-lasting effects,”²¹ she says.

By offering patients these three practical nutrition tips, Dr. Poteet believes that optometrists can help them make informed decisions not just for their eye health, but for their overall well-being too. “Patients want the conversation on nutrition,” she says. “They’re already reading and researching; they just need direction.”

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