Power Hour Optometry Episode Summary Episode Title: Vision Beyond Sight: How the Two Blind Brothers Turned a Diagnosis into a Mission of Hope and Impact
Host: Eugene Shotsman
Guests: Brad and Brian Manning ("Two Blind Brothers")
Release Date: June 4, 2025

1. Introduction to the Two Blind Brothers

Eugene Shotsman opens the episode by introducing Brad and Brian Manning, known collectively as the Two Blind Brothers. Diagnosed with Stargardt's disease in their childhood, they transformed their personal challenges into a thriving business that donates all profits to blindness research.

Notable Quote:
Eugene Shotsman [00:00]: "These guys were both diagnosed with Stargardt's disease when they were kids, and years later, they launched a massive clothing brand that now donates every penny of profit to research for blindness."

2. Personal Journeys and Early Diagnosis

Brad and Brian delve into their early experiences with Stargardt's disease. Brad recounts his initial diagnosis at five years old and the emotional impact it had on their family.

Notable Quotes:
Brad Manning [02:59]: "The doctor told my mom at that point that I had Stargardt's disease, but we didn't know what that is. He said, this is a juvenile form of macular degeneration."

Brian Manning [04:39]: "We were actually somewhat fortunate because we knew what our biggest problem was going to be. And that we were never allowed to use it as an excuse to not try."

3. Building Resilience and Embracing Challenges

The Manning brothers emphasize the supportive environment fostered by their parents, encouraging them to engage in various activities despite their vision loss. This foundation instilled a mentality of perseverance and exploration.

Notable Quote:
Brian Manning [06:23]: "We were always encouraged to go out and join the soccer team or football team or take those harder classes... why not go out and try and see what you can succeed at rather than assuming you can't?"

4. The Birth of Two Blind Brothers Clothing Brand

A pivotal moment occurred when Brad and Brian coincidentally purchased identical Henley shirts, sparking the idea for their clothing brand. This led to the creation of a mission-driven business that funds research for retinal diseases.

Notable Quote:
Brad Manning [12:03]: "We ended up walking out of the store 30 minutes later, and I was like, oh, what'd you get? And we had both coincidentally bought this same exact Henley shirt."

5. Leveraging Storytelling for Brand Success

The brothers discuss the crucial role of storytelling in their business. Initially focused on factual information about their mission, they shifted to a more personal narrative that resonated emotionally with their audience, leading to a viral response and rapid growth.

Notable Quotes:
Brian Manning [22:39]: "We changed it from telling super factual informational pieces to telling the story of why we're doing this. And that shift is genuinely what we've carried through our whole brand."

Eugene Shotsman [24:49]: "An emotional connection to story... what moves you is what will move other people."

6. Current Status and Impact (2025)

As of 2025, Two Blind Brothers have achieved significant milestones, including serving over 600,000 customers and donating $3 million to charitable partners. Their optical eyewear line is now featured in thousands of locations, further extending their impact.

Notable Quote:
Brad Manning [15:53]: "We just passed, I think, 600,000 customers. We've contributed $3 million to charitable partners."

7. Partnership with the Optometric Community

The conversation highlights their collaboration with Lemi America to develop an optical eyewear line that donates proceeds to blindness research. This partnership not only enhances their brand but also provides optometrists with meaningful products aligned with their mission.

Notable Quote:
Brad Manning [40:09]: "Two Blind Brothers doesn't get $1 from this collection. Every dollar that we would get goes directly to the Foundation Fighting Blindness."

8. Advice on Storytelling and Business Growth

Brad and Brian offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs and optometrists on the power of storytelling. They stress the importance of connecting emotionally with customers and leveraging personal narratives to drive engagement and support.

Notable Quote:
Brian Manning [25:17]: "What moves you is what will move other people... that's really the onus of where to start when you're thinking about what story to tell."

9. Overcoming Business Challenges and Learning from Mistakes

The Manning brothers candidly share their business challenges, including initial missteps in sales forecasting and product quality. They emphasize the importance of passion, adaptability, and learning from errors to achieve long-term success.

Notable Quotes:
Brad Manning [49:13]: "We didn't sort of like forecast our sales and had six people in our apartment licking envelopes... ordering the wrong color buttons on these shirts."

Brad Manning [51:53]: "We loved it and we had a lot of fun with it. That was one of the cornerstones that made it work."

10. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Eugene concludes the episode by celebrating Brad and Brian's achievements and their impactful mission. He underscores the importance of their story in inspiring others within the optometric community and beyond.

Notable Quote:
Eugene Shotsman [52:26]: "You have magnetic personalities. You have an incredible story and you're building something that is truly giving back to the world in a way that very few things do."

Conclusion

Brad and Brian Manning's journey from being diagnosed with Stargardt's disease to establishing a successful, mission-driven business exemplifies resilience, strategic storytelling, and the power of community collaboration. Their story serves as an inspiring model for entrepreneurs and optometrists aiming to create meaningful impact through their ventures.

For more information and to explore further resources, visit www.PowerPractice.com.