The Dylan Gemelli Podcast – Episode #56

Featuring Dr. Bryce Appelbaum: The Vision Episode!

Date: October 9, 2025
Host: Dylan Gemelli
Guest: Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, Neuro-Optometrist, CEO of My Vision First

Episode Overview

This eye-opening episode focuses on the true meaning of vision health and its impact on overall well-being. Host Dylan Gemelli is joined by Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a leading neuro-optometrist and founder of My Vision First. Together, they break down misconceptions about vision, explore the hidden dangers of excessive screen time, and discuss revolutionary approaches to vision training—particularly the "Screen Fit" program and vision performance therapy. Dr. Appelbaum emphasizes that vision extends far beyond 20/20 eyesight, advocating for proactive brain-eye training to prevent decline, support mental health, and enhance quality of life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum’s Background and Mission

• Personal Story: Dr. Appelbaum shares his childhood struggles with vision development, from sports setbacks to reading challenges. Vision therapy transformed his life, inspiring his career direction.
  • "I'm a product of this work. As a kid I was an absolute mess. I had these visual developmental delays..." (06:00)
• Core Philosophy: Vision is “so much more than just 20/20 eyesight”—it’s about how the brain processes and makes sense out of visual information (07:44).

2. Rethinking Vision: More Than 20/20

• Common Misconceptions: The conversation underscores how most people—and even healthcare providers—reduce vision to visual acuity alone, neglecting the critical brain-component.
  • “Most of eye care takes a complete, reactive model... but nobody’s looking at the next steps... what the brain does with that information.” (10:09)
• Vision & Brain Function: Dr. Appelbaum clarifies that vision reflects brain function, and symptoms like frequent prescription changes often signal deeper functional vision issues (11:39).

3. Vision Decline: Nature vs. Nurture

• Aging & Vision: Challenging the “inevitable decline” myth, Dr. Appelbaum asserts that with the right interventions, visual function can be maintained and even improved into older age.
  • “Vision just gets worse as we get older... that happens. But that's not normal.” (11:13)
• Parallels to Other Health Conditions: Just as metabolism and strength can be trained, so can vision and the brain’s processing capabilities (12:53).

4. Training the Visual System

• Vision as Brain Training: Exercises and technology (from simple eye stretches to advanced virtual reality setups) can improve eye teaming, depth perception, attention, and even emotional resilience.
  • “We’re literally rewiring the software with the right protocols and the right type of work to allow for our brain to function differently.” (19:36)
• Performance Enhancement: Programs aren’t just for those with impairments; elite athletes and healthy individuals can “biohack” their vision for sharper perception and faster reactions (15:45).

5. Screen Time: The Modern Vision Pandemic

• Negative Effects: Excessive screen time changes how our eyes and brain work, often leading to fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and sleep disturbances (17:47–21:54).
• Physical & Mental Health: The link between vision strain, attention difficulties, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression is explored.
  • “Screen time's a new pandemic... When we're on screens, our focusing muscles... are literally under tension...” (16:57 – 19:04)

6. Children, Learning, and Functional Vision Problems

• Reading & ADHD/Mythbusting: Many children diagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD may actually have undiagnosed vision problems. Addressing vision can resolve or lessen learning and attention issues.
  • “Research just came out that shows 15 of the 18 symptoms associated with ADHD have a visual component that's treatable.” (36:09)
• Diagnosis Issues: Most pediatricians and educators overlook vision’s role, defaulting to labels and medications (37:53–38:43).

7. Proactive Vision Care: The “Screen Fit” & Vision Performance Programs

• My Vision First Approach: Offers both in-person intensive programs and online courses (Screen Fit), designed to retrain and optimize vision-brain integration.
  • “Vision performance training... is kind of like physical therapy for the eyes, but really for the brain through the eyes.” (25:33)
• Program Details:
  • In-person: 5-day intensive with evaluation, VR/AR exercises, movement, and personalized routines (44:51–46:24)
  • Online: Screen Fit course—30 lessons, 10–15 min/day, no special equipment needed; can benefit all ages.
    • “Thousands of people [have] gone through it with 100% of people who've finished the program seeing a reduction in symptoms.” (43:06)
• Success Rates: Near 100% for improvement if the patient participates fully; results vary based on starting condition and program completion (28:16–29:34).

8. Empowering Listeners: Mindset & Practical Steps

• Effort Matters: The importance of active participation and consistency—there’s no quick fix, but incremental daily habits yield significant improvements (48:46).
• Vision & Overall Well-being: Improving visual function contributes not just to reading or driving, but to happiness, energy, and relationships (20:37, 24:59).

9. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Vision & Brain Connection:
  • "Vision is a direct reflection of brain function." — Dr. Appelbaum (07:51)
• On Reading and Retention:
  • “There's studies that clearly show better retention with handwritten information and with flipping through pages...” — Dr. Appelbaum (24:08)
• Challenging Diagnosis Norms:
  • "If you cannot control your eyes, you cannot control your mind." — Dr. Appelbaum (35:49)
• Origins of Screen Fit:
  • “Screen Fit is literally the way to just get started... it’s like doing bodyweight work at home instead of going to the gym.” — Dr. Appelbaum (42:18)
• On Success Rates:
  • “This is going to sound aggressive, but it’s 100% success, really. And the reason I say that is, we’re just very picky with who we work with...” — Dr. Appelbaum (28:16)
• On Quality of Life:
  • "If we are not completely changing your life, one of us is doing something wrong here." — Dr. Appelbaum (24:59)

Highlighted Timestamps

• 05:08 — Dylan discusses his own vision journey and glasses use.
• 06:00 — Dr. Appelbaum’s transformative experience with vision training.
• 10:09 — Why most common assumptions about vision are wrong.
• 17:47 — The science behind reading on paper vs. digital screens.
• 19:36 — Brain rewiring and vision’s impact on mental health.
• 21:54 — The direct effect of screens on circadian rhythm and sleep.
• 34:44 — The hidden functional vision problems behind “dyslexia.”
• 36:09 — Research linking ADHD symptoms to vision problems.
• 42:18 — The design and accessibility of the Screen Fit online program.
• 48:46 — Importance of effort, routines, and mindset for permanent gains.
• 53:59 — Dr. Appelbaum shares where listeners can find him online.

Special Offers & Resources

• Screen Fit Program Discount:
  • Use code DYLAN for $200 off the Screen Fit program at screenfit.com (51:04–51:21)
• Connect with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum:
  • Website: myvisionfirst.com
  • Instagram: @drbryceappelbaum (spelled “el” not “le”) (53:59)

Takeaways for Listeners

• Vision is Brain Health: Don’t settle for a simplistic view of eyesight; your brain’s processing matters more than clarity alone.
• Be Proactive: Vision decline is not a given—early, targeted intervention can change the trajectory at any age.
• Screen Hygiene: Mind your digital habits—paper and tactile engagement improve cognition and reduce fatigue.
• Consider Functional Vision: If you or your child struggle with reading, attention, or coordination, consider a functional vision assessment.
• Small Steps, Big Impact: Consistent daily effort can transform your visual (and general) health.

Closing Thoughts

This episode demystifies vision as a passive, decline-prone faculty, replacing that myth with an empowering message: Vision is a trainable, dynamic pathway to health, performance, and happiness. Dr. Appelbaum’s approach—backed by science and results—offers hope and practical solutions to thrive in our digital, visually demanding world.

(For full program details or to connect with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, visit myvisionfirst.com. For a deep-dive review of Dylan’s personal results with vision training, catch the planned follow-up episode.)