Podcasting in Ophthalmology: Advancing Education, Knowledge Dissemination, and Implications for Health Equity

Eleanor M Richardson,1 Lorraine M Provencher2 1School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA; 2Vance Thompson Vision, Omaha, NE, USACorrespondence: Lorraine M Provencher, Vance Thompson Vision, 4909 S. 118th St, Omaha, NE, 68137, USA, Email lorraine.provencher@vancethompsonvision.comAbstract: Podcasts have emerged as a prominent medium for disseminating health information in the digital era, offering on-demand, accessible content for both clinicians and the public. Within medicine, and increasingly within ophthalmology, podcasts are used for education, research dissemination, and patient engagement. Their low cost, asynchronous format, and broad accessibility also present a promising yet underutilized strategy for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) by expanding access to reliable, equity-focused patient education and helping to overcome barriers to specialty care that contribute to preventable vision loss. This literature review examines the evolution of podcasting as a tool for medical education and public health communication, with a focused analysis of its current applications, benefits, and limitations within ophthalmology.Keywords: podcast, medical podcasting, ophthalmology education, social determinants of health, social media