In this episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with optometrist and business owner Dr. Stacy T. Gin for a candid and heartfelt conversation about life, motherhood, success, and the moments that truly matter.

Recorded in a lively setting following a professional gathering, the conversation moves seamlessly between lighthearted reflections and deeply personal experiences. Dr. Gin shares her journey as a practice owner, leader, and mother, offering an honest look at the realities of balancing career, family, and personal growth.

A central theme of the episode is how life’s unexpected pauses can reshape perspective. From the forced slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, which created meaningful family time, to Katie’s personal experience with a breast cancer diagnosis, both women reflect on how these moments shifted priorities and deepened their appreciation for life.

The conversation also explores how definitions of success evolve over time. Both Katie and Stacy share how they once equated success with financial stability and career achievement, only to realize that true fulfillment comes from flexibility, purpose, relationships, and the ability to be present for the people who matter most.

Throughout the episode, there is a strong emphasis on human connection. Whether through friendships, meaningful conversations, or patient relationships, these are the moments that make time disappear and life feel most alive.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while careers and responsibilities shape us, it is connection, perspective, and intentional living that ultimately define a meaningful life.

Life’s pauses often bring unexpected clarity Moments of disruption can feel challenging, but they often create space for reflection, deeper connection, and gratitude.

Success evolves beyond money and titles True fulfillment shifts from external measures of success to internal ones, including happiness, flexibility, family, and purpose.

Meaningful connection is what energizes us most The relationships and conversations we invest in are what make life feel rich, meaningful, and fully lived.

“That 20-minute coffee turns into three and a half hours… and you don’t even realize it.”

“We bought that time… and we’ll never get it back.”

“It’s not just about chasing money anymore… it’s about chasing what makes you happy.”

Dr. Stacy T. Gin is an accomplished optometrist, business owner, and community leader with a passion for both patient care and professional leadership.

She earned her degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry, where she graduated with honors. She completed her residency in Primary Eye Care at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Gin has been recognized as Young Optometrist of the Year by the California Optometric Association and has been named Best Optometrist in Glendale for over eight consecutive years. She has also been recognized by Vision Monday as one of “The 50 Most Influential Women in Optical” and has appeared as a guest speaker on the television show The Doctors.

A dedicated leader and volunteer, Dr. Gin has served as Past President of the Glendale Kiwanis Club, the Asian American Optometric Society, and the San Gabriel Valley Optometric Society. She has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Southern California College of Optometry Alumni Association and Glendale Healthy Kids. In addition, she provides leadership to more than 50 independent private practices as the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Vision Source Co Administrator.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Gin is deeply committed to her family. She is actively involved as a Room Parent, Team Mom, and Troop Leader, and enjoys fishing, pilates, and playing pickleball.

https://glenopto.com/about-us/doctors-staff/

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 Larcebal for a deeply reflective conversation about purpose, perspective, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life.

Dr. Larcebal 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. Larcebal 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.”