Episode 39: From Patient to Advocate: A Nurse Researcher's Story on Keratoconus

About this episode

Deidra Bonner shares her journey from patient to advocate, discussing the challenges and insights related to keratoconus.

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett welcomes Deidra Bonner, PhD candidate, registered nurse, and keratoconus patient advocate. Drawing from both her clinical background and personal experience, Deidra shares how her diagnosis shaped her path toward research focused on the quality of life of individuals living with keratoconus. Together, they explore the realities of delayed diagnosis, the life-changing impact of scleral lenses, and the often-overlooked emotional, social, and functional challenges that extend far beyond visual acuity. Deidra also introduces a holistic framework for understanding the patient experience and discusses the importance of communication, emergency preparedness, and advocacy in navigating life with keratoconus. This episode offers a powerful perspective on what it truly means to care for the whole patient—and why listening to the lived experience is essential to improving outcomes.

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Melissa Barnett

Guest: Deidra Bonner

Topics covered

• keratoconus
• patient advocacy
• nurse research
• quality of life
• scleral lenses
• emotional challenges

Keywords

• keratoconus
• patient experience
• nurse researcher
• scleral lenses
• advocacy
• delayed diagnosis
• quality of life

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: nationalkeratoconusfoundation

More episodes of Clearly KC Podcast

• Episode 38: The Ocular Surface Equation: Strategies for Dry Eye and KC · February 26, 2026 · 18 min
• Episode 37: AI, Insight, and Innovation: A New Era in Keratoconus Diagnosis · January 15, 2026 · 16 min
• Episode 36: Broadening Horizons: Perceptual Learning in Keratoconus Management · September 27, 2025 · 15 min
• Episode 35: Stronger Together: Collaborative Care for Keratoconus · May 25, 2025 · 14 min
• Episode 34-Rethinking Rare: Raising Awareness and Rewriting the Keratoconus Narrative · April 17, 2025 · 19 min
• Episode 33 - Keratoconus and Creativity: An Award-Winning Artist's Journey · February 5, 2025 · 18 min