Lili Liang, O.D., MPH, wants you to daydream.

That’s the motivation behind Yeux, a new smartphone app she launched to reduce eye strain via “doctor-prescribed daydreaming.”

Essentially, Yeux sends subtle notifications—according to users’ work schedules and based on the 20-20-20 rule—on mobile devices to take a break from the screens.

“How many times do we tell ourselves to take a break, and how many times do we do it?” asks Dr. Liang. “The gentle reminders appearing on your phone or on your wrist make it so much easier.”

In 2017, Dr. Liang became a partner of optical boutique Durant Sessions, which now has two Vancouver locations and plans to expand further.

Here, Dr. Liang dishes on taking risks, telemedicine, and Shakira.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

My seemingly never-ending energy for everything and anything. This energy also feeds into my insatiable drive to create great things.

Inspiration for pursuing a career in eye care?

My parents. They are not health care providers, but they are small business owners that built everything from nothing. I run my business modeled after their leadership.

Best activity to find calm?

My morning routine of devotion time where I spend alone time, journal, and dig into my faith to find my spiritual center.

Greatest advice to fellow O.D.s right now?

Take risks. If what you are doing feels comfortable and safe, you are most likely not doing it right.

Pivot during the turbulent times of Covid-19?

The full embrace of telemedicine and digital communication showed me that health care can be delivered differently.

Most rewarding professional accomplishment?

Creating the culture and brand that we have at Durant Sessions.

Your eyecare hero?

Not an eyecare provider, but the two hosts of “Four Bad Eyes Podcast” really show me a different world of the visually impaired from the patient’s perspective.

Song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

It’s a playlist of Shakira songs from the ’90s.