Representing Four Generations of Care

I have been immersed in the optometric field my entire life, starting with working at my dad’s practice as a receptionist. Now, I’m a fourth-generation Doctor of Optometry and the first female optometrist in my family, following in the footsteps of my great-grandfather, my grandfather, and my dad. 

My family has always had a passion for helping people, and I knew early on that I wanted to be in a profession that would allow me to do this, too. I also have a knack for problem-solving, and optometry provides a unique opportunity to help people and problem-solve simultaneously; even if one of my patient’s symptoms is the same as another, the causes are nearly always different. I understand my role as an optometrist to look beyond the eyes and ask: what else is going on systemically with this person that's causing these symptoms?  

As Doctors of Optometry and as a part of our patients’ overall healthcare team, we have a crucial role in providing them with comprehensive eye care. I appreciate that private practice optometry allows the flexibility in my schedule to dedicate more time to each of my patients and better understand their unique needs. By far, the most rewarding part of my day is uncovering these problems to help people see clearly for the first time. My family’s deep-rooted passion for helping people has also inspired me to give back beyond our practice, ultimately helping even more people see. 

Since 2018, I have partnered with Healing the Children to provide no-cost vision care for the local children of Lima, Peru, as part of the organization’s overall efforts to help underserved children around the world access medical care. For these mission trips, VSP Vision Eyes of Hope donated frames and prescription lenses for the volunteers to distribute to these patients. It’s an indescribable feeling to see how excited these kids are to choose their own glasses that not only help them see, but they are also proud to wear.

As an optometrist, you never want to see people unable to afford or attain eye care or glasses because they don't have insurance. As a VSP network doctor, I’m appreciative that VSP Vision provides philanthropic resources to increase access to no-cost vision care for those in need, which aligns with my own passion to help people. Plus, as a VSP Premier Edge practice, we benefit from time-saving resources to increase efficiencies so we can focus on providing our patients the care they need, and I can dedicate more time to giving back and carrying on my family’s tradition of helping others.  

Volunteering is ultimately what keeps me going in this profession. While I love treating patients at my practice, helping a child in need during my mission trips is the most heartwarming aspect of my career. It’s a privilege to help these children, and I want to continue to give back for the rest of my life. As eye see it, everyone should have access to eye care. To be able to see clearly is everything.