I didn’t come into the world knowing I was meant to be an optometrist. In fact, it wasn’t until later in life—about a year before I applied—that I even considered it as a career path.

My journey to optometry was influenced by a lifelong interest in healthcare and a deep-rooted desire to help others. Growing up in a family dedicated to healthcare, I was constantly surrounded by inspiring role models who devoted themselves to making a difference in people’s lives. This environment fostered a sense of compassion in me and instilled the value of caring for others. Though I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in health, I struggled with deciding which field would be the right fit.

Determined to find my path, I adopted a “trial and error” approach. I shadowed and volunteered in a variety of healthcare fields, including allopathic medicine, physician assistant roles, pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing, and of course, optometry. Each field had its unique qualities, and while they all offered valuable perspectives on patient care, it was optometry that truly resonated with me.

Optometry stood out because it beautifully combined my passion for healthcare, my desire to form meaningful patient relationships, and the ability to make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives in a hands-on, personal way. I realized that vision is one of the most essential aspects of life, and being able to help preserve and improve it is incredibly rewarding.

Now, as an optometrist, I am proud to use my skills and knowledge to make a real difference in my patients’ lives, enhancing their well-being and helping them see the world more clearly every day.