National Vision Is Committed to Supporting Optometrists at Every Step

I became an optometrist because I had a lot of issues with my eyes as a teenager. I spent many long days in an optometry office and slowly but surely started thinking, “Hey, this is an awesome career.” I went through undergrad with that in mind, took the optometry admission test (OAT), and powered through four years of optometry school to earn my doctor of optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry.

I began my career with National Vision as an undergrad working as a tech, and then as an optician for a practice in Rockford, Illinois. I wanted experience in the field, so that when I took the OAT, I would know what I was getting into. I loved working with National Vision so as soon as I earned my doctor of optometry credentials, I started working at a Practice affiliated with the network right away as an optometrist in Cleveland, Ohio.

I practiced as an optometrist for about three years in Cleveland before transferring to Buffalo, New York, where I spent another four years providing patient care. I worked on my fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry during my first year in Buffalo. After that, I worked with the Ambassador Program, where I talked about the opportunities available with Practices in the network. Additionally, I volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where I served public schools with help from National Vision and did free vision screenings for the kids. I also participated in the Buffalo Stand Down for veterans, which provides veterans with reading glasses and vouchers so they could come in and see me to get new prescriptions.

I’ve always been amazed at how many programs National Vision has to empower and support doctors and its associates. They have a group legal plan so we can get legal assistance with personal issues, a support network that provides counseling on life issues, and a dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’ve had an amazing career experience and appreciate everyone who helped me along with a genuine wish to see me succeed. For example, when I was an associate and working as a tech, the general manager of that practice would take me aside in her free time and teach me lensometry as well as basic optics and everything I know about contact lenses. And that was before I even went to optometry school.

Once I started practicing as an optometrist, the area doctor stayed with me for a week, helped me with forms, and assisted me with tough cases and my first multifocal fits. When I moved from Cleveland to Buffalo, the district manager at the time stepped in to make it happen for me and supported me as I moved and sold a house. While I had incredible learning experiences with patients, my confidence is due in large part to the mentors I had along the way. National Vision lays a great foundation for growth as an optometrist, but it’s really the people within the network that foster this support, including encouraging stable hours, a healthy work-life balance, and leave to take care of newborn children or acclimate adopted children into a family.

Moving into a recruitment role felt natural to me because of how easy it is for me to talk about the benefits of working at National Vision or Practices affiliated with the network. Sure, sometimes I miss practicing in the exam lane, but it’s so rewarding to make sure other doctors can have the advantages and amazing support I’ve had over the last decade.

For new doctors or experienced doctors looking for a change, my best advice is to visit a practice you’re thinking of working in. It makes such a difference to see the equipment, meet the staff, and explore the office personality and atmosphere. Most of us get into this profession to help patients, so it’s important to make sure that the office you’d like to practice in prioritizes excellent patient care. Throughout my career, I’ve always loved being able to help underserved populations or those who have problems with access to eyecare, whatever their vision needs are, from needing glasses to a more serious medical issue. If you’re thinking of a career with National Vision or one of the Practices in the network, know that you will not only have the support to grow your own career, but opportunities to help those who need it most.

Learn more about how you can develop your own career by joining the growing, nationwide National Vision Doctor of Optometry network.