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Please share with us your background.
I was born in Nigeria, emigrated to America at 6 years old, and grew up in Houston. I am the oldest of four siblings and growing up I had many interests. Although I was a skilled artist, dancer, and track and field athlete, I have always known that I wanted to be an optometrist. I vividly remember getting my first pair of glasses in fifth grade and finally being able to see my teacher’s face! I like to think that was the start of my optometric career.
I attended Texas Tech University where I received my Bachelor of Science in biology and then went on to optometry school at the University of the Incarnate Word, Rosenberg School of Optometry, where I graduated magna cum laude. Following graduation, I completed a residency there, focusing on primary care and ocular disease.
Describe your current position.
I am a lead optometrist at a private practice. I perform comprehensive eye exams and pediatric exams, co-manage LASIK and cataract surgeries, and treat patients of all ages. I am also a freelance medical consultant and peer reviewer.
Who are your mentors?
I have been fortunate to have many mentors in my life. Adreain Henry, OD, has been instrumental with my career choices, mentorship, and life changes. Chandra Mickles, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS, introduced me to a different type of optometry, outside of patient care. Other mentors include Joseph Pizzimenti, OD, FAAO, and Srihari Narayanan, OD.
What has been the most memorable experience of your career thus far?
During my fourth year, one of my rotations was at a tertiary clinic. A 32-year-old woman was referred with complaints of severely decreased peripheral vision on both sides in both eyes. She was diagnosed with end-stage glaucoma despite having 20/20 central vision.
She had severe allergies and was often on steroidal medications that were slowly raising her eye pressure. Unfortunately, she had not been to an eye doctor for several years and did not realize that her field of vision was deteriorating until it was too late. I had to break the news to her that, even though she had 20/20 vision, she had virtually no field of vision and by state standards was legally blind.
That was the first time I realized the impact we can have and the importance of educating patients about annual examinations.
What new technological advances do you find particularly exciting? What in the pipeline are you most enthusiastic or curious about?
One of my favorite things right now is the myopia management movement. Another thing I’m excited about is the forthcoming drops for treating presbyopia. I’m very excited about what 2021 and beyond holds.
Describe a typical day in your life. What keeps you busy, fulfilled, and passionate?
Work-life balance has been important for me. Keeping myself physically fit helps with my mental fitness and allows me to be a better person and a better doctor. My day starts off with breakfast, gym, work, then home where I wind down and spend time with my loved ones.
What advice can you offer to individuals who are just now choosing their career paths after finishing optometry school or residency?
Work really hard and understand that it only gets better. Don’t put yourself in a box or limit yourself. There are no limits at all. Keep your dreams and your hopes high. You’ve built yourself an arsenal of skills and abilities; use that to your advantage, use it to move up and to expand your horizons.
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