One to Watch: Devin J. Sasser, OD

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Please share with us your background.

I originally hail from Dallas, Texas, but I left “the Lone Star State” to obtain my undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, an historically Black college/university (HBCU). As an undergraduate, I served as the student government association president. I went on to attend optometry school at the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry. As an optometry student, I served as the national president of the American Optometric Student Association. Upon graduating from optometry school, I briefly moved home to Texas to practice before quickly jumping ship to the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

Describe your current position.

I operate as what I have come to call an “optometric floater.” I split my time between private practice, professional consulting, and providing eye care services to institutionalized persons. I am also a member of the Transitions Optical Diversity Advisory Board, the Maryland Optometric Association Legislative Committee, and the American Optometric Association (AOA) Leadership Development Committee.

Who are your mentors?

I have quite a few, but I would be remiss if I did not mention the two who have most recently played major roles in my professional development. Ron Benner, OD, and Chun AuYeung, OD, have both been sources of support in my optometric journey.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career thus far?

Helping to develop emerging optometrists into the future leaders of our profession as a part of the AOA Leadership Development Committee has to be near the top of the list. So much of what we are able to achieve as a profession is dependent upon effective leadership, and I take great pride in working with fellow members of the committee to help facilitate growth opportunities for the future leaders of the profession.

What are some new technological advances that you find particularly exciting? Which advances in the pipeline are you most enthusiastic or curious about?

I am most excited for the strides being made in the realm of drug-eluting contact lenses. The advances in this space will be a huge game-changer in how we manage and treat ocular diseases in the coming years.

Describe a typical day in your life.

My days start at 5:30 AM. I wake up and do a little muscle and joint mobility work before hitting the gym at 6:00 AM for weight training. I generally make it into the eye clinic around 8:30 AM, and, depending on the day, I am usually done seeing patients by 4:00 PM. I try to get in about an hour of productive administration time between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and then it is back to the gym for either a spin class or a date with my arch nemesis, the StairMaster. I try to keep evening Zoom meetings down to once a week so I can spend my evenings relaxing, either by catching up on my favorite shows or being glued to the tennis channel.

What advice can you offer to individuals who are just now choosing their career paths after finishing optometry school or a residency?

It is OK if everything is not perfect all at once. It is very easy to fall into the trap of comparing your journey with that of colleagues and peers. Try your best to resist that urge. Take your time and embrace the journey of finding the right fit for you.