One to Watch: Nicole Harris, OD

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Please share with us your background.

I grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, with my parents and older sister. I always had a strong interest in math and science and knew I wanted to end up in health care. While pursuing my undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Minnesota, I worked at a small, private optometry practice in Minneapolis, which solidified my decision to attend the Illinois College of Optometry. Afterward, I completed my ocular disease residency at Associated Eye Care in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Describe your current position.

I now work full time at Associated Eye Care, an OD/MD multispecialty practice serving the east metro of the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. I bounce between a few of our locations, which exposes me to a variety of patient demographics and needs. I provide adult comprehensive care, urgent care, disease management, and surgical comanagement. I also coordinate our ocular disease residency program. It is rewarding to give back to the program that helped shape me as a doctor.

Who are your mentors?

During my fourth-year externships, I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful optometrist, Leah Colby, OD, at her private practice in Rodgers, Minnesota. With such a strong female role model at that early stage in my career, I left the clinic each day feeling excited to come back the next. I learned plenty about primary eye care and ocular disease, but even more about running a successful clinic and treating each patient with compassion and care.

The optometrists and ophthalmologists at Associated Eye Care have each played a significant role in expanding my clinical skills and confidence over the past 3 years—especially my residency coordinator, Jacob Lang, OD, FAAO, who has always pushed me to learn more, do more, and continue to move the profession of optometry forward.

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

I completed my residency in the spring of 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our clinic was closed to all patients for more than a month, except urgent and emergent cases. This gave me the opportunity to become the main provider during this time, as our residency program mainly focused on triage and urgent care. Although it was an uncertain and challenging time for all, I learned more in those few months than I ever thought possible.

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

Advancements to non-topical approaches to ocular drug delivery are exciting for eye care providers and patients alike. Every day, we hear patients talk about how they “hate drops” or struggle with compliance. Being able to provide them with alternative routes of administration allows more individualized patient care, improved bioavailability, and fewer ocular surface side effects.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I see patients 4.5 days a week. Two days a week, I do Pilates before work, and I enjoy slower mornings on the other days. My workday is always busy with a variety of patients to keep me on my toes. I usually spend my breaks during the day catching up on emails and residency-related items. After clinic, I take my high-energy golden retriever, Nordy, for a long walk. I also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. I find spending time in the kitchen a nice way to wind down.

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

I encourage everyone to consider residency, as it is a great way to open future career possibilities, expand your network, and move optometry forward. Make the most of your opportunities, and find a strong support system that lifts you up and motivates you to be the best doctor you can be.