What drew you to optometry?
Helping others. I always knew I wanted to do something that involved caring for other people. I began my college career thinking I wanted to do this through teaching, but I quickly learned that elementary education wasn’t for me. Medicine seemed to be more of what I should focus on, so I switched to a biology major with a pre-med focus and even earned early acceptance to Thomas Jefferson Medical School. In my junior year of college, optometry was recommended to me by my high school guidance counselor (who is now my father-in-law), and my focus became clear. Optometry allows me to help others while fulfilling my love of learning.
You are well known for your expertise in dry eye. What led you to this subspecialty?
Chance. Like many of my peers who developed a passion for dry eye, early on my interest was driven by necessity. Medications were limited, and knowledge was slowly growing, but one thing was clear: These patients needed our attention. I was working in a surgical practice and treating a lot of postsurgical dry eye disease. When you are able to make a difference in the life of a patient, it is an overwhelmingly rewarding feeling. I also love to teach others and help them develop their passion to treat dry eye disease.
What is a typical day at the office like for you?
Diverse. I am in the process of starting a new practice as one of the first Medical Optometry America locations in the country. One day I may be collaborating with brilliant ODs and MDs on best practices and critical guidelines. Later that same day, I may be talking about office layout or décor. On other days I will be working on a variety of initiatives including staffing, selecting an electronic medical records system, marketing, and more.
What keeps you busy, fulfilled, and passionate?
Life. My family is my first priority, and I love to be with my husband and kids. We enjoy being outdoors. The beach is a favorite vacation spot.
Dr. O'Dell with her family at the University of Delaware last summer. It’s a favorite spot, as she and her husband are both alumni.
Are there any particular advantages or challenges to being a woman in the optometric profession?
The name game. Over the years I have experienced some challenges, but it’s hard to say whether it was related to my gender or rather my youth. Sometimes patients will refer to me by my first name even if I have introduced myself as “Dr. O’Dell.” I used to also get many questions about whether I was old enough to be the doctor. Fortunately, the gray hairs and fine lines of my 40s are making those questions more infrequent. I’ve even been told by a 92-year-old female patient that “Women aren’t as smart as men.” I believe time changes all things, and over the years of my career I have seen these biases change and lessen.
What goals do you have, both personally and professionally, for the next 3 years?
Disrupt. Optometry is in the midst of a transformation, with a shift to medical optometric care becoming absolutely essential. I was drawn to the Medical Optometry America model because I truly believe it is the future of our profession. We need to continue to evolve as a profession and collaborate more to meet patient needs. The next 3 years will be an exciting yet challenging time, and I am honored to be playing a key role in the transformation of our field.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Staying active. This pretty much sums up my life outside of work. I love being with my husband and my children, Anna (12) and William (9). Exploring the world through their eyes is something I love to experience. As a family, our new interest is biking, and we have had some time to explore various trails in Pennsylvania and northern Maryland this spring and summer.
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