Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Cerritos, California. Being of Indian background and having strict parents, my career options (and I say this jokingly) were pretty much: lawyer, doctor, or engineer. My dad was an engineer, so my choice was basically between a lawyer or a doctor. When I got to college, I knew I wanted to do something in health care.
I went to University of California Irvine for undergraduate studies and University of California Berkeley for optometry school. After several diverse externships in my fourth year, I wanted to learn more about contact lenses and visual rehabilitation through specialty contact lenses, so I did a residency at the State University of New York College of Optometry.
I have been in private practice for 16 years at Elander Eye Medical Group, and I was a consultant for Johnson & Johnson, SynergEyes, Managed Healthcare United, Alcon, Sight Sciences, and Sun Pharmaceuticals.
How did you develop an interest in optometry?
I initially had my heart set on pharmacy, but I interviewed several different health care professionals to make sure I wasn’t overlooking any other fields. Then I met with my optometrist, Darlyne Fujimoto, OD, whom I had known since second grade, when she gave me my first pair of glasses. She was extremely influential in my decision to pursue optometry, and I ended up volunteering with her before I entered optometry school.
How did you come to be in your current role?
Through various opportunities I have had that have allowed me to explore different aspects of the profession, I became curious about working in the industry full time. When a position for a Senior Manager of Professional and Academic Affairs opened up at CooperVision, I decided to apply and was offered the job. I started in this new role in August 2021. Despite working full time in the industry, I still see patients on a limited basis, which allows me to stay connected to my colleagues and relate to their challenges.
What does your typical workday look like?
In the academic affairs part of my job, I work with eight schools across the United States. My responsibilities include looking for ways that CooperVision can support students and faculty. I am provided the opportunity to educate students on contact lenses, ocular health, practice management, and advocacy within our profession. I also serve as a link between students and other eye care practitioners. My time on the back end is spent creating presentations and content, helping to come up with educational, engaging events, and working with the schools.
On the professional affairs side, my time is focused on working directly with eye care professionals. I help them to learn about CooperVision products, support them with resources and tools, and educate them on ocular health. My goal is to help them retain their patients, build loyalty, and help increase their profitability.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Whether it was during their comprehensive exam or follow-up appointment, I could see the difference I was making, one patient at a time. However, when I transitioned to working in industry, my focus shifted to making a greater difference on a larger scale and I find it incredibly rewarding. It’s exciting to have that expanded scope of care and greater outreach beyond what I could accomplish in my own practice.
What have you learned through your industry role that you never would have learned working in a practice setting?
I have gained knowledge in finance, sales, and marketing, as well as a better understanding of how bigger companies can affect individual eye care professionals. I have also learned about the importance of advocacy, and how being in industry can reenergize enthusiasm for the profession and for helping patients.
What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in the optometric industry?
Network and build relationships with people in the industry. You want to talk to people, see what kind of work they do, and find out what kind of opportunities are available. Having experience as an optometrist is also important. Once you have that experience, let your peers know that you’re interested in doing more work in industry. This is how opportunities and doors can open for you.
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