Optometric Scholar of the Month - Demetric Jones

Please provide a brief summary of your background.

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in a single-parent household. My mother is my number-one supporter; she pushes me to reach my full potential. I enjoyed listening to music and playing trumpet growing up, but school was my top priority. When I earn my degree, I’ll become the first doctor in my family, and it warms my heart knowing my mother will bear witness to the hard work and sacrifices made over the years.

Describe your current situation.

I’m a third-year student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry working toward a dual OD-MBA degree. I’m a member of several student organizations and see patients in the University clinic.

What sparked your interest in optometry?

I’ve gone to an optometrist since I was 7 years old due to my progressive myopia, so optometry has always been a major part of my life. Over the years, I’ve had positive encounters with optometrists, and I want to be an inspiration to future generations just as my doctors were for me.

I graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 2012, where I majored in biology, with a concentration in physiology, and minored in chemistry. My love of science helped lay the framework for my optometric aspirations. I also want to improve African American representation in the profession.

What causes or specialties are you passionate about?

The student organizations I’ve joined give back to underserved communities, providing vision screenings and free eye exams. This summer, my school’s Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity International chapter took a mission trip to Saint Lucia, where we provided eye exams to 290 people over a 3-day period.

As 2023-2024 Albert Schweitzer Fellows, my partner and I are working to address eye care access in the Hispanic community of the greater Birmingham area. I know firsthand how social determinants of health affect certain populations, so I remain passionate about helping the underserved.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your training so far?

Having a satisfied patient in my chair when their eye exam is complete. Nothing compares to the gratitude of someone who benefits from your services and knows their needs will be met. I also enjoy helping my peers succeed and watching them grow and develop into dynamic young professionals. I know that no man is an island; I need strong-minded people around me to support me just as I support them.

What have you found most challenging in your optometric journey?

I have very little experience interacting with children, so pediatric optometry has proven to be difficult. I’m up to the challenge, though; as someone with progressive myopia, I struggled in the classroom, and no child should fall behind academically due to poor vision. I’m excited to learn about advancements in myopia control and help reduce the growing number of people affected by the condition to lessen their risk of developing more severe ocular disease.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Fifteen years from now?

As part of the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program, I’ll serve a minimum of 3 years after graduating in May 2025. After that, I plan to start a group practice or partner with a private practice. I want to be marketable and profitable before I venture out into solo practice. Fifteen years from now, I plan to have a solo private practice and spend my free time serving less fortunate communities. Overall, I want to become a pillar of my community and an influential ambassador, especially for Black students. I also want to help reduce avoidable vision loss and preserve sight.