Optometric Scholar of the Month - Janelle Gardner

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Please provide a brief summary of your background.

I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, with my parents and younger sister. My childhood included a lot of family camping trips, traveling for soccer, and community service events through my church. In high school, I enjoyed playing several sports, including soccer, basketball, track, and volleyball. I was even the mascot for my high school! During the summer, I worked as a technician at a local eye care center and traveled to Peru and Honduras for mission trips.

I graduated from the University of Florida in 2020. My favorite class during my undergraduate career was on beekeeping, which taught students how to take care of bees and harvest their honey. I also volunteered weekly at a soup kitchen, where I grew close to the local residents.

Describe your current situation.

I am a fourth-year optometry student at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Optometry. I served as the 2024 class president and currently serve as the vice president of the College of Optometry. I sit on the general allocation committee at NSU, work as a gym supervisor on campus, and represent the school as Razor, the mascot!

One thing I love about my program is the faculty. All of the professors and preceptors treat me like a colleague and respect me as a person. I can go to anyone for help with school, my future, or even personal matters. My clinical experience has also grown because of the specialty rotations. I have been able to rotate through glaucoma, retina, dry eye, myopia control, pediatrics, and low vision before beginning my externships. Seeing patients in these clinics has given me more confidence during complicated cases.

What sparked your interest in optometry?

I have been wearing eyeglasses since the first grade and have always had a close relationship with my optometrist. While going on mission trips, I was able to see firsthand the direct effect that glasses could have on people living in developing countries. These experiences have completely changed my view on affordable and accessible eye care. I knew I wanted to be able to help those around the world access the care they need. I also have cases of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in my family, and several family members have been affected by this disease. Even while in optometry school, I have watched my little cousin defy all odds and live his life to the fullest without his vision limitations stopping him. He has truly inspired me to provide care to children like him.

What causes or specialties are you passionate about?

I am passionate about pediatric care and ocular disease. I know many families whose lives have been changed because of the early diagnosis of eye diseases, which can greatly improve patient quality of life and patient trust. As optometrists, we owe it to our patients to be on top of our game and to catch the signs early, refer when needed, and put patient needs first.

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

Being able to connect the dots between classroom concepts and direct patient care. Seeing the diseases that we have talked about in lectures for the past 3 years is so exhilarating. Instead of looking at a chart note or picture on a PowerPoint presentation, I am finally able to ask my questions, make my differentials, and design the best assessment and plan for the patient. All those late night study sessions, missed family vacations, and stressful exams have finally paid off!

What have you found most challenging in your optometric journey?

It has been saying no to many things in order to make my optometric education a priority. I have missed family vacations, weddings, times with friends, and family members growing up. I have put a lot of things on hold to give myself time to succeed in school.

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

I see myself working in a private practice within the next 5 years. After building a good patient base and learning to operate a business, I hope to own a practice. Eventually, I would love to partner with a nonprofit organization to travel and provide eye care in developing countries. I love knowing that I can enjoy patient care and improve quality of life.