Optometric Scholar of the Month - Mary Theresa V. Taormina

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Please provide a brief summary of your background.

I am from outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Both of my parents worked in health care, so my two younger sisters and I often played “doctor” while growing up. Of course, as the oldest, I was always the one in charge! My sisters also chose careers in health care; one is a physical therapist, and the other is a nurse. Before attending Southern College of Optometry (SCO), I graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in psychology.

Describe your current situation.

I am finishing my last rotation at SCO. After graduation, I hope to pursue a residency in ocular disease at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. I previously worked there as an intern, and I enjoyed the challenging cases that I saw there.

What sparked your interest in optometry?

From a young age, I knew that I wanted a career in health care, where I would have frequent and direct patient contact. I researched many health care professions, but none sparked my interest until I was able to shadow an optometrist. I saw the effect that optometrists have on their patients’ visual health and their ability to identify and provide guidance on overall well-being. Ultimately, optometry offers a great work-life balance, while also allowing me to help patients every day!

What causes or specialties are you passionate about?

My passion is helping patients manage chronic diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes and thereby improving their quality of life. Throughout my rotations, I often found myself treating rare conditions such as optic neuritis and cranial nerve 3 and 4 palsies. These uncommon cases pose unique challenges that motivate me to continue to pursue the best possible education and training.

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

Seeing patients with ocular conditions who have been diagnosed for years without any solutions, to find answers to their problems, and to help them to live a better life. One of my most rewarding experiences involved a young girl who came in for an updated contact lens prescription after experiencing sudden onset blurry vision. After speaking with her and reviewing her exam findings, it was clear to me that this was not a simple prescription change. Upon consultation with the staff doctor, we decided it would be best to send her for an MRI to rule out optic neuritis. Unfortunately, the MRI results confirmed that she had several signs consistent with optic neuritis, along with a potential demyelinating disease that was previously undiagnosed. Although relaying the results to the patient and her mother was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, it was incredibly rewarding to know that we were able to catch this devastating disease at an early stage, thus allowing her to begin the appropriate treatment to slow progression. I am hoping to use this experience to guide me in helping patients with unknown ocular conditions find answers to their problems and to help them live a better life.

What have you found most challenging in your optometric journey?

Throughout my time in optometry school, it has been a challenge to maintain an organized schedule while juggling coursework, rotations, and studying for board exams. I have found that keeping an organized day planner helps me to stay on top of things as much as possible.

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

I believe my skills can best be used in a full scope practice with an emphasis on unique posterior segment conditions. It is my goal to use my education and training to improve the lives of all my patients.