Up Close with Mahnia Madan, OD, FAAO

How did you become interested in optometry?

I always knew that I wanted to be in the medical profession. When I was in my third year of university and looking for a medical profession to specialize in, I had an opportunity to go to India on an eye care trip. That was a game-changer for me. I had such a great time and learned so much—that trip laid the groundwork for what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Vision is a prized sense for many of us. I knew this was the field that I wanted to be in.

You are known for your dry eye expertise. What is it about this condition that interests you so much?

Dry eye disease (DED) seems so simple, yet it is not. It is a condition that is often overlooked and undertreated. In fact, DED is often seen as a nuisance rather than a real disease, and many times, patient symptoms are dismissed.

I have been amazed to learn from many studies and publications about the profound negative effect that DED can have on a patient’s quality of life. I have now seen patients who are on disability due to their dry eyes, and patients who have had to make significant lifestyle modifications just to be able to work. However, today we have so much new innovative technology to manage this disease. It is an exciting field to be in and I feel honored to help my patients find relief from DED.

Dr. Madan with her husband, Bobby Birdi, sons Jeevin and Roniv, and daughter Ahvia.

You are the President of BC Doctors of Optometry. Can you tell us about this nonprofit organization and how you became involved with it?

BC Doctors of Optometry is a provincial organization that represents the optometrists of British Columbia. The organization is involved in advocacy for the profession and in advancing the profession. We also provide high-quality education and services to members to support them and ensure they are well-equipped to deliver the best possible patient care.

Being involved with your local organization is a great way to see how the profession is doing, push the profession forward, and connect with your peers. I became involved with the board of directors a few years ago, and I was elected president last year. I’m honored to be in this position.

What would you say is the most important thing new optometrists need to know about the future of the profession?

The future of optometry is bright! More than ever, there is a great need for optometrists to expand their services to meet the demands of the population around us. While we never imagined a world with telehealth options or artificial intelligence performing eye exams, virtual options are here. I don’t think we have to be afraid of changes as long as we hold true to the desire to provide good patient care and the deeper mission of improving the quality of human life. No one can replace good clinical judgment, but the way you deliver care can change.

There is a great quote by Michael Enzi, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Get involved in the profession of optometry and be part of the change, build connections, educate yourself beyond graduation, and become an expert.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

My husband once said, “read, read, and read some more.” He advised reading as much eye literature as I could find and to make it a priority because it is the best way to keep up with what is happening in the profession. It’s not always easy, and sometimes I fall behind, but I keep coming back to that desire to stay educated and use that to elevate myself and ultimately patient care.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Serving as the president of BC Doctors of Optometry. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and be a voice for optometrists in British Columbia. I also had the opportunity to speak at the Pacific University College of Optometry as a guest professor last year. That was the first time that I went back after graduating. It was a great honor to be in the same classroom as a speaker where I once sat as a student.