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Class Year: 2024
What is your specialty or area of focus (if applicable)?
Ocular Disease
List the award(s) / scholarship(s) you have received
IRA GOLDFARB MEMORIAL AWARD for Excellence in Low Vision
What does receiving this award or scholarship mean to you?
It is an honor to receive this award as it serves as a reminder of what I love most about optometry- improving quality of life. My experience with Low Vision at SUNY working with Dr. Chun allowed me to do just that. It showed me the incredible potential we have as optometrists to transform lives. This award will motivate me to always focus on my ultimate goal of improving lives through holistic care.
What drew you to the field of optometry?
Before pursuing optometry school, I saw a dire need for access to eye care among the underserved communities I interacted with. For the same reason, I became interested in nutrition and public health, which made me realize that underserved, undernourished populations are at higher risk for eye diseases. The opportunity to improve quality of life through optometry by incorporating nutrition, public health, and low vision attracted me to the field.
What are your plans following graduation?
I will begin my residency in Ocular Disease with an emphasis in Glaucoma and Retina at the Baltimore VA.
What was your most transformative experience during optometry school?
A supervising mentor once told me that most patients do not care how much you know, rather they remember how you made them feel. I have carried this advice with me in all patient encounters since, each time realizing how powerful compassion was in building strong, trusting relationships with my patients.
What advice would you give incoming or prospective optometry students?
If you enjoy interacting with people and learning about their lives, you are considering the right field!
