Fortune Favors the True

What drew you into ophthalmology?

I entered medical school fully intending to go into ophthalmology, partly because it seemed like a happy field to work in, and partly because of the patients. Not every specialty allows such a breadth of patients: for example, in OB/GYN you see only women and in pediatrics you only treat children, but in ophthalmology, you see all age ranges and both sexes. In addition, the unique aspect of ophthalmology, which I love, is the fact that it combines surgery with clinical medicine. In most specialties, you are either a surgeon or focused on clinical medicine; very few disciplines allow you to have an almost equal focus in both. And to me, that was very attractive because I love working with my hands and I love seeing patients in the office – ophthalmology is a perfect blend!

How did you go from training to setting up your own successful practice?

After training and working in a practice for one year, I wanted to set up on my own – but when I tried to buy an ophthalmology practice from two retiring physicians, I was confronted by two brothers who were startled at the prospect of a woman taking over, which created more resistance than there should have been! I knew that if I could get over that initial hurdle, I could get over any hurdle. I was confident, but always approached things diplomatically and cautiously. I worked extremely hard – I was available for my patients and for the local internal medicine and family practice physicians 24/7, and that’s how I grew the practice. We now have 16 doctors, three offices, and a staff of 75.

What’s driven you forward in your career?

Both my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could and emphasized that education was really important. They also taught me to always treat others with respect and dignity. I’ve always taken that to heart, so all patients – regardless of age, race, color, or creed – get treated with equal respect and dignity, and receive the best surgery I can perform. That inclusive attitude has helped the practice grow.

What are the highlights of your career to date?

There are so many highlights... It’s hard to specify but it feels wonderful to be so passionate about what I do! I come to work happy and energized every single day. In fact, I don’t view it as work, I just feel fortunate to be doing what I love.

What’s exciting in ophthalmology at the moment?

There’s always something new in ophthalmology; always something slightly better or slightly different from even six months ago. Currently, the expanded range of IOLs are terrific, the micro-incisional glaucoma procedures are super exciting, as are the diagnostic tools and treatment modalities for dry eye disease – all of these things make for an extremely exciting time.

Do you think dry eye will be adequately addressed in the coming years?

Very much so; in the last 10 years, we’ve come a long way in the arena of ocular surface disease. We have better diagnostic equipment, we have clinical studies and peer-reviewed journal articles about the impact of the tear film on surgical outcomes and how dry eye can interfere with daily tasks. We also have wonderful treatment options whether it’s through vectored thermal pulsation or intense pulsed light treatments or newly approved prescription medications. I think this is just the tip of the iceberg: we’re going to be able to understand ocular surface disease better and be able to treat and diagnose it earlier.

How do you think the next 10 years of your clinical practice will pan out?

I think there will be continued innovation in IOLs to provide patients with a more natural, expanded range of vision with less disturbing light phenomena, such as halos, glare or star-bursts. In addition, I think drug delivery will change: we’ll move away from instilling drops onto the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva – like we’ve been doing for a hundred years or more – to finding alternative drug delivery systems. Improved delivery will decrease the patients’ drop burden, improve compliance, and possibly enhance drug penetration to give a longer-lasting effect. New drug delivery methods may decrease the frequency of injection for neovascular AMD or diabetic macular edema.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given during your career?

Follow your heart. If your heart’s not in it, you’ll never succeed.

What key advice would you pass on to younger ophthalmologists?

Have confidence in yourself and do what’s right for the patient; being honest and true to yourself will help you succeed.

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