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“I love the first time a child puts on glasses and smiles at how much more
they are able to see around the office. When they return and I hear stories
of how they all but sleep in their glasses and have improved in school,
I feel satisfied that I have done my job.”
advocating for the importance of an eye exam even
when symptoms may not be experienced,” she says.
related events introduced me to many established
practitioners with so much to offer in terms of
“This so often leads to the early detection of conditions mentoring and a sense of community.”
that can steal sight and the gratitude a patient can Of course, says Drca, one of those groups is the Ontario
show is immensely moving.”
Drca also highlights her ability to help children see
better than ever before.
“I love the first time a child puts on glasses and smiles
at how much more they are able to see around the
Association of Optometrists.
“I value being able to have the confidence that the
profession will continue to be able to adapt and thrive
as the times, technology and available knowledge
continue to change and evolve.” OP
office. When they return and I hear stories of how they
all but sleep in their glasses and have improved in
school, I feel satisfied that I have done my job.”
So when did she realize that she had finally “made it”
in the industry? Well, it was when some familiar faces
stopped by her office for a checkup.
“Several of my mentors along my journey to becoming
an optometrist have come to my office for an eye
exam. The biggest reward is being able to return to
my community and give back to the people who have
offered me so much,” says Drca.
Drca’s current primary interest is helping patients
who suffer from dry eye. She loves the challenge of
locating that intricate balance between what works for
each patient and what is manageable in the long-term.
Drca says these patients are the most grateful for the
time she spends finding a solution and her persistence
has paid off in helping her grow her practice.
A recent graduate herself, just a year and a half ago,
Drca has this piece of advice to offer: “Stay involved to
stay connected. Forming a small journal club helped
me stay connected with other professionals at the
same point in their career as I am and navigate the
early stages of my career. Attending local optometry-
Optical Prism | April 2020 33