OPTICAL PRISM | NEXT GEN
From planner to eye doc
A look at the personal circumstances that inspired Dr . Nazik Sammik to pursue a career in optometry .
BY DAVID GOLDBERG
Nazli Sammik loves being an eye care professional , but it wasn ’ t her first career . The Ottawa optometrist didn ’ t discover her passion for prescriptions and eye exams until later in life .
Before attending optometry school , she was an urban planner and architect .
She would see new communities and buildings in her mind and turn those dreams into reality . Now , she ’ s helping patients see the world more clearly and it was a very personal connection that pushed her into this new line of work .
“ I was aware of optometrists ' role in many people ' s wellbeing , but I was not fully aware of their critical role in patients ' lives until my mother was diagnosed with diabetes through an eye exam ,” Sammak says .
Her grandmother ’ s passing was another pivotal moment .
A regular eye exam might have detected a neurological condition , which could have prevented her death if properly diagnosed in time .
“ It ’ s fascinating how many health conditions we can detect in an eye exam ,” says Sammak .
“ We can prevent so many ocular complications through proper counselling , education and timely referrals to other healthcare providers .”
Since graduating in 2019 , breakthroughs with younger patients have been the most rewarding for Sammak .
“ There was a three-year-old whose parents thought he was colour blind or autistic since he showed little interest in playing with other kids or even watching TV . He was very scared at our first appointment . It took a few visits until he would let me check his eyes thoroughly . Eventually , I discovered that he needed a very high prescription . I saw him one month later and he was a totally different kid . He even ran to me and gave me a big hug .”
Aside from pediatrics , Sammak is curious to study the impact of systemic conditions and medications on ocular health as well as dry eye .
“ I have been suffering from dry eyes for many years and it impacted my well-being as I used to get styes . I
“ We can prevent so many ocular complications through proper counselling , education and timely referrals to other healthcare providers .”
also had very low contact lens tolerance so I couldn ’ t fully enjoy the sports I love .”
Early in her new career , Sammak already knows how she ’ ll continue to succeed and help her patients thrive .
“ Study hard , keep up to date on the latest research and don ’ t be embarrassed to say ‘ I don ’ t know , but I can read up and ask around for you ,’ ” she says .
“ Patients will appreciate and trust a knowledgeable and honest doctor more than anything .” OP
OPTICAL PRISM | September 2021 41