By Ramona DeGeorgio-Venegas
During the last year, I became the patient of a new optometrist in Manistee after my previous eye doctor went into semi-retirement. So, with trepidation — don’t we all worry about new medical providers? — I visited the Coastal Woods Vision office. I was rewarded with a friendly and proficient examination by Dr. Pamela Lynch, with follow-up visits to her after my eye surgery in Traverse City. I wanted to learn more about her, beginning with her optometry career.
FR: When did you decide to become an optometrist?
PL: I always knew I wanted to go into the healthcare field. Originally, I started college with the intention of going into pediatrics medicine. Then I started to explore other related career paths. After seeing my hometown optometrist for years, I took an interest in the eyes, and I also appreciated the flexibility and work-life balance the career seemed to provide.
FR: Where did you study?
PL: Growing up in small town Michigan, I stayed somewhat close to home for college. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Central Michigan University. From there, I attended the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University and received my Doctor of Optometry in 2012.
FR: Do you plan to return for more studies?
PL: At this time in my life, I do not have plans to pursue another formal degree. We have two toddlers and a new business which take priority! However, one thing I love about this field is that there are always new treatment options and technology to learn, so I am constantly reading and reviewing articles and training videos to expand my knowledge and improve my patient care. Also, to maintain my optometry license in Michigan, I need to attend 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
FR: Have you worked in your profession in other places?
PL: I have been practicing for almost nine years now as an optometrist. I have been very fortunate to gain experience in a variety of settings – from a large medically based ophthalmology practice to fill-in optical retail settings to specialty niche private practices – prior to taking on this private practice owner venture. All these experiences have helped form my ideals for best patient care, customer service and practice culture. It is all a constant work in progress, and we are loving it!
FR: What’s your favorite part of your job?
PL: I get to see a wide variety of patients of all ages. In the morning, I can build rapport with a 95-year-old veteran while monitoring his age-related macular degeneration. Later, I may get to improve the quality of life for a 48-year-old woman by fitting her in new multifocal contact lenses. Then, at the end of the day, I could get to prescribe first-time glasses for a 7-year-old boy to help him see at school to learn. All in a day’s work!
FR: How has the coronavirus affected your work?
PL: Our office was closed for routine eye care for about 10 weeks last spring. We were open for emergencies only. Even now, all office visits, even eyeglass dispenses and repairs, are scheduled by appointment to limit the number of patients in the office at one time and ensure social distancing. While the office closure was definitely a stressful time as a new business owner, I look at that extra time we got to spend at home with our children as a blessing. I feel like now we are settled into our “new normal” at the practice, with an emphasis on staff and patient safety during this ongoing pandemic. Our biggest complaint is the constant fogging of lenses during testing these days.
FR: Do you have a mentor, book, or a favorite quote you can share?
PL: My favorite saying lately is “Choose Happy.” So many times in our lives, we can choose to be negative and complain or gossip. Or you can choose to put on that infectious smile and think positively. Whichever outlook you choose affects the people around you. I choose to encourage that happy.
FR: What about your hobbies or a place you’d like to travel?
PL: We love to spend time outdoors with our family and dog, during all seasons. You can often find us walking through our neighborhood trails or playing at the beach. We definitely have future dreams of travel! The world is such a big place, and we love to explore.
FR: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or your profession?
PL: My husband and I feel very fortunate to be able to live and work close to our families and where we grew up. I feel so honored when previous teachers, distant relatives or neighbors choose and trust us for their eye care needs. The local support and encouragement keep us going in the difficult times. Thank you.
