CLASS OF 2024: 1 YEAR LATER
Vanessa Hua, OD
After graduating from Pacific University College of Optometry in 2024, Vanessa Hua, OD, pursued a primary care and ocular disease residency at the VA Portland Health Care System. She says this program significantly enhanced her clinical skills, providing her with a robust foundation in comprehensive optometric care, specialty contact lens fitting, low vision, binocular vision and perioperative care.
Dr. Hua finishes her residency this month and plans to take a quick hiatus before joining Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Oregon. She encourages this year’s graduates to embrace this new chapter, reminding them that while it may seem like the end, it’s just the beginning.
Kylie Donahue, OD
Kylie Donahue, OD, graduated from New England College of Optometry in 2024. Now, she’s completing her residency in ocular disease and surgical co-management at Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, Virginia. As part of her training, she’s staying involved by attending and presenting at local, state and national conferences.
Next up, Dr. Donahue is heading back to New England to join Eye Care Northeast, an OD/MD practice in Putnam, Connecticut. She’s excited to start this new chapter, where she’ll provide routine and medical eye care and co-manage surgical patients.
Dr. Donahue is grateful to NECO and Virginia Eye Consultants, especially her mentors, for the support and opportunities that helped shape her path. She encourages new grads considering a residency to take the leap. She also reminds new ODs that the first year will be challenging—but you’re ready. There will always be things you don’t know, but that’s where the real growth happens, she says.
CLASS OF 2023: 2 YEARS LATER
April Mishley, OD
After graduating from Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2023, April Mishley, OD, joined the Rhode Island Eye Institute. She’s excited to be part of a multidisciplinary practice where she encounters a variety of ocular pathologies.
Dr. Mishley didn’t pursue a residency after graduation, but she still felt well-prepared for her career. She completed two externships at VAs and another at a large referral center. These extensive experiences enhanced her knowledge and skills across various optometric fields. During one externship, she found an interest in scleral lenses, opening the door to a new specialty and the Scleral Lens Society.
Dr. Mishley reminds this year’s graduates to know their worth while seeking employment. Every person who earns an OD degree has received excellent education and training, and they should carry that confidence into their careers. She also advises new ODs to proactively follow up with a patient if they’re unsure about the management of the patient’s case—especially if they find themselves thinking about it outside the office. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance isn’t impossible, it just requires some effort.
CLASS OF 2022: 3 YEARS LATER
Soo Jung Lee, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO
Soo Jung Lee, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO, graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 2022 and then completed a residency in ocular disease, ocular and refractive surgery and specialty contact lenses. While she recognizes that residency isn’t an option for everyone, she’s grateful for the experience, which has enriched her professionalism, clinical confidence and passion for specialty lenses.
Today, Dr. Lee works in an OD/MD practice. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and earned Diplomate status with the American Board of Optometry. Looking ahead, she aims to become a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society and further develop her expertise in specialty lenses. She also hopes to find opportunities in academia.
Dr. Lee encourages new graduates to stay curious, attend every event possible and build intentional relationships in the field. “Meet people, make friends and find mentors. And always treat your colleagues, staff and patients with the same respect and care you’d give your family,” she says.
Warren Xie, OD
After graduating from Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University in 2022 and completing a one-year residency at the VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center, Warren Xie, OD, felt confident and prepared to start practicing full-scope optometry.
Dr. Xie soon discovered the value of working in diverse practice modes for honing his skills. His experience ranges from pediatrics to group practices to corporate optometry. Today, he practices in a hospital-based, integrated care setting. He also fills in at several primary care optometry practices when needed. He considers opening a practice in the future, but he’s enjoying the journey for now.
Dr. Xie congratulates this year’s graduates, assuring them that life after optometry school is exciting. He encourages new ODs to challenge themselves and explore various practice settings to help direct their career goals and passions.
CLASS OF 2020: 5 YEARS LATER
Mary Marte, OD, FAAO
After her 2020 graduation from Indiana University School of Optometry (IUSO), Mary Marte, OD, FAAO, completed an ocular disease residency at IUSO. “This residency was invaluable in preparing me for my future career path,” she says. “Following residency, I took a position at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center where I have been able to continue both my main passions within optometry, treating and managing ocular disease and clinical precepting of optometry students.”
Dr. Marte says that it took her some time through optometry school to hone in on the setting that would be her best fit. During her fourth-year rotations at the VA, she realized what a uniquely well-suited setting it would be for her career goals and interests. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to start and continue my career at the VA over the past four years.” She adds that she’s thankful for her education and ocular disease residency at IUSO that prepared her well. Her residency preceptors and mentors continue to help her, and she says that she’s becoming more comfortable and confident each year.
Her future career goals include continuing to be involved in research, teaching future optometrists, serving patients with the best care she can provide and advocating for the profession.
Dr. Marte offers this advice to the class of 2025: “Never stop learning! You don’t know everything when you finish school and you still won’t know everything five, 10 and 15 years. Reach out to mentors, classmates and colleagues for help when you need it. Keep going to meetings and staying informed on the latest treatments and advancements. Optometry is such a rewarding profession and it’s always progressing.”
VIEW THE 2025 GRADUATION PACKAGE HERE
