When Emma Vicuna, OD, FAAO’s 9-year-old daughter Catalina started displaying signs of myopia, she didn’t delay getting her into her practice for a comprehensive eye exam. As the owner of Sahara Eye Center in Las Vegas and a high myope herself, she knew the best way to help her daughter avoid a similar nearsighted future was to start myopia management early. 
“I knew I wanted to get her into contact lenses as soon as possible, but I also knew my daughter—and that it wouldn’t be easy,” says Dr. Vicuna. “She’s squeamish about anything involving her eyes, especially the idea of touching them, so I had to make the experience fun and engaging if she was going to succeed.”
What started as a lighthearted joke among colleagues quickly turned into a creative solution: a contact lens party for her daughter, complete with a fun theme, snacks, decorations and friends. As it happened, three of Catalina’s friends—also Dr. Vicuna’s patients—were nearsighted and strong candidates for MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses, making them the perfect party guests.
The best part? Catalina had no idea a party was in store. The day of her insertion and removal training, she walked into her mom’s practice expecting a regular visit, not a full-blown “Wicked”-themed celebration. The office was transformed with decorations, themed snacks and matching drinks, all inspired by the musical she and her friends adored. One by one, her unsuspecting friends arrived, expecting routine eye exams. “It was so fun to watch the girls’ faces light up as they realized this wasn’t going to be a typical eye exam,” Dr. Vicuna says.
After some snacking and catching up, the girls started their I&R training, with Dr. Vicuna moving between them to provide guidance and encouragement. The room buzzed with girl power as they cheered each other on, offering support and reassurance through the challenges that come with learning to wear contact lenses for the first time.
At the end of the party, three of the girls successfully passed their I&R and began their journey with contact lenses. Dr. Vicuna’s concept proved that with a little creativity, taking control of your eye health can be an experience that’s both fun and empowering. The girls left with more than just contact lenses—they gained confidence and a sense of community.
And as for Catalina? She’s more ready than ever to tackle her myopia management journey and will forever remember having a “wicked” good time in the process.
Read more stories about female eye care professionals building a specialty here.
