Katherine Tai, OD, discovered her passion for optometry early, choosing the profession after a sixth-grade career day project. “I wanted to enter the world of health care, and optometrists rarely encounter blood, so I saw that as a win,” she says.
But the path she envisioned in optometry school differed from where she ultimately found fulfillment. After graduating from Illinois College of Optometry in 2019 and working in private practice for three years, she joined Bay Area Eye Care Inc., an independent practice affiliated with the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network in 2023 and now serves as a float doctor for multiple offices located at America’s Best stores in the Bay Area. She travels between nine locations within 90 minutes of home, bringing consistency and high-quality care to each office she visits.
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Initially hesitant to join a corporate-affiliated practice, Dr. Tai took a chance after finding a job posting close to home. During the interview, she immediately sensed a supportive and well-structured environment. “It was a breath of fresh air,” she says. She was impressed by the open communication between optical staff, Area Doctors and practice leadership. The team mentality she experienced stood in stark contrast to the unrest she had felt in private practice, where she struggled with office dynamics and limited opportunities for growth.
The transition also came with notable advantages—well-trained staff, streamlined communication and modern equipment. “There’s seamless uniformity between all the locations I work in,” she says. “No matter what office I visit, I never feel like a stranger. We’re all working together toward a common goal.” This consistency allows her to focus on patient care without worrying about operational challenges.
ADVOCATING FOR PATIENTS AND PEERS
Beyond daily patient care, Dr. Tai appreciates being affiliated with a larger organization like National Vision that has a proactive approach to community outreach. She participates in school-based programs where children in need receive free eye exams and eyeglasses. For many families, she says, she is the first doctor they’ve seen in years. “I see a lot of working-class patients who may not have time, money or insurance for regular visits,” she says. Even a single comprehensive eye exam can uncover conditions like diabetes or heart problems, helping patients connect with the care they need.
She’s had the opportunity to connect with students at the University of California-Berkeley where she and other doctors affiliated with the network share dinner with third- and fourth-years while answering career-related questions. Dr. Tai also stays connected with fellow optometrists through monthly Zoom calls, where they discuss office efficiencies and updates.
Dr. Tai is fluent in Mandarin, allowing her to serve a diverse patient population. In certain areas of San Jose, offices schedule Mandarin-speaking patients on the days she is available, ensuring they receive care in their preferred language. Her role as a float doctor also allows her to share best practices across locations. If she sees an efficient workflow in one office, she brings it up in meetings, helping improve operations across multiple sites.
A CAREER THAT EVOLVES WITH HER
Three years in, Dr. Tai says she enjoys the dynamic nature of her position, the opportunity to serve diverse patient populations and the strong support system within the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network. “Optometry is more than screening for conditions—it’s about educating patients and connecting them with the care they need,” she says. As she continues to grow in her career, she remains committed to making a meaningful impact in her community and profession.
