Optometry runs deep within Tracy Kimmelman, OD. Her grandfather practiced in New York, and her father ran a small private practice in Florida. As a teenager, she spent time at her dad’s office, doing homework or helping with administrative tasks. While the decision to enter the field was her own, she says she found early inspiration in seeing how the profession shaped her father’s life.
“My dad was home in the evenings and able to attend my events when I was a kid. He didn’t have to miss out for work,” she says. “I wanted that same type of flexibility.”
A CHANGE OF PACE
While her kids were young, Dr. Kimmelman served as clinic director of a refractive surgery center in Tampa. She then moved back to southern Florida and spend 15 years at a LASIK center. “That flexibility was invaluable—I could stay home with sick kids or work around their sports.”
Now that her kids are teenagers, she has more time. Nine months ago, Dr. Kimmelman took an associate OD position at a family-owned private ophthalmology practice in Boca Raton. It’s been a refreshing reminder of her dad’s practice, she says.
“Cohen Laser & Vision Center is now owned by Joshua Cohen, MD, but it was originally opened by his father more than 30 years ago,” Dr. Kimmelman says. “Dr. Joshua Cohen has continued to run the business with the same values of a traditional family practice.”
After more than 20 years in various positions, Dr. Kimmelman says she appreciates the relationships she gets to build at Cohen Laser. “Some of our patients have been coming here since Dr. Cohen’s dad ran the practice. Some still ask to see ‘senior Dr. Cohen,’ and we remind them that he has retired. It’s so rewarding to see how happy those patients are when they leave.”
Serving a patient base that is mostly retired, Dr. Kimmelman enjoys the chance to connect personally with patients. “For many of them, their appointment is the main thing on the schedule that week. Some of them are lonely, and others just love to chat. I love hearing about their lives and sharing about my own as well.”
CHANGES IN THE PROFESSION
Since graduating from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2003, Dr. Kimmelman has seen the many changes that technology and product advances have brought. “I didn’t have an OCT when I started my first job. Then everything was manual. Today, most things can be done with the press of a button.” While these updated diagnostic capabilities make her days easier, they also allow her to provide a higher level of care.
Gone are the days of writing everything down. “It’s crazy to think that we once wrote down sensitive patient information on a piece of paper and filed it away. I can’t image practicing without an electronic health record system now.”
In the 20 years that she’s been practicing, the introduction of new contact lens designs, technologies and materials has also expanded what she can do for patients. “When I graduated, only specialty practices offered scleral lenses. Now, more people offer them.”
FOURTH-GEN?
As her children begin to think about college and careers, Dr. Kimmelman says one daughter is thinking about entering the medical field. No matter what, though, she says she’s happy with whatever choice they make.
“It’s okay to stray from what your parents did, or what they think is best for you,” she says. “As long as you’re happy at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
Just as she found her own path in optometry, Dr. Kimmelman hopes her children will find theirs in life. She encourages them to explore their interests, stay curious and follow what feels right for them. “I’m grateful that I discovered my way in my father’s footsteps, but in my own way,” she says. “I want my kids to know that it’s okay to stray from what your parents did, or what they think is best for you. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
