Four students are on track to become the first Black graduates from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions doctor of optometry program in the winter of 2026. Three of them share their thoughts, motivations and plans.
Plus—check out a compilation of the first Black graduates from various optometry schools in the U.S.
Paving the Way for Future Generations
Milliona Yohannes didn’t always know she would pursue optometry, but a deep dive into potential career paths led her to the field. As an undergraduate at CU Boulder, she came across the university’s pre-optometry page, where two questions stood out:
“Do you enjoy developing long-term relationships with patients?” and,
“Would you be happy in a job that involves a fair amount of routine work but also promises interesting cases on a regular basis?”
Those questions resonated with her. Yohannes was drawn to the idea of patient care, but it was the role optometrists play in early disease detection that sealed her decision. “The eye reveals so much about a person’s overall health,” she says. “Through routine exams, optometrists can detect systemic conditions before patients realize anything is changing. The ability to provide that kind of insight and preventative care is what drew me to optometry.”
STARTING IN A NEW PROGRAM
Being one of the first Black students on track to graduate from Rocky Mountain University College of Optometry in the winter of 2026, Yohannes saw both the challenges and opportunities that come with being part of a new program. “We have the unique opportunity to shape the program, influence future cohorts and establish a standard for those who come after us,” she says. “It’s a responsibility that comes with challenges but also a sense of pride. Navigating these changes has taught me the importance of advocacy—not just for myself but for my peers as well.”
THE POWER OF NUMBERS
For Yohannes, representation in optometry is a driving force. “Currently, only 3% of optometry students and 2% of practicing optometrists in this country are Black,” she says, citing current research. With 13% of the American population identifying as Black, Yohannes says she hopes to help bump up those numbers in the field.
Beyond being a source of inspiration, she says representation is about trust and understanding. “There is understandable fear in health care due to past and ongoing injustices—I’ve felt it myself,” she says. “But seeing someone who understands your needs and can truly be your advocate makes a difference. It’s more than just cultural competence; it’s about shared experiences and trust.”
As graduation approaches, Yohannes is still weighing her next steps. Residency is a possibility, but she remains open to different opportunities. “I tend to be more retrospective than prospective,” she says. “One thing is for certain—I’m always eager to learn.”
Bridging the Gap
Victoria Laws’ interest in optometry started with a question: Why did so many people around her feel their eyeglasses didn’t work? “This piqued my curiosity,” she says. “Why were their prescriptions not meeting their needs?” As she explored the field, she discovered that some of her family members had keratoconus, while others didn’t realize their prescription could change over time. “Seeing firsthand how vision care was often misunderstood, especially within the Black community, fueled my passion for optometry,” Laws says. “I want to bridge that gap by providing education and ensuring that everyone has access to clear, quality vision.”
As a member of Rocky Mountain University College of Optometry’s inaugural class, Laws takes pride in shaping the program for future students. “There’s a special sense of responsibility that comes with paving the way for future students,” she says. “We are setting the standard, helping to shape the program’s culture and working alongside faculty to refine the curriculum.” The collaborative environment has made the journey even more rewarding. “The support from my classmates and professors has made it all the more meaningful.”
Pursuing a doctorate comes with its hurdles, especially financially. “One of the biggest adjustments for me has been the financial burden of pursuing a doctorate and taking on significant student debt,” she says. To ease the strain, she has been proactive in applying for scholarships. “So far, I’ve been awarded four scholarships throughout my two years in the optometry program, which has helped ease some of the financial strain.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Laws finds motivation in both her family and the future generations she hopes to inspire. “My biggest motivation is my family—both my present family and the one I hope to have in the future,” she says. “I’ve witnessed the sacrifices my loved ones have made, and earning my doctorate is a way to honor their hard work and let them know their efforts were not in vain.” Beyond her personal journey, she hopes to inspire others. “Representation matters, and knowing that I can be a role model for future generations of Black optometrists keeps me pushing forward.”
As she enters her third year, Laws is keeping her options open but knows she wants to practice in Florida or Georgia. “Being close to family is important to me,” she says. “I want to give back to the community that has poured so much into me,” she says.
Finding Purpose
Delandsheere “Deedee” Jean Philippe didn’t always see the world clearly—literally. Diagnosed with keratoconus in her teens, she struggled with her vision despite wearing glasses. But an experience with a young female optometrist gave her hope. The optometrist prescribed her first hybrid contact lenses and provided a level of care that left a lasting impression. “She was kind, patient and made me feel truly seen,” Jean Philippe says. “The moment I put on those lenses, my entire perception of the world changed.” That transformative moment solidified Jean Philippe’s desire to become an optometrist. “The doctor had such a profound impact on my life and vision that it inspired me to offer the same level of care to others,” Jean Philippe says.
Jean Philippe is among the first students in Rocky Mountain University College of Optometry’s new program, a role she doesn’t take lightly. “Being among the first in RMU’s program is an incredible honor. I feel excited, blessed and deeply humbled by this opportunity,” she says. She and her classmates are setting the foundation for future cohorts, helping to establish the program’s legacy.
STAYING MOTIVATED
Jean Philippe’s drive comes from her family, particularly her parents, whom she says made enormous sacrifices for her future. “My biggest motivation is knowing that I will be able to support my parents and help them retire,” she says. Originally from Haiti, her parents moved her to the U.S. to give their children better opportunities. “They sacrificed so much to bring us to the U.S., even though they were content with their lives back home. I refuse to let their sacrifices be in vain.”
Beyond her family, she sees her purpose in serving others. After graduation, Jean Philippe plans to pursue a residency in ocular disease, focusing on conditions like hypertension, glaucoma and diabetes—conditions that disproportionately affect the Black community.
February is Black History Month. Read about the first Black graduates from optometry schools in the U.S. here.
