Rena Shilian, a third-year student at SUNY College of Optometry, has joined the Women in Optometry (WO) Student Advisory Board. Shilian, who is pursuing both her Doctor of Optometry and Master’s in Vision Science degrees, hopes to “bridge clinical expertise and industry innovation” after graduation.
EARLY INSPIRATION
Shilian’s interest in optometry began when she started wearing glasses as a child. “I was fascinated by the technology and am now inspired by the opportunity to connect with patients over something as essential as their vision,” she says.
That initial spark grew into a career goal during her undergraduate years, when she worked at a busy ophthalmology practice. “I fell in love with the field,” she says. “I was drawn not only to caring for patients’ eyes but also to addressing the nuanced connections between eye health and overall systemic health.”
Shilian’s career interests span several areas within optometry. “I have developed a strong interest in ocular diseases, particularly retinal conditions and glaucoma,” she says. She plans to join a multispecialty clinic or practice and explore pharmaceutical consulting.
A BALANCING ACT
As a third-year student balancing rigorous academic and clinical schedules, Shilian says staying motivated requires a long-term perspective. “What keeps me motivated is focusing on the bigger picture and reminding myself that the challenges and fast-paced moments are only temporary,” she says.
Living at home has also provided essential support with three younger sisters to lean on. “It allows me to spend quality time with my family and local friends,” she says. “I can always rely on them for encouragement or a much-needed break from schoolwork.” Her strong desire to stay close to her family in Brooklyn played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue her education at SUNY College of Optometry. “In fact, SUNY was the only school I applied to because being near my family is so important to me,” she says. “I’m so grateful it worked out.”
In her free time, Shilian enjoys hiking, running and exploring New York City. She also has a passion for perfumery and collects fragrances as a personal hobby. She is also President of SUNY’s Student Glaucoma Society and spent four years as an associate editor for The Science Journal at Touro University.
