What Dr. Wilson Loves Most About Being An Optometrist
We recently asked Dr. Wilson a few questions about his career. Here are his answers. We thought you’d find them interesting!
How old were you when you decided to become an optometrist? What circumstances helped you decide?
“I was actually 16 years old working an after school job at Price Motor Company. Price Motor was located at Fairview here in Williamson. My dad, who had been an optometrist since 1950 asked me a simple question that I’ll never forget. First he told me that there was no right or wrong answer. He also said that this simple answer might help to open the right doors for my career. I anxiously awaited the big question. “Would you rather be your own boss or work for someone else?” I was working for $2.35/hour and the job was all manual labor. The answer was really easy…”I’d really like to be my own boss!”. I believe the resolve to follow my dad’s footsteps into optometry was made that very moment. What a great question because it gave me direction for the rest of my life.”
Where did you attend school and how long have you been practicing?
“After I graduated from Williamson High School in 1974, I attended Eastern Kentucky University for 3 years (where I finished all Optometry school prerequisites). I applied to Southern College of Optometry and was placed as the first alternate to any of the other 5 accepted students in 1977. The seat did not open, so I returned home, worked for my dad as a technician, and picked up a couple of classes at SWVCTC that later enabled me to gain multiple degrees. Those degrees came from SCO in Memphis TN. Great city with a beautiful river, mouth watering barbeque, outstanding live music, and a great place to learn my craft. I’ve been practicing since the year I graduated, 1982.”
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in Optometry?
“First and foremost, you gotta love people; Our practice vision is “To glorify God by helping people see and experience life through a better lens”. This profession is growing and expanding scope of care everyday. Technology is allowing us examine the eye down to the cellular level. Fascination with technology would serve an optometry student well. Strength in mathematics, physics, anatomy and chemistry are all necessary requirements. More than 50% of current optometry students are female. Having an desire to continue to learn, grow and expand your knowledge will serve you well. I love this profession; I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.”
What is one thing you find most satisfying and fulfilling about being an optometrist?
“The “one thing” is certainty that everyday has potential to be full of variety, challenge, growth, love, and contentment that I have had a positive influence on someone else’s life. Can you imagine a profession where you have the opportunity to give people peace of mind, help them see better and look really cool in their new glasses or contact lenses? This in one awesome profession!”
Your practice has always had the reputation for the latest and greatest technologies. What might we expect next?
“Great question. We are expecting the arrival of the new Optos Daytona any day now. We were so proud to be the first in southern WV to offer the original Optomap technology starting in 2006; we’re doing this all over again with Daytona, it simply has to be seen to be appreciated. This is a lot like going from the first flat screen TVs to today’s high definition monitors. I can’t wait for our patients to experience the new Optos Daytona. It’s absolutely fantastic!”
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Dr. Wilson better! And, as always, THANKS for being our valued patients and friends!
Do you have a question for Dr. Wilson?
Please include it as a comment below! He will answer it right away. Thanks!