Women's History Month: Women Optometrists Making a Difference
March is Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in world history. Empowered women empower women; today we are focusing on women making a difference in their communities.
Nadia Afkhami is a Doctor of Optometry candidate at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. Nadia realized she wanted to be a Doctor of Optometry when she was 5 years old, “my mother’s friend was an optometrist and I loved getting my eyes examined; I remember using the occlude on all of the stuffed animals in the office. From there my love of the profession grew! You can make such a difference in someone’s life and overall health, just by giving them an eye exam.”
Since then, she’s persevered through adversity, working as hard as she could to complete her dream. One career shaping moment for Nadia was when she was volunteering at a local event where doctors and students gave underprivileged kids basic eye exams. One of the mothers was confused and frustrated because she didn’t speak English, and nobody could explain what was going on to her. It turns out, that she was from Iran (Nadia’s birthplace), so Nadia sat her down, explained everything to her, and settled her nerves. Before they left, the little girl turned to Nadia and said, “I want to be just like you when I grow up.” After that day, she decided that she would become a voice for people who feel like they don’t have one.
Today, she loves to help out with the Girl Scouts, educating them on the importance of sun protection to help prevent ocular diseases. “It’s so nice to be able to invest in the women of our future because they are so passionate about learning new things and being involved. This really drives me to be the best role model I can be.”
How is Zyloware making a difference in our community?
National Eyewear Day! National Eyewear Day was created and registered by Zyloware in 2016, to honor Joseph Shyer, who founded Zyloware in 1923. Each year on June 6th, Zyloware celebrates all things eyewear. We toast to frames in all shapes and sizes and rejoice all things SPECtacular. Our Mission is simple: Helping people see a beautiful day everyday. Check out our blog from last years National Eyewear day for more information: How to Celebrate This National Eyewear Day
Want to know how your practice can help celebrate National Eyewear Day? Click below for a National Eyewear Day Event Planning Guide: National Eyewear Day
Nadia is wearing Via Spiga Livia. To check out more frames like these, head to Zyloware.com