Becoming a Georgia-licensed Optometrist was a goal I nurtured for years. After earning my Doctor of Optometry degree and stepping into the profession in 2008, I dedicated myself to serving patients — over 80,000 of them — helping people see better and live better. Each patient brought unique needs and challenges, and while I loved providing care in the exam room, I began to notice a pattern: many patients were struggling with the same problems that didn’t always have convenient or affordable solutions.
The seed of my journey into product development was planted by those very patients. They shared frustrations about dry, irritated eyes and seasonal allergies. Pet owners worried about their animals experiencing similar discomforts. Others faced emergencies — losing or breaking their glasses — and couldn’t get a replacement quickly, leaving them stranded without clear vision. These were problems I couldn’t ignore.
In 2019 I stepped beyond the traditional role of an Optometrist and began working on solutions. I wanted to create products that were not only effective but also safe and accessible. That’s when AffluEYEnce® was born — a line of 100% doctor-approved, organic eye care products designed to relieve dry eyes and ocular allergies. Pet formulas are available too (for cats, dogs, and horses). Each formula is carefully crafted with quality and comfort in mind, protected by trade secrets to ensure lasting effectiveness.
But I didn’t stop there. One of the most frequent heartbreaking situations I saw in my practice was when patients lost or broke their glasses, leaving them without clear sight. Traditional eyeglass replacement often takes days or even weeks — time many people can’t afford to wait. This inspired me to develop FitXSee®: a patent-pending, adjustable eyeglass frame designed to serve as a temporary bridge until a permanent pair can be made. FitXSee® adjusts to a wide range of prescriptions, offering immediate clarity when it’s needed most.
Transitioning from clinician to product developer wasn’t easy. It required me to learn new skills, navigate unfamiliar industries, and invest countless hours into research, design, and testing. But the driving force behind every late night and obstacle was the same: bringing more options to the global market.
AffluEYEnce® and FitXSee® are more than products; they’re answers to problems I’ve seen firsthand in the exam room. My journey is far from over but I’m no longer confined to one space. I’ve stepped beyond the exam room, driven by the same mission: helping people see well, feel well, and be well.
This isn’t just my story — it’s a testament to what’s possible when you blend medical knowledge with innovative thinking and a heart for problem-solving. I hope it inspires others to find their own way beyond the exam room too.
