Inspiring optometry’s next generation

It was a full-circle moment for Tessa Sokol, O.D., when her practice hosted 14 students from the high school she once attended to learn about optometry. Dr. Sokol discovered optometry through that same high school program—and that experience would shape her life and career. 

“When I shadowed an optometrist, I witnessed a life-changing moment,” Dr. Sokol recalls. “A child with cerebral palsy was being fitted with glasses, and the improvement in his ability to function was immediate and profound. The optometrist used objective tests to enhance the child’s daily life in a way that was both scientific and deeply impactful. That moment resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could create significant, instant improvements in people's lives. From that point forward, I was all in, dedicating myself to studying optometry.” 

She says high school and college are pivotal times when students are exploring their futures, often unaware of the career possibilities available to them. Many don't consider optometry, opticianry or paraoptometric technician roles simply because they haven’t been exposed to them.  

“That’s why it’s so important to introduce these professions early—showing students not only what these careers entail, but also how they can make a real difference in people’s lives.” 

Dr. Sokol explains why recruiting the best and brightest into our profession isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for the future of optometry. 

Why is it important to inspire the next generation of optometrists?  

Optometry is intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding. Whether it’s diagnosing a medical condition, instantly improving someone’s vision, or helping a child see clearly for the first time, the impact is profound. As technology advances and the scope of optometry expands, we need forward-thinking, skilled professionals who understand both the medical and human aspects of eye care. By mentoring students, we ensure that the profession remains innovative, patient-centered, and prepared to meet the growing demand for eye health services. 

What advice do you have for colleagues when it comes to mentorship?  

Mentorship is about guiding, inspiring and opening doors at every level. It takes many forms, from hosting high school students to introduce them to eye care, to encouraging kids in my exam chair to explore the field, to always saying “yes” to shadowing requests. Every interaction is a chance to spark curiosity and open new possibilities. 

The biggest way I invest in mentorship is by hiring college students. Even though I know they’ll eventually move on to graduate school or other careers, they are educated and motivated, bringing an awesome energy to the office. Even though they eventually move on, it’s rewarding to see where they go! They’re eager to learn, challenge themselves, and contribute in meaningful ways. In return, I strive to provide them with hands-on experience, professional guidance, and a workplace that fosters their growth and communication skills. I enjoy being a resource they can reach out to after they leave. 

For my colleagues, my advice is to stay approachable, share your experiences and journey openly, and create opportunities for students to learn. Even a small moment of encouragement—answering a question, inviting someone to observe, or giving a student their first real-world experience in the field—can have a lasting impact on their career path and, ultimately, the future of optometry. 

What advice do you have for students seeking a career in optometry?  

If you're considering optometry, seek out experiences that expose you to the profession—shadow optometrists, work in an eye clinic, and ask a lot of questions! Optometry offers a deeply fulfilling career helping people see their best. 

One of the greatest things about optometry is its versatility. There are so many different practice settings to fit your personality: hospital-based care, industry research, teaching at colleges, retail or running your own business, which I personally find incredibly fun and rewarding. Owning a practice allows me to shape it into what I want it to look like. No matter which path you choose, optometry provides significant job security and the chance to make a real impact on people’s lives. 

Take the time to explore the specialties within optometry and never hesitate to reach out to professionals for mentorship. Passion, persistence and connections will take you far! 

What does the future of optometry look like to you?  

The future of optometry is bright and rapidly evolving. We’re seeing incredible advancements in dry eye treatment, myopia management, and ocular disease detection with AI-driven diagnostics and imaging. As primary eye care providers, optometrists will continue to play a vital role in preventive medicine and overall health care integration. I also see optometry embracing more holistic approaches to eye health, emphasizing nutrition, lifestyle and advanced treatments beyond just refractive correction. 

With the demand for eye care providers rising and the number of ophthalmologists remaining the same, optometrists will be expanding their scope to meet patient needs. This creates significant job security, as optometry is one of the few health care fields where demand continues to grow. As our profession evolves, we will play an even greater role in managing ocular disease, providing advanced care, and improving overall patient outcomes. 

As a past president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to stay involved in advancing our profession. Optometry continues to evolve, and our ability to shape its future depends on engaged professionals who advocate for our field. I’m fortunate to have worked alongside an incredible board and executive team—truly some of the best. 

Staying involved doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Even small contributions to your association—whether through participation, membership or supporting PAC/PCF funds—make a big difference. If time is limited, simply staying connected and contributing in whatever way you can helps ensure optometry remains strong and continues to grow.