Name: Behrad Garmsiri 2023 Student Visionary Spotlight

Class Year: 2023

What is your specialty or area of focus (if applicable)?
Glaucoma

List the award(s) / scholarship(s) you have received
CLASS OF 1991 PACE SETTER AWARD Dr. BENJAMIN FREED MEMORIAL AWARD

What does receiving this award or scholarship mean to you?
CLASS OF 1991 PACE SETTER AWARD: I understand that optometry is more than just clinical care, but it is the major part for me. I feel that I can always improve on my clinical ability, and thus receiving this award has been very humbling. I will continue to better my clinical skills and bedside manner. Dr. BENJAMIN FREED MEMORIAL AWARD: I am a firm believer in investing in my community. Whether it is the community of my class, my neighborhood, or my profession. I believe the onus on each individual member of a community to try and improve it. For me, I found those opportunities in safety programs and peer mental health support. I am grateful for the recognition.

What drew you to the field of optometry?
I have been interested in vision science since my adolescent years. I had a career in vision research for some years. Ultimately I found that I enjoyed the personal interaction that comes with clinical work much more so than basic science. I made a change in career and I am happy to have done so.

What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I will be doing a residency.

What advice would you give incoming or prospective optometry students?
Try and go to as many networking and volunteering events as you can early in your student careers. As a student you have an entire community outside of school that is invested in teaching you and bringing you into the fold. Participation has long term benefits that are not immediately apparent.