Inside Optometry at Vision Innovation Partners: "It Is Never a Dull Day"
Dr. David Holland (he/him) has been going to an optometrist since elementary school. Today he is the one in the exam room, working as a medical optometrist at Maryland Vision Institute, part of Vision Innovation Partners (VIP).
"I wanted to be in healthcare," he says. "I enjoy the balance between routine eye care and medical eye care that optometry allows." He started his career in routine eye care, but medical optometry was always the goal. At Maryland Vision Institute, that is the work he does every day.
A day in the life
Dr. Holland's schedule leans medical. A typical day mixes medical eye care for conditions like glaucoma, cataract and diabetes, post-op visits (mostly cataract), and a few routine exams.
Most of the day
Medical eye care
Glaucoma, cataract and diabetes-related eye care.
Regular
Post-op visits
Mostly cataract post-operative care.
A few
Routine exams
Routine eye care to round out the schedule.
A typical day for Dr. Holland at Maryland Vision Institute
That mix has grown over time. He began with medical optometry that included LASIK pre- and post-operative care. His role has since expanded to cataract pre- and post-operative exams, and he now performs Light Adjustable Lens adjustments.
“The variety of patients we see also keeps things interesting.”
The case that stayed with him
One patient stands out. An elderly man came in with a sudden change in vision in his right eye. His exam was highly suspicious for arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, so Dr. Holland sent him straight to the emergency room.
The patient was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis.
“This diagnosis saved this patient's vision, and he and his wife have been coming to me ever since.”
It is the kind of moment that shows what medical optometry can mean: catching something serious early, acting fast, and earning a patient's trust for years to come.
Why Maryland Vision Institute
Asked why he chose to build his career here rather than at another practice or on his own, Dr. Holland points to two things.
Full scope of practice
“I have been allowed to practice to the full extent of my training.”
Collaboration with ophthalmology
He has access to ophthalmologists who are available to assist or take over a patient when needed.
The support goes beyond the clinic. "Having receptive and supportive managers and higher-level administrative leaders makes a big difference," he says. "Knowing that you can reach out and be heard matters a lot."
Room to grow
Growth at VIP has meant more than new clinical skills for Dr. Holland. He now sits on the VIP Medical Advisory Board, which acts as a liaison between providers (ODs and MDs) and the business side of VIP. He has helped organize VIP's annual company meeting, and he mentors several ODs.
How his role has grown
- Today
Leadership and mentorship
VIP Medical Advisory Board member, annual company meeting organizer and mentor to several ODs.
Light Adjustable Lens adjustments
Now performs Light Adjustable Lens adjustments.
Cataract pre- and post-op exams
Expanded his role into cataract surgery patients.
- Where he started
Medical optometry + LASIK care
Started with LASIK pre- and post-operative care.
Who thrives here
According to Dr. Holland, the right fit is "an OD who enjoys medical optometry and wants to practice to their fullest capacity" — someone who wants to learn new techniques and see all sorts of interesting patients.
That said, the practice doesn't force one path. "The practice is willing to let you define the type of patients you want to see," he explains. "If you prefer to mostly perform routine eye care with a few medical patients, then that can be accommodated. Or if you prefer to mostly do medical eye exams, you can do that instead."
You choose your patient mix
Whichever end of the spectrum fits you, the practice can accommodate it.
His advice to candidates
Dr. Holland's pitch is simple: this practice is built for full-scope optometry. "You can treat patients to the fullest extent of your scope. You will see all sorts of patients."
And for anyone weighing the move:
“This is a large organization with lots of resources to help you succeed. If you have questions, I am happy to assist.”
Ready to practice to the full extent of your training?
Apply to the Vision Innovation Partners Student Loan Repayment Program through Clasp.¹ ²
Apply Through Clasp¹ Eligibility requirements apply. Program selection is not guaranteed. If qualified, selected, and employed by Vision Innovation Partners, Vision Innovation Partners will make payments on your behalf toward your eligible student loans in monthly installments via the Clasp platform, up to a specified monthly amount. These payments will continue for the duration of your active employment until your eligible student loans are paid in full. Any payments made by your employer are not subject to clawback—you do not have to repay them to the employer under the program. However, you are still responsible for your student loan. If you voluntarily leave your job, are terminated for cause, or do not meet the terms of your employment or repayment agreement, your employer will stop making payments, and you will be responsible for making payments on your remaining loan balance. Your agreement with your employer is separate from your loan obligation. For full program details, visit clasp.com/vip-optometrists.
² You may be subject to income tax for some or all of the loan payments made by Vision Innovation Partners on your behalf. You should consult with a tax professional if you have any questions regarding tax consequences of the VIP Student Loan Repayment Program.