Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nancy Stephens.
Dr. Nancy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State University (formerly known as Southwest Texas State University) in May 2000, I became a research assistant at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX and then at UT Health Science Center in Houston, TX for a few years.
I had recently been married and had my first daughter in December 2002. I decided to stay at home after she was born, and by December 2004, I was a stay-at-home mother to 2 beautiful daughters. It was after experiencing an almost fatal complication after the birth of my first daughter, that I realized I wanted to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. I didn’t know what field I wanted to go into, but I had an awesome optometrist that encouraged me to apply to the University of Houston College of Optometry.
In May 2014, I graduated Magna Cum Laude as a Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist with numerous awards including the Excellence in Medical Eye Service Award. Shortly after graduation, I was offered the position of Clinical Director at Advanced Laser Vision & Surgical Institute as well as a position with Coastal Eye Associates. I have had the privilege of working with Dr. William Lipsky, cornea and refractive surgeon, since January 2015. Along with providing the most technologically advanced refractive surgery procedures for our patients, we have worked together to create a specialty Dry Eye Clinic within the practice.
In addition, I work with Intouch Clinical Research Center performing FDA clinical ophthalmology trials in order to help develop new and advancing ophthalmic treatments. As a clinical rotation site for the University of Houston College of Optometry, I also have the opportunity to help teach new externs every year.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road to get to where I am today. Attending optometry school while raising a family was by far the most difficult thing I have ever done. Without my faith in God and the support of my close friends and family, it would have been impossible to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Advanced Laser Vision & Surgical Institute – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the Clinical Director of Advanced Laser Vision & Surgical Institute where we pride ourselves in maximizing people’s vision and quality of life through refractive surgery.
We also specialize in treating dry eyes, performing procedures with the most technologically advanced equipment, participating in FDA clinical ophthalmology trials, as well as educating and training future doctors. Our staff has well over 35 years of combined experience in refractive surgery, and we treat each patient as if they were our own family. We treat people… not just eyes.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Personally, I would like to own my own practice one day and begin speaking across the country to help educate other doctors about dry eye and refractive surgery. I would also like to be involved in medical missions throughout the globe.
At ALVSI, we have just acquired the iDesign Advanced WaveScan System that captures more data than ever before to create a detailed picture of the eye’s unique imperfections and accurately plan a personalized treatment for each patient. It is 25x more precise and captures over 1,200 points of data. It is being described as “more brain power” to help patients see clearly without the hassle of contacts or glasses.
We are also looking forward to expanding our Dry Eye Clinic and becoming a referral source for doctors across the Houston/Clear Lake/and League City area.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11550 Fuqua, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77034
- Website: www.advancedlaservision.com
- Phone: 281-464-9616
- Email: alvsi@doclipsky.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasik_lipsky/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancedlaservisionlasik/
Image Credit:
Empire Creative Studios
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