2024 Annual Report

TRANSFORMING PATIENT CARE

From Classroom to Clinic: The Journey of a Third-Year Student After being honored with the traditional white coat at an on campus ceremony in the spring, Anastasia Dakis began the next phase of her optometric journey with the rest of her classmates— working in the University Eye Center. Born and raised in Queens, NY, Anastasia shared some insights on her time in the clinic working with both staff and patients. Q: How has the transition from classroom to clinic been? The transition from classroom to clinic has been both challenging and rewarding. Clinic has pushed me in the best ways, providing the building blocks for a strong clinical foundation. I found the summer quarter to be the most challenging, as it marked the first time my peers and I were managing patients independently. While we had the guidance of our preceptors, being alone with a patient for the first time was a surreal experience. Truly feeling the gravity of my duty to my patients is something I reflect on

opportunity to think critically, expand my knowledge base, and receive invaluable feedback that helps me improve as a future doctor. Q: Have you learned anything about optometry that you hadn’t realized before going into the clinic—like an area of specialty you might like to pursue further? My interest in specialties has evolved throughout my time in clinic. Initially, I was most drawn to anterior segment disease, but as I progressed through my coursework, my fascination expanded to include posterior segment disease, particularly during the summer and fall quarters. Currently, I am in the fourth and final section of the Ocular Disease curriculum, neuro optometry, which has also sparked my interest. While I plan to pursue a residency in ocular disease, my clinical experience has emphasized the importance of being a well rounded clinician.

Anastasia Dakis, ‘26

often, and it continues to motivate me. Each encounter reinforces the importance of providing the best care possible and reminds me why I chose this profession. Q: What has been the most rewarding part of working in the clinic for you? The most rewarding part of working in the clinic has been the opportunity to engage with patients, collaborate with colleagues, and grow as a clinician. I truly value every patient encounter and strive to advocate for them by simplifying complex medical jargon and ensuring they feel heard. Receiving heartfelt thanks from a patient, for something seemingly small yet impactful, is deeply fulfilling. I also appreciate the collaboration and problem-solving that take place behind the scenes. Applying knowledge from didactic courses to real-life scenarios is both energizing and gratifying. This is especially true when my preceptors challenge me with questions. I enjoy the

Total Annual Patient Encounters (>57K UEC Encounters Included) 250,000+

18 SUNY OPTOMETRY ANNUAL REPORT