WATN: Lisa Wallace-Davis, OD '92

As the president of the Virginia State Board of Optometry, vice chair of the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, board member of the Newport News Arts Commission and the Virginia Optometric Association Board of Trustees as well as serving in numerous other organizations, involved is the perfect word to describe Lisa Wallace-Davis, OD ‘92. 

“My biggest advice to incoming or current optometry students is to get involved,” said Dr. Wallace-Davis. “For me personally, getting involved allowed so many different opportunities to open up.”

Of those opportunities, she recently attended the annual Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) meeting. State boards from all 50 states as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand were invited to discuss regulatory issues and shared concerns within optometry.

“Of the many topics of discussion, one in particular at this year's meeting included scope expansion among the states including Virginia which became the eighth state to gain the ability to perform certain laser procedures,” said Dr. Wallace-Davis. “Overall, the meeting was a great experience and I learned a lot.” 

After graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University, Dr. Wallace-Davis worked for a private practice in Hampton, Virginia which she went on to eventually purchase. Her practice specializes in primary care and the treatment of certain eye diseases and conditions. “My favorite part of working in optometry is interacting with my patients and the ‘wow’ factor when they realize how much better they can see with vision correction,” she said.

Similar to her interactions with her patients, Dr. Wallace-Davis’ favorite memories from PCO/Salus also included her peer-to-peer interactions. “I had a great time in Philadelphia,” said Dr. Wallace-Davis. “Some of my best memories include hanging out with my classmates and forging life-long relationships.

During her time at PCO/Salus, her experiences with the Summer Enrichment Program stand out as a predecessor to her success. “My experience in the Summer Enrichment Program was extremely helpful,” she said. “It definitely gave me a jump start for when the actual school year started and prepared me well for the year ahead.”

As the current Summer Enrichment Program recently came to an end, she encourages students to get involved in as many ways as they can - now that the start of the school year has commenced. “If you have an opportunity to get involved with any of the local societies, if you have the opportunity to attend any of their meetings, try to take advantage of it,” said Dr. Wallace Davis. “Upon graduating, get involved with organizations like the AOA (American Optometric Association), NOA (National Optometric Association), state associations and local societies. It will really help you along the way.”