We recently connected with Elise Kramer and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Elise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
The defining moment I want to share is the time I first witnessed how scleral lenses could help patients see again. At that point in my career, I was working as a student in fourth year clinic and had encountered numerous patients with complex vision issues. These patients often had conditions that couldn’t be adequately corrected with traditional eyeglasses or standard contact lenses. I had always been passionate about finding innovative solutions to improve people’s lives, especially when it came to their vision.
One day, a patient with severe corneal irregularity – came into our clinic. This condition had severely distorted their cornea, making it nearly impossible for them to achieve clear vision with conventional corrective methods. I had heard about scleral lenses before, but I had never seen their transformative power firsthand.
Scleral lenses are large-diameter contact lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part) of the eye, vaulting over the cornea without directly touching it. This design allows them to create a smooth optical surface that can compensate for irregular corneal shapes and provide exceptional vision correction.
As I fitted the patient with scleral lenses and witnessed their reaction as they looked around the room with amazement, I was profoundly moved. The moment they realized they could see clearly again after struggling for so long was nothing short of magical. Their tears of joy and expressions of gratitude touched me deeply.
This experience was a turning point in my career. It highlighted the tremendous impact that innovative technologies and approaches could have on people’s lives, especially those who had been told that their conditions were untreatable. It made me realize the importance of constantly seeking new solutions and pushing the boundaries of traditional practices. The incident also reminded me of the significance of empathy and the emotional connection that comes with helping people regain something as fundamental as clear vision.
The lessons I took from this experience were invaluable. I learned that staying open to new possibilities and being willing to explore unconventional approaches can lead to breakthroughs that transform lives. I also learned the importance of patience and persistence, as finding the right solution for each individual can take time and dedication. Lastly, the moment reinforced the idea that the work we do as professionals in any field goes beyond technical skills – it’s about making a genuine impact on people’s well-being.
Ultimately, the day I witnessed the profound impact of scleral lenses on a patient’s life was a pivotal moment that shaped the course of my career and reminded me of the power of innovation, compassion, and perseverance.
Elise, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am an accomplished and devoted optometrist located in Miami, FL, known for my expertise in ocular surface disease and both regular and specialty contact lens fitting. My journey in the field of optometry commenced with the attainment of a Doctorate degree from the Université de Montréal in 2012. During my academic journey, I not only excelled academically but also gained recognition from the Scholarship Program of the Québec Ministry of Education, underscoring my exceptional performance.
A defining experience that profoundly influenced my dedication to my profession was my engagement in a humanitarian mission in Laayoune, Morocco, during the summer of my second year. There, I provided free eye examinations and distributed eyeglasses to numerous underprivileged individuals, showcasing my unwavering commitment to creating a tangible positive impact on people’s lives.
My educational pursuit further advanced with a notable internship in ocular disease at the Eye Centers of South Florida during my fourth year. This experience laid the groundwork for my subsequent residency at the prestigious Miami VA Medical Center, where I received comprehensive training at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, a distinguished institution within the field.
Fueled by my passion for continual learning and a pursuit of excellence, I fortified my expertise by achieving the status of a fellow within the Scleral Lens Education Society (SLS). My involvement extends to my role as the Secretary for the SLS, an evidence of my dedication to advancing knowledge and awareness in my specialized domain.
My professional accomplishments and affiliations reflect my unwavering commitment to my vocation. I am an active member of esteemed organizations such as the Optometric Association (AOA), the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE), and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA). Moreover, I serve as the Delegate of International Relations for the Italian Association of Scleral Lenses (AILeS).
My contributions span beyond memberships and affiliations. I have actively participated in clinical research trials and have authored numerous significant articles and reviews, showcasing my dedication to the advancement of my field. Beyond my practice, I find fulfillment in delivering lectures across the globe in various languages, sharing my insights into ocular surface disease and specialty lenses.
My approach to optometry is rooted in a sincere desire to enhance the lives of my patients. I specialize in addressing intricate cases such as keratoconus, refractive surgical complications, chronic dry eyes, corneal dystrophies, and more. My personalized approach involves the design of custom-made contact lenses utilizing cutting-edge technology, leading to remarkable outcomes for patients who have endured vision loss due to diverse conditions.
In essence, my journey is characterized by an unswerving dedication to transformative eye care. The blend of compassion, expertise, and an unrelenting commitment to innovation sets me apart in the field of optometry. I take immense pride in restoring quality vision and ocular comfort for those who have encountered visual challenges. My passion for enhancing lives radiates through every facet of my work.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I first embarked on my professional journey, I faced numerous challenges that tested my perseverance. I knew that I wanted to create a successful practice in the field I was passionate about, but the path was far from straightforward. I had to relocate three times before finding the ideal location that would eventually become the foundation of my thriving practice.
In the beginning, my practice was modest, and I was only seeing about three patients a week. The road was tough, and it would have been easy to become discouraged by the slow progress. However, I was determined to make my dream a reality. I recognized that building something meaningful takes time and effort, and setbacks were simply part of the journey.
I channeled my energy into refining my skills, enhancing patient care, continuously seeking ways to improve the services I offered, and networking with colleagues in the industry. Despite the challenges, I maintained my focus on providing exceptional care and building lasting relationships with my patients and co-managing with colleagues. This unwavering commitment began to pay off as my reputation grew, and referrals started to trickle in.
As I continued to put in the hard work and dedication, I began to witness a gradual but steady increase in the number of patients seeking my services. Over time, my practice transformed from those initial days of seeing just one patient to being fully booked with a thriving patient base.
This experience illustrated that setbacks are not indicators of failure, but rather opportunities for growth and learning. Each move, each challenge, and each patient interaction contributed to my growth and shaped the practice I have today.
In essence, my journey is a testament to the fact that resilience is not just about enduring difficulties, but about using them as stepping stones toward success. It’s a reminder that the path to achieving our goals is rarely linear, and the willingness to adapt, learn, and persevere is what sets us apart and leads to meaningful accomplishments.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a reputation within my market was a journey rooted in dedication and a strategic approach. One of the key factors that significantly contributed to my reputation was my steadfast commitment to my specialty in specialty contact lenses and dry eye. By focusing on these specific areas, I was able to develop a deep expertise that set me apart and established me as a go-to resource for patients seeking specialized care.
Another critical aspect was my emphasis on collaboration and co-management with cornea specialists, other ophthalmologist, and fellow optometrists in the region. This not only enabled me to provide comprehensive care to patients but also fostered a network of professional relationships that bolstered my reputation. This collaborative approach demonstrated my dedication to patient well-being above all else and showcased a commitment to the broader field of eye care.
Furthermore, I recognized the importance of effective marketing in today’s digital age. I utilized a multi-platform marketing strategy, ensuring a strong online presence across various channels. Consistent and informative content on my website, social media platforms, and relevant online forums helped position me as an authority in my field. This not only attracted potential patients but also allowed me to share my knowledge and expertise with a wider audience.
By staying true to my specialty, embracing collaboration, and strategically leveraging marketing efforts, I was able to build a reputation founded on trust, expertise, and a commitment to excellent patient care. This reputation became a cornerstone of my practice and played a pivotal role in attracting and retaining a diverse patient base, ultimately contributing to my growth and success within the market.
Additionally, I proactively sought opportunities to engage with industry partners and contribute to the broader conversation surrounding my specialty. This involved participating in industry conferences and speaking at important meetings, where I could share insights, advancements, and best practices in the realm of specialty contact lenses and dry eye management. These engagements not only expanded my network but also showcased my dedication to staying at the forefront of my field. By actively participating in these events, I demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and the exchange of knowledge, further solidifying my reputation as a respected authority in my specialized area. This multi-faceted approach, encompassing specialization, collaboration, strategic marketing, and active industry involvement, synergistically shaped my reputation and established a strong foundation for my professional success within the market.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.miamicontactlens.com
- Instagram: drelisekramer
- Facebook: Dr. Elise Kramer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisegkramer
- Twitter: @dreliselisekramer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwR8n9iaUyxl7bFVznc2OA/videos?view_as=subscriber
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/miami-contact-lens-institute-miami-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Victoria Cooper