We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Kerri-ann Coombs recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Kerri-Ann, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
A defining moment in my professional career was witnessing my father, Bernard De’Cordova Coombs, lose his vision due to severe eye complications. That experience didn’t just spark my interest in optometry—it instilled in me a deep sense of purpose. I saw firsthand how vision loss impacts every aspect of a person’s life, and I knew I wanted to make a difference by helping others preserve their sight.
“A Child with a Big Vision Book” My children’s book tells the story very well.
This personal connection drove me to build my career in eye care, first through optometry and later through De’Cordova Eyewear, which I named in honor of my father. Over the years, my perspective evolved beyond just providing eye care—I became deeply invested in accessibility, education, and innovation in the industry.
Another pivotal moment came when I transitioned from Beyond Eye Care, where I successfully operated multiple sublease locations, to scaling De’Cordova Eyewear into a brand that stands for quality, purpose, and impact. That shift was about more than business growth; it was about legacy, ensuring that people had access to eyewear solutions that genuinely improved their quality of life.
The key lesson? Purpose fuels success. When your work is deeply connected to something meaningful, challenges become stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Every setback is an opportunity to refine your mission, and every victory is a reminder of why you started in the first place.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m deeply passionate about eye care, vision preservation, and the power of entrepreneurship to create meaningful change. My journey into this field wasn’t just a career choice—it was personal. My father, Bernard De’Cordova Coombs, lost his sight due to severe eye complications, and witnessing his struggles ignited my mission to help others protect and preserve their vision.
My Background & How I Got into the Industry
I began my career as a registered nurse in 2001, working in ICU, neuro-ophthalmology, and telemetry. In 2005, I transitioned into optometry school, completing my studies in 2009. Shortly after, I founded Beyond Eye Care, managing multiple sublease optometry locations for 13 years. This experience deepened my understanding of both patient care and the business side of eye care—balancing exceptional service with sustainable growth.
What I Do & What Sets Me Apart
Through the years, I recognized the importance of creating an environment where patients feel comfortable and confident during their eye care experience. This inspired me to design a space and eyewear collection that seamlessly blend style, comfort, and functionality. De’Cordova Eyewear was born from this vision—a brand rooted in quality craftsmanship and personal legacy. To further share my journey, I published A Girl with a Big Vision, a book that not only tells my story but also supports giving back to the community in Jamaica.
Problems I Solve for My Clients
Many people undergo eye exams but struggle to identify their specific visual needs—or those of their loved ones. My role is to enlighten the understanding of the eyes, both internally and externally, ensuring that every patient gains deeper insight into their vision. This knowledge leads to life-changing improvements and personal growth.
We also help patients find the perfect eyewear, contacts, and vision-assisted devices to enhance their vision. Too often, people struggle to find glasses that fit well, complement their personality, and provide the right vision correction. De’Cordova Eyewear bridges that gap by offering stylish, functional solutions tailored to individual needs.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I take the greatest pride in turning personal adversity into purpose. My father’s vision loss could have been a tragic story, but instead, it became the foundation for my work—ensuring that others don’t have to experience the same struggles. De’Cordova Eyewear is more than just a brand; it’s a legacy.
What I Want People to Know
My work goes beyond selling eyewear—it’s about enlightening and applying solutions through glasses, contacts, or visual assistance. A small device can make a profound difference, helping people see the world clearly and feel confident in their daily lives. It’s also about transforming lives through education and lifestyle changes that can impact their future vision and help preserve sight for years to come.
I believe business success is rooted in purpose—when your work aligns with a mission that truly matters, success naturally follows.
At the end of the day, everything I do—whether in eyewear, optometry, or business strategy—is about helping people see better!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the biggest tests of my resilience came when I made the difficult decision to transition from Beyond Eye Care after a decade of successfully operating multiple sublease locations. The business had been a huge part of my professional identity, and stepping away meant navigating uncharted waters.
At first, it was overwhelming—letting go of a model that had worked for years and stepping into a new chapter with De’Cordova Eyewear full time. But I knew that my true passion and purpose lay in creating something lasting—a brand that reflected my personal mission to preserve vision and improve lives. Instead of seeing the change as a loss, I embraced it as an opportunity to build something bigger and more meaningful.
There were challenges—establishing a new brand from the ground up, securing the right partnerships, and ensuring the business reflected my commitment to quality, style, and function. But every obstacle reaffirmed why I started this journey in the first place. I wasn’t just selling eyewear—I was creating a legacy.
The lesson? Resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges; it’s about trusting yourself enough to embrace change and evolve. Looking back, I’m grateful for every challenge because it forced me to level up, refine my vision, and build something I’m incredibly proud of today.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most helpful qualities for succeeding in optometry and eyewear entrepreneurship are:
1. Deep Empathy for Patients & Customers
Understanding that vision is more than just eyesight—it affects confidence, productivity, and overall well-being. Being able to connect with patients on a personal level and truly listen to their needs sets great professionals apart.
2. Adaptability & Innovation
The optical, industry is evolving, from new lens technologies to shifts in consumer buying habits (like online eyewear shopping). Staying ahead requires embracing change, leveraging technology, and continuously improving services to meet modern demands.
3. Resilience & Long-Term Vision
This industry, like any business, has ups and downs. Whether it’s market shifts, competition, or business transitions, the ability to stay focused on the bigger picture, pivot when necessary, and keep pushing forward is key.
4. Relationship-Building & Trust
Success isn’t just about selling glasses—it’s about building relationships with patients, suppliers, and industry professionals. Trust and reputation go a long way in ensuring repeat business and referrals.
Ultimately, what sets the most successful people apart is their ability to combine expertise with purpose, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
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Image Credits
Jo Golden photography