Meet Elise Kramer | Optometrist & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elise Kramer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elise, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Even when I was in university I always pictured myself having my own practice and doing it my way. There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to do what you love most but on your own terms. Every minute that I work and every amount of effort that I put in results in my own professional and personal growth and the results are immeasurable. I knew that starting my own business would not always be easy, especially because I was starting from scratch. But I knew that I had to start somewhere. Working for a company or another entity was never an option in my mind. The most important thing I did was that I never gave up, even when things got hard.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Creating my unique practice was NOT easy. I started off with one patient a week, very little equipment and a dream. I followed that dream and continue to follow it. Overcoming challenges is part of the daily grind in this type of industry and I love it — challenges keep me on my feet and help me constantly improve. The goal is to always stay positive, even when things get hard. To always remain calm, even when it feels like you are in the middle of a hurricane. To always remember that there will be better days even when it feels like you’ve hit rock bottom. The only way to succeed is to believe that you will. The only way to learn is to make mistakes. The only way to become stronger is to fail. What I want the world to know is that our brand is here to stay, we are helping more and more people rehabilitate their vision and improve their quality of life when they thought there was no other solution. We are providing the gift of sight to those who thought they would never see again and I can’t wait to continue expanding and helping more people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Although I love to go out, one of the best places to hang out IMO is on my very own balcony. I live right on the water and my view overlooks both the bay and the ocean, whether it’s sunrise, sunset, a rainy afternoon or a starry night, the view is just breathtaking. I can sit there all day and not get bored. I also love hanging out at the beach, Soho Beach House is one of my favorite places because it’s both exclusive and relaxing without being too fancy 😉 Some of my favorite restaurants are on Calle Ocho (8th street) they are not pretentious and have amazing food and an authentic vibe.
A bike ride from Hollywood beach to key Biscayne offers scenic views and amazing cardio.
Regardless of what we do, the day will always start with coffee from Pura Vida.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are 3 other doctors who have significantly impacted my decisions and growth as a professional. Dr. Langis Michaud, one of the greatest contact lens practitioners and researchers in the world, as well as one of the best university professors I have had the privilege of learning from. Dr. Edward Boshnick who has created a world renowned contact lens practice that caters to some of the most complicated and rare eyes in the world, he opened the doors of his practice to me and allowed me to learn from him for over 8 months. Dr. Kenneth Maller who also created a very unique contact lens practice who inspired me to become a specialist and help those who really needed my expertise. I had so many people telling me to just get a “regular and stable” job where I would surely get paid well and work 9-5 without having to worry about anything. Although this is very true, I chose the “hard” way because I wanted to be different and unique and I wanted and still want to be the best version of myself I can be.

Website: www.miamicontactlens.com

Instagram: @drelisekramer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisegkramer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drelisekramer?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisegabriellekramer/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwR8n9iaUyxl7bFVznc2OA