Meet Glenda Aleman | Optometrist

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

Hi Glenda, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
My overarching mission is to raise widespread awareness about the critical importance of myopia management while empowering fellow healthcare professionals with the necessary training to deliver these vital services. At the core of my mission lies the fervent desire to positively impact as many patients as possible by slowing down the progression of myopia. I am driven by the aspiration to leave behind a lasting legacy—one marked by influence and inspiration for future generations of physicians to follow suit.

To fulfill this mission, I engage in extensive advocacy efforts and spearhead awareness campaigns in collaboration with various organizations and groups such as being actively involved as a member of American Association of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (AAOMC), being a founding board member of Latinos en Optometry (LEO), Women in Eyecare (WiE) and partnering with motivated individuals, such as the high school students I currently mentor with the campaign entitled “Beyond The Blur” and these allowed me to extend the reach of my advocacy initiatives. Together, we strive to elevate public consciousness surrounding myopia management, thereby effecting tangible change.

One aspect that particularly resonates with me is the creation of published articles and educational materials. These resources serve as a tangible testament to my commitment, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge that will continue to benefit patients long after I am gone. My aim is to contribute to a world where myopic children are afforded a brighter future—one characterized by enhanced quality of life and expanded opportunities. Through proactive prevention efforts and effective management strategies, we can endeavor to mitigate the impact of myopia, fostering healthier, more vibrant communities for generations to come. This, to me, is the essence of leaving a meaningful legacy—one rooted in compassion, advocacy, and a relentless pursuit of positive change.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a proud owner of two businesses, and my passion is reflected in my specialty and private office, OK Love Myopia Control Experts. Working closely with pediatric patients gives me great satisfaction, and my aim has expanded into raising awareness and treating patients with myopia to effectively slow its progression. Seeing that there was a rising need for these services, I took the opportunity to open a second location. This expansion allows us to cater to patients traveling from Broward County to Miami-Dade, addressing a need in the community.

What sets my business apart is its unique model. We work by appointments only and specialize on myopia management and specialty contact lenses. Recently, we implemented Neurolens technology, demonstrating our dedication to innovation. These specialty spectacle lenses are designed for patients dealing with post-traumatic brain injury, double vision, chronic headaches, neck pain, and shoulder pain.

Our goal is to maintain our status as a specialty office, providing high-demand services that are often underserved in the healthcare industry. Our goal is to significantly improve our patients’ lives by being on the cutting edge of technology and customizing our services to fit their needs.

My journey originates from a humble background, and I firmly believe that our early life experiences shape the individuals we become. In my case, my upbringing, primarily under the care of my grandmother, has been the cornerstone of my values and principles. Her teachings have profoundly influenced the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for her impact.

Growing up in a family with modest beginnings meant early exposure to the world of sales. From a very young age, I found myself on the streets alongside my aunts and uncles, peddling everything from chocolate balls to empanadas and tamales. Those early years of selling food and fruits, whatever my mother entrusted to my basket, have left an indelible mark on my character. Although I eventually pursued a career as an eye doctor, the foundational skills of salesmanship I acquired during those street-selling days continue to play a pivotal role in my professional success.

The constant hustle of working hard, balancing school with selling empanadas after returning home, instilled in me a work ethic and adaptability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. This upbringing has made it challenging for me to settle into a static routine; instead, I thrive in dynamic environments that demand versatility.

Reflecting on the hardships and challenges I faced throughout my life, I recognize that they have been instrumental in shaping my identity. These experiences have equipped me with a unique set of skills that contribute significantly to my current career as an eye doctor. Every trial has been a steppingstone, and I am proud of the person I have become because of my resilient journey.

The paramount focus for me is placing my patients’ and their parents’ needs at the forefront of my priorities. I firmly believe that by dedicating ourselves to the well-being of the patient and ensuring their optimal experience, success naturally follows. It’s a straightforward philosophy – prioritize the patient, and everything else falls into place.

Allow me to elaborate on what sets our office apart and defines me as an eye care practitioner: attention to detail. Every aspect of our service is meticulously crafted to enhance the overall experience for our patients. Working primarily with children, I understand the unique challenges they face, often coming straight from school to our office. To make their visit more pleasant, we ensure there are snacks available, creating a welcoming environment that puts them at ease.

The ambiance of my office is deliberately designed to be warm and inviting, especially for children. It’s not just an office; it’s a space carefully crafted to make them feel comfortable. From specific scents that create a soothing atmosphere to carefully curated music, we aim to alleviate the inherent stress associated with a visit to the eye doctor. Every measure is taken to ensure that when patients step into my office, they feel genuinely welcomed and at ease. This commitment to a patient-centric approach and attention to detail distinguishes our practice in the realm of eye care.

One aspect that particularly resonates with me is the creation of published articles and educational materials. These resources serve as a tangible testament to my commitment, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge that will continue to benefit patients long after I am gone. My aim is to contribute to a world where myopic children are afforded a brighter future—one characterized by enhanced quality of life and expanded opportunities. Through proactive prevention efforts and effective management strategies, we can endeavor to mitigate the impact of myopia, fostering healthier, more vibrant communities for generations to come. This, to me, is the essence of leaving a meaningful legacy—one rooted in compassion, advocacy, and a relentless pursuit of positive change.

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.
We’ll kick off our Miami adventure with a visit to Brickell City Center, followed by a delightful lunch at Casa Tua. For dinner, we’ll savor the innovative cuisine at Komodo, immersing ourselves in Miami’s vibrant culinary scene.

The following day promises a leisurely brunch at Swan Restaurant in the Miami Design District, setting the stage for an afternoon of relaxation at the Mandarin Spa. As the day winds down, we’ll indulge in a waterfront dining experience at Seaspice Restaurant, where culinary excellence meets scenic splendor.

Before bidding adieu to Miami, we’ll bask in the sun and sand at South Pointe Beach, enjoying a tranquil morning by the shore. Then, we’ll embark on a road trip to Fort Lauderdale, where we’ll dine at Takato Restaurant for a culinary journey to remember.

For those seeking a tropical dining experience, Coconut offers a delightful option. And let’s not forget to pay homage to my favorite neighborhood gem, Amazing Thai & Japanese Restaurant, for a taste of authentic flavors and warm hospitality.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To fulfill this mission, I engage in extensive advocacy efforts and spearhead awareness campaigns in collaboration with various organizations and groups such as being actively involved as a member of American Association of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (AAOMC), being a founding board member of Latinos en Optometry (LEO), Women in Eyecare (WiE) and partnering with motivated individuals, such as the high school students I currently mentor with the campaign entitled “Beyond The Blur” and these allowed me to extend the reach of my advocacy initiatives. Together, we strive to elevate public consciousness surrounding myopia management, thereby effecting tangible change.

One impactful book that immediately comes to mind is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. The reason I appreciate this book is its ability to simplify the process of incorporating positive changes into our lives. Often, when embarking on a new routine or habit, there’s a tendency to think we must make drastic leaps from zero to a hundred. However, such an approach is not only challenging but also less likely to yield success. “Atomic Habits” provides a refreshing perspective, encouraging readers to break down their goals into small, manageable changes. By focusing on these incremental adjustments, the book advocates for a more attainable and sustainable path to lasting change. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a practical guide to personal development.

Another book that has significantly influenced me is “The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks. This bonus recommendation delves into the exploration of our own limiting beliefs. Recognizing that we all possess untapped potential, “The Big Leap” guides readers to introspectively examine and overcome the self-imposed barriers that hinder personal growth. It resonates with the notion that understanding and addressing these limiting beliefs can pave the way for unlocking our full capabilities. I highly recommend this book as it not only encourages self-reflection but also empowers individuals to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience. Both “Atomic Habits” and “The Big Leap” have made a profound impact on my life, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for personal and professional development.

Website: https://www.orthoklove.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orthoklove/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ok-love-718970236