by Nathan Anderson
Ann Wonderling, OD, FCOVD, graduated from the UAB School of Optometry (UABSO) in 2003 and completed a pediatric residency at the School one year later. After that, she began a career at the Family Vision Center in La Crosse, WI, where she practices today. A diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, she is board-certified in vision development/vision therapy and specializes in vision therapy. Wonderling is also a leader in her state optometric association and has served as president and vice-president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association (WOA).
Q: What sparked your interest in optometry?
A: I have always known about optometry as my father is an optometrist. However, I did not consider it a career until my junior year of undergrad. I was a math major with a Spanish minor and planned to be a math professor or teach math to at-risk youth. As I thought more about helping kids, I quickly realized that optometry, specifically vision therapy, would be a rewarding way to achieve this goal. My dad started taking me on Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) trips when I was in high school, which also heavily influenced my desire to serve others. I have always been concerned about getting bored with a career, so splitting time between my primary care practices and my vision therapy practice allows me to have a significant variety in my career.
Q: Why did you choose to attend UABSO? How did your time here shape your career?
A: My dad highly encouraged me to look at UABSO as he noted that so much of the research in eyecare comes out of UABSO, and the professors present high-level education at continuing education events. I toured four or five optometry schools but fell in love with UABSO and the city of Birmingham. I knew with 100% certainty that UABSO was the School for me. The professors at UABSO know each student well, which is a huge advantage in high-level education.
Q: During your tenure as the president for the Wisconsin Optometric Association, how did you serve as an advocate for optometry in your state?
A: When I completed my residency in 2004, I started practicing in Wisconsin. Within a few weeks of starting to practice, I received a call from the WOA asking if I would be a local society president. No one had taken this role from my area in over 10 years. Of course, I said yes, and what a blessing that turned out to be. I have met many wonderful optometrists through my various roles for the WOA. I was elected president of the WOA in 2019 and worked on scope expansion, guidelines for telehealth and other "hot topics" in optometry. Serving on the WOA Board for 17 years helped me understand the importance of the WOA, American Optometric Association (AOA) and uniting as optometrists. I am currently serving a three-year term on the Wisconsin Examining Board.
Q: What drives you to lead?
A: I grew up as a competitive athlete, and along with that came leadership roles as team captain. It is a blessing to be able to go to school for as long as it took to become an optometrist, and I do not take that opportunity for granted. I am very thankful to my husband, children and family for always supporting my volunteering and career goals.
Q: As an industry leader, how have you impacted students and other optometrists in your field?
A: Supporting future optometrists is something we all need to do. I support young OD groups, have optometry interns in my offices and speak to local colleges' pre-optometry clubs in my area. I have often employed pre-optometry students in hopes of supporting their interest and passion for optometry. Being the second oldest optometrist in my primary care practices, I work hard to mentor and support my younger ODs so they can find their niche/passion while fully supporting them in making their goals a reality. I also want my younger ODs to work less than I did and still make a great living. I want them to go on more vacations, take maternity leave, get home at a decent time to be with their family and feel rewarded for their years of intense studying.
Q: What is an important life lesson you experienced in your career?
A: I picked a specialty that I assumed would be welcomed and celebrated by other optometrists in my area. I thought they would be thrilled to have an OD in the area who took the time to do a pediatric and vision therapy residency, and a fellowship through the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association (OVDRA), formally the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). This is not the case, as I get more referrals for OTs, PTs, Neurologists, tutors and behavioral therapists than ODs. While this was discouraging for several years, I learned that doing what is right for your patients will eventually benefit your practice. Always put the patient's needs first, and you will be successful.
Q: What advice would you offer students and optometrists early in their careers?
A: Look at various practice settings and opportunities. If you know you'd like to live somewhere, send your CV even if they are not advertising! As busy business owners, sometimes we do not know what we need until the opportunity lands on our desk. There are several different modes of practice, so find what suits you best! If you find a specialty that interests you, present it to your employer with a plan of the education and equipment needs, costs, patient demand and projected revenue. You deserve to love your career as an optometrist!