Michelle Cooper, OD, graduated cum laude from the UAB School of Optometry in 1994 and began practicing in Greenville, SC. She is currently president of the Southern Educational Congress of Optometry (SECO) and served as president of the Piedmont Optometric Society (POS) and president and secretary-treasurer of the South Carolina Optometric Physician’s Association (SCOPA). Cooper was named South Carolina Young Optometrist of the Year in 2000. In addition to practicing optometry, Cooper teaches electronic medical records to fellow doctors and staff throughout the country.
Cooper lives in Greer, SC, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her daughters Meredith and Madeline, son Johnny and their dog.
Q: What sparked your interest in optometry?
A: I became interested in optometry in second grade after my first visit to our family optometrist. Having been prescribed glasses for myopia and astigmatism, I was amazed at how clear everything looked. I continued my annual eye exams throughout my childhood and looked forward to every visit. I thought all the equipment my eye doctor used was “cool." In high school, I volunteered at the local hospital. As I considered college and what to study, my experience led me to healthcare. I thought about optometry and asked our family eye doctor if I could sit down with him and discuss the profession. He enthusiastically spoke about optometry and how much he loved what he did. I was hooked after talking with him!
Q: Why did you choose to attend UABSO? How did your time here shape your career?
A: I attended Auburn University for my undergraduate studies. As an Alpha Epsilon Delta member, we would frequently have UAB students attend our meetings and discuss their experiences in professional school. As I delved into optometry school applications, I learned about UABSO’s highly regarded academic reputation. It was also fortunate and financially beneficial that I could apply as an in-state student. I am grateful that UABSO provided me with an exceptional optometric education and allowed me to learn from legendary professors like Drs. Larry Alexander, Leo Semes and John Classe. Dr. Classe was the person who advised me in my search for opportunities after graduation.
Q: You were appointed the president of SECO. What did it mean for you to receive this honor?
A: Throughout my career, I have volunteered in many capacities at the state and national levels. I have served as a past president for POS and SCOPA, a board member for the American Optometric Political Action Committee (AOA-PAC) and as the first female president of the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry. I have been involved with SECO as a trustee for almost 15 years, and being elected president has been the highlight of my career. During my time with SECO, I have been part of an organization with a volunteer structure like no other in eye care. It has been an honor and learning experience to spend time with the thought leaders in our profession, such as Dr. Paul Ajamian. I have had the opportunity to visit the states within the Southern Council of Optometry (SCO) and see how different associations work. SCO is fortunate to have states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Virginia that have raised the bar for the scope of practice.
Q: What drives you to lead?
A: Since my first local society meeting, I felt the pull to get involved. I have never been one to sit on the sidelines, and the people who know me would also say I am not afraid to speak up. I love optometry and worked hard to become an optometric physician. I am proud of our profession and want to be a part of making optometry bigger and better.
Q: As an industry leader, how have you impacted students and other optometrists in your field?
A: In my various roles at SECO, I have had the opportunity to visit several of the schools in our region. I love talking to the students and seeing their dedication. I always urge students to contact me if they have questions or need guidance. It’s gratifying when a student takes me up on that offer, and I can provide them with advice or insight into optometry. Last year, as SECO's president, I was honored to be the guest speaker at the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) white coat ceremony. Some students approached me afterward, and we realized what a small world optometry can be. Those connections with our future doctors and leaders are invaluable.
Q: What is an important life lesson you experienced in your career?
A: I have learned many life lessons in my career. The first is to never doubt yourself. I think we, as optometrists, tend to undervalue our worth and services. The second is to treat every patient like family. If you have that mindset, you will always do the right thing. And the third is to remember to take care of yourself. You can’t help anyone if you’re worn down.
Q: What advice would you offer students and optometrists early in their careers?
A: I would advise students and those early in their careers to get involved! Optometry needs leaders to continue elevating and supporting our profession. All our gains can be lost if we don’t have doctors willing to be involved. On the business side, students should establish a good relationship with a bank or financial institution as early as possible. I have a personal relationship with my bank that has helped me numerous times as a practice owner. Whether it comes to loans for equipment purchases, a mortgage for my office building or retirement planning, my bankers are always easily accessible and willing to offer great terms because of our long history.