Diva of the week – Erica Nieves, O.D.

The featured Diva for this week is Dr. Erica Nieves.  Read the full feature below to learn how sometimes, you just have to continue the family tradition.

1. Tell us a little bit about you

I was born in NJ but raised in Puerto Rico. After my parents’ divorce, my mom and I moved to Celebration, FL, when I was 8. At present, I am divorced and have no kids. I love fitness and dancing and to combine both interests, I used to be a Zumba fitness instructor.  However, due to my busy schedule, I wasn’t able to keep it up. But I still try to stay fit.

Currently, my favorite fitness activities, include weightlifting and surfing on weekends. One of the perks of living in Florida is the year-round sunshine that allows me to enjoy surfing almost every weekend.

In addition to my fitness activities, I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.  I am also very involved in my church – the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

2. What made you decide to become an Optometrist?

As a young child, there was never any doubt in my mind about which career path to pursue. My entire family is in the optical business. My mom, dad, and aunt are opticians.  I also have an uncle and another aunt who are both ODs. One of my older cousins is an optical lab tech and currently, I also have a younger cousin who is en route to become an ophthalmologist.

So, you could say that Optometry was in my blood!

3. What Optometry school did you go to?

Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry

4. Where do you currently practice?

I currently have two leases inside Walmart: One is in Clermont and the other is in Haines City, Florida.

5. Do you offer any specialty services in your practice?

Primary Eye Care Optometry

6. Name 1 to 3 hurdles you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

The main hurdle has been to remember, that if you focus on heartfelt service, the money takes care of itself.

With insurance reducing payment amounts for a comprehensive examination and the ever-increasing online competition, remembering to educate patients on the value of a true in-depth analysis of their eye health has been vital.

7. If you could go back to when you were a student, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell myself to remember to have more hope, trust, and faith. Everything is alright in the end, and even when things aren’t alright, it’s not the end.

Also… pay more attention in the medical coding lesson. Understanding billing and coding will put you ahead of the game

How to contact Dr. Erica Nieves

To contact Erica, click on her social media profile link below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ennieves13

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericacnieves