Diva of The Week – Frances Silva, OD, MS, FAAO
Ambassador Candidate - San Antonio, TX Chapter
The featured Diva for this week is Dr. Frances Silva. Read the feature to discover why Frances believes Optometry chose her and why she became a member of Optometry Divas.
1. Tell us a little bit about you?
I am a proud single mother of a wonderful teenager. I claim Schertz, TX as my home despite moving every 2-3 years as a military child and eventually as a service member for 8 years. I love basketball and trying new restaurants. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and resting when I am not working. This is very important to me because life has taught me the benefits of putting people who matter first - including myself.
2. What made you decide to become an Optometrist?
Optometry chose me and I am so glad it did. I was completing my Master's degree in Biotechnology when I became pregnant with my son. At that time, I decided I wanted a career that would allow me to be his mother and fulfill my dreams of serving in the medical field. I had always enjoyed vision research and patient care and decided to apply to optometry school. Once I got accepted, I applied to the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program, and the rest is history.
3. What Optometry school did you go to?
The University of Houston, College of Optometry
4. Where do you currently practice and do you offer any specialty services?
I am an adjunct faculty at the University of the Incarnate Word, Rosenberg School of Optometry and a PhD in Vision Science Candidate.
5. Why did you join Optometry Divas?
I enjoy connecting and networking. I truly desire to be among individuals who uplift and empower one another, and that's what attracted me to Optometry Divas. I think we as women should support each other in every aspect.
6. Name 1 to 3 hurdles you personally faced in your career and how did you overcome them?
The main hurdle that I've faced multiple times in my career is the gender wage gap. However, I have never let this hurdle stop me from getting the compensation that I deserve. I always make sure I negotiate with leverage and provide potential employers with the qualifying credentials that make me the best candidate for the position. I encourage young optometrists to seek the best career option that will provide them with the quality of life they desire and then fight for adequate compensation. If you take it one step at a time, you'll get there.
7. If you could go back to when you were a student, what advice would you give yourself?
Enjoy the journey because you never know where it will eventually lead you and all your hard work will pay off sooner than you expect
Do you have a product or side business you’d like for us to include in your feature? If so, write a brief description of the product and/or service below plus the link where the readers can learn more about it.
I currently serve as an Optometric Physician Consultant for Partners Insight. I assist interns, recent graduates, or seasoned optometrists find their ideal employment opportunities. This organization provides assistance for optometrists interested in any modality with every aspect of the business to allow optometrists focus on high quality patient care. I am proud to be part of a team that serves in such a great capacity to ensure all optometrists succeed and excel. Here’s the link where you can learn more.
To contact Dr. Silva, email her directly at [email protected].
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