Diva of The Week – Kerri-Ann Coombs, O.D.
Dr. Kerri-Ann Coombs, Optometry Divas Ambassador, Houston, Texas
In our quest to fulfill our mission to Empower, Connect, and Promote the success of women ODs, we have created this weekly feature to promote our amazing members across the country. Their stories will inspire you to dream big and reach higher!
The featured Diva for this week is Dr. Kerri-Ann Coombs. Read the full feature below to learn how she’s creating a unique experience for her patients that honors her father!
1. Tell us a little bit about you
“I’m originally from Jamaica, however at 18-year-old I moved from Jamaica to the US and pursued a degree in nursing. I’ve been married for 18 years and I’m the proud mother of 2 handsome boys.”
2. What made you decide to become an Optometrist?
“My practice was founded on my deep passion to eradicate eye diseases and help people with their vision. While growing up, my dad experienced serious eye complications which ultimately left him blind. In my quest to find a cure, I entered the field of optometry and started De’Cordova Eyewear; named in honor of my father, Bernard De’Cordova Coombs.”
“I believe vision is important both internally and externally. As we figure out our path in life, we need both an external and internal light to guide us. I use the internal light for guidance as a wife, mom and leader; and to be the best version of myself that I was created to be!”
“When I help improve someone’s vision, I feel I’m contributing to both their internal and external light and that makes me happy!”
3. What Optometry school did you go to?
“University of Houston College of Optometry – (UHCO)”
4. Where do you currently practice?
“I practice in Houston, Texas at De’Cordova Eyewear.”
12230 West Lake Houston Prkwy Suite 155
Houston, Texas 77044
United States Map It
5. Do you offer any specialty services in your practice?
“My practice features our own independent frame line whose proceeds go towards funding local charity projects, as well as a spa, café, and a library.”
“Instead of a traditional waiting area, my patients are immersed in a café lined with both eyewear and a library of books. I also host educational events featuring local authors and entrepreneurs at the café. These events help us connect with our community to establish trust.”
“Check out my recent podcast on Defocus Media to learn more about I created a practice that embodies a spirit of holistic health and community. Click HERE to listen to the podcast.”
6. Name 1 to 3 hurdles you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?
“1. Meeting New patients – I overcome meeting new patients by getting over myself as a shy person and just feeling a little more comfortable in the spot light to let new and prospective patients know about who I am and what our practice can offer.”
“2. Learning new things- I overcome by just doing it! Most times we fear the unknown but really the only difference between the known and the unknown is that one is just new. As a practice owner, learning is very important and one of the best ways to achieve it is by trying new things. So, when faced with new things, I jump in!”
“3. Financial hurdles- I face the financial challenges of owning a private practice by going back to the basics of healthy eyes and creating a great experience for my patients. That is why I work hard to create a unique experience that fosters trust with my patients and community as a whole. I understand that my hard work is an investment and what I put in is what I’ll get out. Focusing on the mission and the patents is what helped me overcome financial challenges.”
7. If you could go back to when you were a student, what advice would you give yourself?
“I would tell myself that you are just as special as the other person next to you! No matter who you are and where you come from, there is something truly irreplaceable about each one of us! You are truly one of a kind!”
How to contact Dr. Kerri-Ann Coombs
To contact Kerri-Ann, click her social media profile links below and visit her website at Decordovaeyewear.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decordovaeyewear/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decordovaeyewear/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkerrianncoombshodge/
Do you want to be featured in the Optometry Divas publication?
The Diva of the Week Feature is reserved exclusively for our Elite members. This promotional feature will give you marketing exposure as an expert in the eye care industry, create credibility for your patients, employers, and colleagues, and expand your digital footprint. You can be featured too by becoming a member. Click HERE to join today!
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