Diva of the week – Kylene Polhamus, O.D.

Dr. Kylene Polhamus, O.D.
Elite Diva – Syracuse, IN

The featured Diva of the week is Dr. Kylene Polhamus.  Read the feature to learn how Kylene has found a way to defeat “Mommy Guilt”.

1. Tell us a little bit about you

I reside in Northern Indiana with my wonderful husband of 7 years, our two amazing sons and sweet dog. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our third child, a girl, who is due in June.

I love spending time with my family, traveling with them and spending as much time outdoors and on the lake as possible. Being an active “boy mom” brings me so much joy and I am excited to see the fun that a little girl will bring to the family as well.

I am passionate about optometry and blessed to have my dream career. I have also found a passion for prioritizing my nutrition and fitness so that I can have the energy to keep up with this busy life and continue to be at my best for my husband, children, extended family, friends, co-workers and patients.

Something unique about my professional life is the culture of my place of work. I work at a medical focused OD/MD practice and not only do we place emphasis on the patient experience, but we also care deeply about our team members.

We are very much a “work family” and focus on leadership and talent development of our team members as well to help each team member reach their full potential. We strive to perform our jobs with integrity, compassion and excellence and also know how to have a little fun along the way with incorporating fun themed dress-up days, for example, or participating in family-friendly social events or community outreach opportunities together.

A fun fact about my personal life is that my husband and I were collegiate cheerleaders and can still partner stunt to this day. I joke that I will be making him throw me in the air until we are 50 years old. 

2. What made you decide to become an Optometrist?

I decided to become an optometrist when I was in high school and learned of my grandmother being diagnosed with Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration. Being made aware that these are sight-threatening conditions, I grew interested in the field of optometry and how I could do my part to preserve, protect and enhance the precious gift of sight.

I began shadowing local optometrists at that time and knew the profession was my calling. So I set forth on the track for a career in optometry and never looked back. Now going on seven years of professional experience, I am happy to honestly report that I still love what I do and am honored to have such a fulfilling career that both challenges and rewards me daily. 

3. What Optometry school did you go to?

Indiana University School of Optometry

4. Where do you currently practice?

Boling Vision Center, Goshen, IN

5. Do you have any particular area of focus?

Ocular Disease Management, Surgical Co-Management, Dry Eye Treatments, Cosmetic Procedures, Medical and Routine Eye Care for all ages, Specialty Contact Lens Fits

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

The biggest hurdle I have had to overcome in my career is achieving a healthy work-life balance. Being a full-time working mother, I have experienced my share of “mom-guilt” over the hours I work and especially when I would have to complete some work from home in the evenings due to a busy clinic schedule.

I have learned how to almost completely eliminate working from home in the evenings, by learning better time management skills during my clinic day, learning to delegate some work tasks to my talented and capable team and also to prioritize what needs to be done “now”, versus what can wait until the next day.

To help with the “mom-guilt” of working full-time, I have learned how to maximize the quality of my time with my children when I am with them. I have learned to put down my phone more and be more engaged so that our time together really counts. Confiding in other working-moms has been a good support to me as well. I am truly grateful to have both my dream career and a family. 

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

Stop stressing so much! You are smart enough. You are capable. Look beyond that very next test and keep the big picture in focus. 

How to Contact Dr. Knight?

To contact Dr. Polhamus, email her at [email protected] and click the social media icons below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kylene.buczynski

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylene-polhamus-5034b9a4/

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