Diva of the Week – Roopal Rammohan, OD

My journey in the United States began at the age of 8 when I started 5th grade here. English was my second language, but I picked it up quickly and soon discovered a deep love for math and science. As the eldest of four siblings and the first generation in my family to live in the U.S., I’ve always known what it means to start from scratch and build something meaningful.

Growing up, I was drawn to helping others—starting with my own family. As a teenager, I dreamed of a career where I could interact directly with people and make a difference in their lives. That dream came true in 2002, a year I’ll never forget. Not only did I start my career in optometry, but I also met the love of my life. We married in 2003 and moved to the Lehigh Valley, where I began practicing.

In the early years of my career, I had the privilege of working part-time while staying home with my daughters. That season helped me cherish the balance between career and family. In 2017, I opened my own medical optometry practice, which I proudly expanded in 2024.

Outside of optometry, I’m passionate about photography, especially capturing candid moments with my daughters. I’m also a self-taught Bollywood dancer—performing and competing since my college days, with my most recent competition in 2024. I’ve even modeled at various events, including a pageant show at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. Music is my soul’s medicine; whether I’m driving, working out, or unwinding, it helps me reconnect with myself.

My ideal escape is a quiet, white-sand beach where I can read a good book and soak in peace. I strive to travel the world and collect meaningful experiences and memories along the way.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from NJCU. During my final year of undergrad, I worked a summer job at Pearle Vision, and that’s where I found my passion for eye care—while helping patients find their perfect pair of glasses.

That experience led me to work as an ophthalmic technician for several years, which deepened my interest in the field. I decided to pursue optometry at Nova Southeastern University in 1998. After graduating, I completed a residency in Primary Eye Care at the Danville Illiana VA Hospital, where I developed a special interest in geriatric eye care while serving our veterans.

Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.

I currently practice at My Vision in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I specialize in diabetic eye care and dry eye disease management.

A referral from my best friend—who knew it would be the perfect fit!

When I first moved to the Lehigh Valley, I wanted to practice medical optometry in an ophthalmology setting, but I couldn’t find the right opportunity. I worked in various retail and private practices until I was able to pave my own path.

Starting my own practice from scratch eight years ago was incredibly rewarding—but also very challenging. Balancing family life and business ownership tested my limits, but I learned to prioritize, delegate, and protect my energy.

After the pandemic, I faced staffing shortages and serious struggles to keep my small business afloat. I leaned on my resilience and the support of my community to rebuild and keep going.

After starting in a small space with one exam room and a compact optical area, I’ve since grown into a 4,000 sq. ft. facility. Looking back, I would tell myself to take business management courses early. Understanding the business side of optometry is just as important as clinical excellence when running your own practice.