Dana Shannon, OD, FAAO, graduated from the UAB School of Optometry in 2021. She completed an ocular disease residency at the University of Chicago, enhancing clinical expertise, managing complex cases, and teaching.
Today, Shannon balances a diverse professional life that includes clinical optometry, lecturing, and real estate. Her clinical interests focus on dry eye disease and myopia management, areas she is particularly passionate about due to her own experience as a high myope.
Q: Why did you choose to complete a residency after graduating from UABSO?
A: I completed an ocular disease residency at the University of Chicago because I wanted to learn as much as possible, gain confidence and be prepared to see any challenging cases that may come into my exam chair. I also wanted to keep doors open for a career in academia, lecturing, and other professional opportunities.
Q: Explain the various areas of focus in your life now.
Today, my primary areas of focus are optometry and real estate. In optometry, I am particularly passionate about dry eye treatment and myopia management. As a -12.00 myope myself, myopia management is especially meaningful to me, and I am committed to helping slow its progression in younger generations whenever possible.
Outside of optometry, I remain active in real estate. After earning my real estate license in 2017 and returning to Chicago for residency in 2021, I began building my real estate business. I help individuals buy and sell homes, and my husband and I own investment properties that provide additional income. I enjoy the flexibility of working in real estate at my own pace while continuing to grow my career in eye care.
Q: Why are you drawn to multiple roles beyond clinical optometry?
A: When I am not in the clinic, I enjoy lecturing. I enjoy sharing knowledge with others so they can grow as clinicians, just as others have helped me grow throughout my career.
Q: What motivates you or keeps you motivated?
A: The pure enjoyment of learning new information and methods for best caring for patients is what keeps me going. I enjoy being at the forefront of care. I am eager to learn new skills and treatment methods that improve the vision and quality of life of my patients.
Q: Which aspects of your optometric training at UABSO have had the biggest impact on you today?
A: My membership in NOSA and SVOSH led me to having some of my most meaningful and unforgettable experiences in optometry. These experiences centered around service and providing eye care to patients in our local community, throughout the region and internationally.
They helped me understand the many challenges patients face when trying to access eye care and healthcare in general. Those experiences shaped me into a doctor who emphasizes compassion, understanding and kindness in every patient encounter.
Q: Did your journey to optometry influence your involvement with NOSA and your approach to leadership and advocacy?
A: Absolutely. NOSA was the first club I joined in optometry school because I wanted to be part of a community that valued diversity, community building and service to underserved populations.
I served as National Vice President of NOSA and chapter president of SVOSH while at UABSO. After graduation, I served as Regional Trustee for the Midwest Region of the National Optometric Association from 2021-2025 and continue to attend NOA conferences annually.
These experiences allowed me to build an incredible network of doctors, mentors and mentees. Several mentors have opened doors for me to lecture nationally and participate in leadership development programs.
Q: You are an avid health and wellness enthusiast. Why?
A: I was raised in a family of athletes, so fitness and athletics were emphasized throughout my life. Exercise, a healthy diet, and a healthy headspace are essential to being a high-performing athlete, student, and doctor.
When we are at our best, we can show up at our best for our patients, our families, and our communities. I've also seen how conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can significantly impact ocular health and vision. I strive to be an advocate for my patients by educating them about the connection between systemic and ocular health and communicating with their other healthcare providers when needed.
Q: What is one accomplishment or milestone you would like to share with the UABSO alumni community?
A: I am thrilled to announce that my husband, Dan, and I got married on February 21, 2026.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give current students?
A: Take advantage of every opportunity available to you. Get involved, seek mentorship, travel when possible, and say yes to experiences that help you grow. The connections you make and the lessons you learn outside the classroom can have a tremendous impact on your future career.
Q: Where do you hope to see your career in five years?
A: I hope to continue advancing patient care in dry eye and myopia management while expanding my role as an educator and lecturer. I want to continue helping both patients and fellow clinicians grow and succeed.
Q: What makes you most proud of your journey so far?
A: The relationships I've built through optometry and the opportunities I've had to serve others. Whether it's through patient care, leadership, service, or education, being able to make a positive impact on people's lives is what makes this profession so rewarding.