Johndra McNeely, OD, graduated from the UAB School of Optometry (UABSO) in 2009. As an optometry student, she received the Vision Service Plan (VSP) Excellence in Primary Care Award. McNeely practices with her husband, Ben McNeely, OD, class of 2007, at Greenville Eyecare, a long-standing private practice in Greenville, SC. They work alongside alumnus Ashley Smith, OD, class of 2018. An advocate for the profession, McNeely is completing her second term as president of the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association (SCOPA) and serves as legislative chair for the state association. She also serves as chair of the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) State Government Relations Committee and on the AOA's Telehealth Council.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Florence, AL.
Q: What made you choose optometry as a profession? And why UABSO?
A: I knew that I wanted to work in healthcare. When I was a senior in high school, I received my first pair of glasses and that changed the trajectory of my life as I started thinking about optometry as a career. I started working part-time at a local optometrist's office while working toward applying to optometry school. I couldn't imagine a better job for me that fits my personality and abilities more than optometry. I made UABSO my first choice in applying because of the amazing reputation of the School.
Q: Who is/are your favorite mentors while a student at UABSO?
A: Ernie Bowling, OD, MS, Robert Rutstein, OD, MS, FAAO, Janene Sims, OD, PhD, FAAO, and Leo Semes, OD, FAAO.
Q: Was there a moment that sticks out that made you realize UABSO was the right choice?
A: I visited UABSO on preview day. Seeing the new clinic at the time and the entire UAB campus really made it feel like the right choice. I met some of the professors and staff, and it felt like a good fit for me.
Q: What is one important life lesson that your experience taught you at UABSO to help your career?
A: Looking back at my 14 years in practice, I think that what I took from UABSO is that patient care is the bottom line. Having received such a thorough medical optometry education, even going back to the first year, we have the ability to provide patients with the highest quality eye care available to them. I am thankful for the education I received at UABSO.
Q: What life advice do you recommend for current student/residents?
A: Hang in there. It's tough going through it, but you'll be better prepared going into practice than you think. Keep close relationships with your classmates, as they will be your best friends for life. Get involved with AOSA and stay involved through your state association and the AOA when you start practicing. Be proud of your profession and work to promote it! Practice to the highest level of your education and work to advance it!