Nadia Afkhami might not have the official O.D. title yet, but the #futureoptometrist, studying at Western University of Health Sciences, is uniting a new generation of ECPs with her relatable social media content.

Adding a healthy dose of humor to her Instagrams and TikToks (the comments are riddled with laughing emojis), she says, “Social media can seem daunting, but you just have to have fun with it.”

Afkhami is one of the original Student Ambassadors for Transitions, has worked with companies like Essilor, Zyloware, Prive Revaux, and Luxottica, and has written for Defocus Media, with a passion for highlighting women and minorities in the industry.

“Growing up, there weren’t many minority women in medicine to look up to,” she says. “I always wanted to be able to some day inspire other little girls who may not know that they can do and be anything they want to, no matter what their background or disadvantages.”

Here, she answers our seven questions. 

Your most distinct characteristic?

Approachability, determination, and creativity.

What inspired you to pursue a career in eye care?

I love being able to establish a connection with people and change their life with something as simple as an eye exam.

Greatest source of inspiration?

My parents. They are hardworking, determined, and know that everything can be solved with a cup of tea and a bit of humor.

Your eyecare heroes?

Dr. Arian Fartash and Dr. Jennifer Lyerly. Two bright, amazing, hardworking women who truly can do it all and show that you can be a mom, a business owner, inspire people, and everything else in between.

Your Covid-19 survival strategy?

The biggest challenge in my academic career was learning to study at home without getting distracted, but I just remind myself that everything I’m learning is going to someday help change someone’s life.

Best activity to find calm?

A phone call with mom always does the trick. And if that fails, butter pecan ice cream.

Song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

“Shake It Off” —Taylor Swift.