Oliver Woo, O.D., is one of the most well-known names in myopia control.

Based in Sydney, Australia, he unites the industry across the globe with his extensive knowledge—quite literally, as he’s done more than 100 international presentations.

As for Covid-caused upheaval, Dr. Woo credits having a clear strategy as helping him successfully pivot during the pandemic to still follow his dreams.

“I invested in new equipment and changed my mindset, practice behavior, and patient management plans,” he says. “It’s not easy for an established practice. It’s the best ROI I had done, and the growth during Covid-19 was beyond my expectation.”

Here, Dr. Woo shares his eyecare icons, sage advice, and more.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

I always bring laughter and smiles to many people.

Inspiration to pursuing a career in eye care?

I love talking to people. Being an O.D. allows me to [meet] patients during the consultation. I [considered] being a pediatric ophthalmologist surgeon but being an O.D. allows me to treat more kids’ visual issues from when they’re young until they’re older.

Your most rewarding professional accomplishment?

Being the chairman and lead for orthokeratology and myopia management of the Asia Optometric Congress (AOC) and AOC Academy, vice president and councilor of Asia Optometric Management Academy (AOMA), education coordinator for the AOC and Global Myopia Symposium (GMS) recently. [Being] able to bring the clinical experience from different continents together under one symposium.

Most likely to splurge on?

Food! Good food! And getting the best ingredients to cook for my family and friends.

Your eyecare heroes?

Nick Stoyan, who taught me how to reshape the cornea properly! Dr. Eddie Chow and Dr. Cary Herzberg, who showed me the real meaning of orthokeratology in myopia control. I understood myopia management requires more than skill, [it also requires] passion and commitment.

Best activity to find calm?

Listening to jazz music with a glass of whiskey.

Greatest advice to fellow O.D.s right now?

Willingness to be educated. Openness to learn and embrace new technology and proven products in managing the eyecare needs for our patients. Offer the best to meet the rapid changes and needs from our patients.

Podcast in your earbuds?

I am a fan of “The Corrected View”—an ortho-k and myopia control podcast.

Greatest source of inspiration?

Industry KOLs all over the world, including Eyecare Business! Understand the global trend; social media gives me lots of inspiration.