If you don’t know her, you want to know her.

Diana Monea, O.D., FAAO, M.Cert HRM, is a magnetic force donned in feathers and frills.

“Show up, speak up, dress up,” is displayed across her latest book, “This Party Called Life,” released in April 2020.

“Life is a challenge; [Covid-19] is just another one,” she says. “To occupy the time, I decided to write another book and take a master’s in human resources, because I know that I will need to prepare for the workforce post-pandemic.”

Here, the inspiring optometrist—who runs, solely owns, and manages three full-scope eyecare practices in two Canadian provinces—talks obstacles, exploration, and Iris Apfel.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

Always exploring and never satisfied with the status quo.

Inspiration to pursuing a career in eye care?

I wanted a career that took me far away from the isolation of a farm in southern Saskatchewan. If I got into optometry, I would have to move to the only school in English-speaking Canada, to the other end of the country—how exciting that would be in the 1970s!

Most likely to splurge on?

Anything artistic made by struggling artists. I want to be a canvas for their artwork.

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

Have passion for what you do. Understand that everyone has a story and that every day you can make a difference in how people see and thus feel the world. The eyes tell the depth of the soul. Care—really care—for your patients.

Most rewarding professional accomplishment?

The biggest reward I receive is when others much younger than myself write or tell me that I have inspired them or that I made a difference in their lives by just doing simple things like listening, encouraging them to follow their dream. Obstacles in life are meant to be to develop grit and character.

Your eyecare hero?

Iris Apfel.

Greatest source of inspiration?

The great source of inspiration was growing up poor realizing that “if it was to be, it was up to me!”

Most memorable experience as an optometrist?

Last year, when the province Saskatchewan Optometric Association honored me as the longest still full-time practicing female optometrist in the province. Actually, I think they meant the oldest: LOL!