Beverly Bianes, O.D., radiates pure optimism.

“In ways, the pandemic and the change were a blessing,” shared Dr. Bianes in her recent acceptance speech for the 2023 Pyxis Award from the Optical Women’s Association. “The gift of time, the isolation, gave me the freedom to learn new things, to develop new talents, to find my purpose.”

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, as the director of charitable outreach for Total Vision LLC, she developed “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” an initiative that allows individuals to nominate neighbors impacted by the pandemic to receive free exams and glasses. The program recently partnered with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation’s “Changing Lives Through Lenses” program to expand its charitable reach.

Here, Dr. Bianes, of Pack & Bianes Vision Care in Eastlake and Terra Nova, CA, shares her inspirations and advice.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

The ability to make a friend and be a friend.

Best activity to find calm?

Dancing to my favorite Bruno Mars songs and baking my signature banana bread.

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

Diversify your circle. Make connections with individuals that are younger as well as older than you. Expand your network within the optometric community and optical industry.

Most likely to splurge on:

Dessert! The more decadent the better!

Most rewarding professional accomplishment?

The medical mission to my parents’ province in the Philippines. I remember arriving at the eye clinic and seeing hundreds of people in line. I was skeptical as to how the eyecare team could possibly see all these people. The day was long, but I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment after we served the vision needs of every person that day.

Song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

“[24K Magic]” by Bruno Mars. I’ve been blessed with a golden life.

Most memorable experience as an optometrist?

The hooding of our daughter, Dr. Alyssa Pack (SCCO class of 2020), at her post-Covid graduation in 2021. As alumni of SCCO, my husband, Dr. John Pack, and I had the honor of participating in the ceremony. This was a proud mama moment!