Dr. Ngoddy, a first-generation Nigerian American born and raised in Atlanta, struggled to find frames that both fit her well and made a statement. This inspired her to pioneer Anwuli Eyewear, a line she launched in 2020 with Black and African facial features in mind.

“Starting Anwuli Eyewear despite the many hurdles that came up during the global pandemic has really helped me realize my dreams of leaving a legacy for my family and the optical industry,” she says.

Dr. Ngoddy, practitioner/owner of Eye Totally Care in metro Atlanta, will be a familiar face on the NOW by Vision Expo advisory committee this month in New York City—where she and other industry pros will present the inaugural NOW awards to innovative products.

Here, she dishes on value, vision, and more.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

I’m a people person—my ability to gather people. Never forgetting a face is my superpower.

Most likely to splurge on:

Fun life experiences and the clothes I need to look fly doing it.

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

Never forget the value we provide for our patients. If someone is blessed to have vision, they are using their eyes every one of their waking hours and we have a responsibility to educate them and provide them with the best comprehensive care to keep them seeing well.

Greatest source of inspiration?

My family inspires me, from my husband, to siblings, parents, and extended family. Having the privilege of growing up in a loving village has bolstered my mindset and given me the luxury of dreaming big and chasing my dreams relentlessly.

Song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

OutKast’s “So Fresh, So Clean.”

Favorite eyewear or fashion trend right now?

I love the new brands dedicated to diversity and inclusion. It’s been a joy watching brands like Anwuli and others embracing shapes and colors that really can fit a diverse population.