Where Are They Now? Part 2: Dr. A. Philip Aitsebaomo

written by Maddie Arbaugh, former ASCO intern

In June of 2017, ASCO produced a video while onsite at Optometry’s Meeting in Washington, D.C. entitled, “Why I Chose the Profession of Optometry”. It shows former students talking about why they chose optometry as their profession. We thought it would be a good time to revisit everyone and see where they are now. First was Dr. Christopher Lopez.

Now we catch up with Dr. A. Philip Aitsebaomo.

A. Philip Aitsebaomo, OD, PhD graduated from optometry school at Indiana University in 1981. He currently owns a private optometric practice in Houston, which he has had for the last 30 years. He also teaches at Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, specializing in the areas of Binocular Vision, Contact Lenses, and Practice Management.

Although he now loves the practice of optometry, this has not always been his first choice of a profession. He explored other options, such as architecture and dentistry. However, he decided that the lifestyle optometry could provide was the best fit for him personally, and still feels this way today.

He enjoys that his current position as an optometry professor gives him the ability to interact with students. He feels that they teach him a lot as well. He also loves to see their progress throughout school and after graduation, and what they have done in the field of optometry.

He advises aspiring OD’s to consider other professions before making their selection. He loves optometry but recognizes that it is not the best fit for everyone, so it is important to evaluate other options. However, he wants them to know that optometry will provide a good work-life balance. If students do select optometry, they should visit with OD’s in different types of practices in order to get a good idea of their future, since the profession is evolving.

Part 3 featuring Dr. Erick Henderson here.