What Dr. Landsaw Loves Most About Being An Optometrist

We recently asked Dr. Harry Landsaw a few questions about his career. Here are his answers. We thought you’d find them interesting!

How old were you when you decided to become an optometrist? What circumstances helped you decide?

“My interest in optometry started when I was a young child as I grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, because I had to do Vision Therapy to help my eye maintain focusing while reading and studying for long periods of time. In college, I began studying computer science engineering, but realized fast that I did not have the personality for engineering. I greatly enjoyed biology, chemistry, and physics.

A close family friend I have had for years who was an optometrist talked to me about optometry and really opened my eyes to the field. After spending a few days shadowing him at his office, I fell in love with the profession.”

Where did you attend school and how long have you been practicing?

“I attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville for undergrad and studied Microbiology. I then went to Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, one of the oldest and established optometry schools in the United States. This is where I meet, Dr. Jannah Landsaw, my wife. We both graduated in 1999. She brought me to South Florida in 2002 where we have been practicing at Landsaw Eyecare ever since. We really love and enjoy this community. I would not want to be anywhere else.”

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in Optometry?

“Find someone in the profession you are interested in and shadow them doing their job. There is no better way to see if you would like a profession than seeing it firsthand.”

What is one thing you find most satisfying and fulfilling about being an optometrist?

“This is one of the few medical professions that the majority of the time, we get to improve our patients’ lives immediately with contact lenses and glasses. Also, we are on the front line of preventing the biggest sight threatening diseases over the next 20 years, Macular Degeneration. We really believe in perfecting and preserving our patients’ most precious sense to the highest level possible.

It is also wonderful seeing our patients go through all the stages of life from growing up, going away to school, having their own family, retirement and enjoying the grandkids and great grandkids. We strive to enhance each stage of their lives.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Dr. Landsaw better! And, as always, THANKS for being our valued patients and friends!

Do you have a question for Dr. Landsaw?

Please include it as a comment below! He will answer it right away. Thanks!