From her first eye exam as a sophomore in high school, young Parres was hooked on optometry! She asked her doctor to write down the word “optometrist” for her and she kept it with her for years as her motivation to help others the way he helped her. Today, Parres Wright, OD, FAAO, is a Professor at Midwestern University – Chicago College of Optometry and CE lecturer with expertise in retina, low vision and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). She shares her commonsense approach to how DEI efforts can impact the practice of optometry and the profession as a whole. Most impactful is her sense of empathy and how it allows her to better care for her patients, as she simply states, “I don’t think I’m special, but I take the time to make my patient feel special.” Key Moments 2:54 Dr. Parres Wright’s background story 6:53 Her educational journey – from student to professor 7:54 What she’s teaching her students 9:36 Her early beginnings and passion for working at the VA 11:11 Extending her teaching to experienced colleagues via Continuing Education 12:55 The difference between teaching students vs. professionals. 15:30 Her passion for low vision care 17:14 Lecturing on DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) 20:37 Seeing your patient as a full human being to improve care 26:32 The value of representation and diversity 36:00 Promoting our profession and the full scope of optometry