Meet Donna Cooper of Cooper Optometry in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Cooper.

Donna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have had yearly eye examinations since I was in 4th grade. Every year my vision would get worse. I found myself with quite a severe prescription, only being able to see an object clearly if placed about 5 inches from my face without the aid of glasses or contacts. I loved what my optometrist could do for me, and it ultimately started my path to my career. I knew I was passionate about optometry when I traveled with a group of doctors to Costa Rica and Nicaragua and found myself offering eye care to those in need. I realized being able to see someone put on a pair of glasses for the first time and see clearly, was a great feeling.

After graduating from optometry school, I re-located to Santa Monica. I started off practicing optometry in both corporate and ophthalmological settings. One day I was approached with an opportunity to practice in a long established, family practice that had been open since the 80’s. The two amazing doctors mentored me, introduced me to their long established patient base, and eventually allowed me to take over their practice as they transitioned to retirement.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been many challenges throughout my optometry career. The first challenge was surviving optometry school. Optometry is 4 years of rigorous course work.

Most people think optometrists stand in a room and ask “Is it better with 1 or 2?” all day. The reality is, optometry is a full scope practice that starts with understanding a patient’s need; whether it’s an annual checkup, eye related pain or any other eye health related issue driving them to the visit. From there, it is solving their individual needs.

We help people see, we diagnose and manage diseases, and we try to educate the public on the importance of yearly examinations. The challenge is getting the public to recognize that even though they may think they have perfect vision, that does not necessarily mean their internal eye is healthy. This is the reason for the rigorous years of schooling coupled with rotational programs at various locations, so we can face all aspects of eye conditions.

Another challenge is being judged by a first impression. I am a young, female optometrist/business owner, and every day I people ask me how old I am. I have had patients say they want to see an older doctor or someone with more experience.

A final challenge is adapting to the industry as it continues to change. Optometrists face companies that are trying to develop online methods of checking a person’s prescription. This can be dangerous leading to missed internal eye conditions, poor contact lens fits that could cause corneal issues, and inaccurate prescriptions.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cooper Optometry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My practice focuses on individualized care based on each patient’s needs. We perform comprehensive eye examinations. We begin by getting to know a patient, asking them their occupational needs and talking about any other eye issues that want to be addressed. We check their vision to see if glasses or contact lenses are needed. We check both the external and internal eye health and establish a baseline reading to compare for years to come. Lastly, we have opticians to help select eyewear and discuss lens options to meet each need.

I’m proud of being able to maintain long-time, loyal patients. The ultimate compliment is seeing returning patients year to year and having my patients refer me to their friends and family. My philosophy has always been to treat each person like how you would want to be treated. I believe this has allowed me to be a doctor who is approachable. I always tell my patients if you need me, call or email me and I will respond. I think they appreciate that I truly care.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plan is to continue to build up my practice and expand into a larger space. Technology is always changing in the field of optometry and I look forward to enhancing the practice with new technology. Hopefully in 5 years, I will meet that goal.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2730 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 545
  Santa Monica, CA 90403
• Website: www.cooperoptometry.com
• Phone: 3103159122
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/drdonnacooper/
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/dr-donna-cooper-od-santa-monica

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.