In this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Janelle Davision, a multifaceted optometrist, entrepreneur, and leader. The conversation dives into her inspiring journey into optometry, her passion for patient care and innovation, and the importance of representation in medicine. From humble beginnings to leading initiatives that shape the future of the profession, Dr. Davision offers lessons for eye care professionals on balancing purpose, passion, and progress.

Dr. Davision originally envisioned a career in pediatrics, but the long years of medical school made her question that path. A conversation with her optometrist shifted everything. “She said, you ever thought about optometry? It’s a great field. You can do all of those things and a lot less schooling.” From that moment, Dr. Davision pursued optometry with determination.

Her shadowing experience with Dr. Jette Johnson, who was balancing teaching, practice ownership, and family life, provided the model she needed. It showed that she could pursue her career ambitions while still creating space for family and service.

Dr. Ramsey emphasized how crucial it is for students to see examples of successful optometrists. “If we don’t show that, the only thing those students see as success is basketball, football, or entertainment.” Dr. Davision agreed, stressing that many young people never hear about optometry until late in their education.

Her message: optometrists must be proactive in mentorship, whether through career days, internships, or everyday patient conversations. “Sometimes you think too much where you paralyze yourself and miss opportunities,” she shared, noting how exposure at a young age can shape career decisions.

In 2017, Dr. Davision co-founded S.C.O.R.E., a grassroots nonprofit with her sister, a dentist. Their goal: expose underrepresented students to health careers, provide mentorship, and build confidence. Students in S.C.O.R.E. not only shadowed in clinical settings but also developed oratorical skills, time management, and resilience.

The impact has been powerful. One alum used her S.C.O.R.E. experience as a talking point in her Harvard interview. Many others gained exposure to optometry and dentistry they may have never otherwise considered. Dr. Ramsey challenged the industry directly: “We need to support SCORE. Don’t stand on the sidelines.”

Innovation is another part of Dr. Davision’s journey. She created Paradeyem Software to improve accuracy, packaging, and patient experience in optical sales. What started as an Excel tool built with her husband has grown into a system used in nearly 100 offices.

The software reduces calculation errors, streamlines insurance packaging, and creates a “good, better, best” buying system. As she explained, “Errors eat into patient trust. With Paradigm, my office no longer has to call back patients for miscalculations.”

Dr. Davision also opened a standalone dry eye clinic, driven by her passion for ocular surface disease. “I realized I couldn’t be everything for everybody anymore. I really enjoy ocular surface disease, and I wanted to dedicate a space just for that.”

The response has been overwhelming—her clinic is booked out months in advance. Patients value the focused care, education, and attention that comes with a specialized environment. This decision reflects her broader philosophy: focus on what you love, and excellence will follow.

Beyond practice, Dr. Davision has served on the IDOC board, lectured nationally and internationally, and become a respected voice in eye care innovation. While she enjoys writing and podcasts, she admits her favorite medium is lecturing: “I like being authentic, bringing something different to the stage, and meeting doctors from all over the world.”

Her ability to balance patient care, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and speaking showcases the multifaceted opportunities available in optometry.

When asked where she sees herself in ten years, Dr. Davision was clear: retirement at 55, with new doors open for motivational speaking or other passions. “Optometry is what I do. It’s not who I am.” Her advice for professionals: stop overthinking and trust your skills. “Sometimes you think too much where you paralyze yourself. If you’re confident you can do the job, you’ll figure it out.”