Honoring the Women of Atwal Eye Care – CEO, Deborah Davis

Q&A with Debbie Davis – CEO of Atwal Eye Care:

Debbie, first off – why did you go into the field of ophthalmology?  

From a young age, I had a strong desire to work in healthcare. My late grandmother experienced blindness, which influenced my choice. When I began looking for college internships, I specifically sought out an opportunity within an ophthalmology practice. I was lucky to secure a position at Atwal Eye Care under the guidance of Dr. Amar Atwal and was hired after the completion of my internship.

What is the best aspect of your career with Atwal Eye Care? 

Being involved in and witnessing the accomplishments of Atwal Eye Care over the past four decades has been rewarding. This journey includes the expansion of office locations, the addition of healthcare providers and staff, the establishment of an ambulatory surgery center, optical shops, a refractive suite, and most recently, a dry eye clinic – all aimed at enhancing the patient experience. Personally, my time at Atwal Eye Care has fostered my professional development and helped me achieve my aspiration of serving as President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA) from 2020 to 2022 and the incoming 2025 President of the National Board of Ophthalmic Executives (NBCOE). I have also had the opportunity to educate peers at various ophthalmology conferences nationwide, including most recent presentations at the Hawaiian Eye Meeting and the Caribbean Eye Meeting. This would not have been possible without the support of Atwal Eye Care.

Talk about a story from 2024 that has stuck in your brain as to why you are so lucky to work at Atwal Eye Care.

There are countless examples! We genuinely enjoy contributing to our community. Last year, we aimed to integrate the total eclipse into our practice by educating patients about the significance of using protective eyewear during this phenomenon. True to Atwal Eye Care’s spirit, we organized a major event at Highmark Stadium, inviting both our staff and the local community to participate with all ticket sales proceeds benefiting the charitable foundation, Kelly for Kids. Experiencing the total eclipse while seated on the field at the Bills stadium as the sky darkened was extraordinary. It was an unforgettable event!

Why is International Woman’s Day so important to acknowledge and honor?

International Women’s Day serves to honor the progress made in women’s rights and gender equality, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges that remain. The achievements and victories celebrated have not been attained without struggle; they serve as a testament to what can be achieved. This day acts as a prompt for action, urging us to reflect on our history, acknowledge our advancements, and continue advocating for further progress.

You are a mom of daughters, how do you install a ‘never give up’ motto with them when maybe they felt like they couldn’t pursue a certain career or idea?

My daughters have seen my successful professional journey, which I take great pride in. I am passionate about my work and that is incredibly important. I consistently remind them that they can achieve anything they desire if they remain determined and steadfast in their beliefs. I also think it’s important to have a passion for your work and not to compromise on your aspirations.

How proud are you to work alongside so many amazing female colleagues?

I am fortunate to work with many outstanding women who have had a significant impact on my professional journey and have provided me with invaluable support. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping who I am today. We rely on one another and offer mutual support.

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would that be?

Be gentle with yourself. It’s perfectly fine to experience failure and to continue making efforts. These setbacks serve as a foundation for greater achievements. Lessons are learned through failure; not every idea will succeed, and that is acceptable.