Honoring the Women of Atwal Eye Care – Dr. Katie Gibbons
Dr. Katie Gibbons has been a dynamic force at Atwal Eye Care for nearly two decades, serving as a Dry Eye specialist at the Harlem Road office in Cheektowaga. Her successful career hasn’t been without challenge, dedication and hard work. She credits an internship starting in high school at an eye care center, and the unwavering support from those around her, for pushing her in the direction of optometry.
Hear more from this incredible powerhouse in honor of International Woman’s Day in March!
Q&A with Dr. Katie Gibbons:
You’ve been with Atwal Eye Care for 17-years! Congratulations! What has kept you with this brand that long?
I absolutely love the Atwal brand. My colleagues are like family and the opportunities for growth are wonderful. The more I work here, the more I get excited about all of the innovative ideas we are trying — all to provide our patients with the best possible experience and care.
Why did you go into Optometry?
Well – there’s not a lot of blood involved! Haha. I have always been interested in eyes. I have terrible eyesight so when I had LASIK it was life-changing for me. When I was in high school, I interned at an eye office and I stayed there all throughout college. It felt 100% where I needed to be.
Why should women especially feel empowered to try a STEM-related career?
I remember just even as a kid feeling like I heard the message over and over that girls weren’t great at science or math. And it’s important to really stay away from that mindset. My parents were very progressive, so they always believed in me and pushed me to do whatever I wished for. When I took my first biology class and really loved it, I started to feel like I could go in the direction of science and perhaps explore a medical degree. It’s important to empower young minds, especially girls when it comes to STEM fields, like eye care.
Did you personally face any obstacles?
Absolutely – people not taking me seriously. Or that I could work and also care for children when I wanted to become a mom. There are many unique obstacles as a woman, trying to balance everything — like trying to be a good professional and also a good mom. It can be difficult.
Any last words you want to leave with those reading about celebrating and honoring International Woman’s Day?
Women who are in a career that is traditionally more male-dominated have worked extremely hard to get there. When I see women succeeding, it makes me super proud and also happy. We should never corner women into a small box. We need to encourage, acknowledge and continue to empower girls, young women and even older women into chasing their dreams – no matter what that dream is.