January 2017 Veteran of the Month: From the Navy to our Vision Center
Dr. Michael Hopkins when he was in the Navy.
We are honored to introduce our January Veteran of the Month – Michael Hopkins, O.D.!
Dr. Hopkins is a 1988 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry. He has been affiliated with National Vision since 2011 and works at our Walmart Vision Center in Cordele, Georgia.
Dr. Hopkins is also a veteran. He served in the Navy during Desert Storm, from 1989-1992, and was stationed at Beaufort Naval Hospital in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was also stationed at the Naval Hospital, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island and the Marine Air Station in Beaufort.
We recently sat down with Dr. Hopkins to find out more about his service history, what he loves about practicing optometry, and being affiliated with NVI.
Why did you decide to serve our country in the Navy?
“I joined the Navy because when I was in Optometry School at UC Berkeley the externship I enjoyed the most was at the Naval Hospital in Oakland. So once I was done with school, I joined the Navy to get more experience with different types of patients.”
Why did you become an Optometrist?
“I became an O.D. because I knew I wanted to go into health care and the eye was always my favorite part of anatomy to study. I have enjoyed being an O.D. because helping people with their eye problems can be rewarding and an adventure. I have learned that each person is different and I can gain something unique from each patient.”
Dr. Michael Hopkins now!
Why do you enjoy being an O.D. affiliated with National Vision?
“I have enjoyed working with NVI for the last 5 years because I can see patients and not worry about the added paperwork, like insurance and filing for payments from patients and insurance companies. My military experience has helped me be a successful O.D. at the Vision Center because it taught me time management. I am able to see a high volume of patients each day.”
Why do you think it’s important for National Vision to hire veterans?
“I think it’s important for National Vision to continue to hire veterans because veterans are dedicated to doing their best. Their training leads them to care about the people they are working with on a deeper level. I am proud to be affiliated with a company that recognizes the unique traits of these brave men and women.”
Last year we made a commitment to hire a minimum of 500 veterans and/or veteran spouses over the next five years across all of our retail brands. Within those 500 positions, we have committed to hiring a minimum of 100 military veterans and/or veteran spouses in technology-focused positions as part of the Joining Forces initiative. We are extremely proud that Dr. Hopkins, a Navy Veteran and O.D., is part of our NVI family.
Thank you Dr. Hopkins for your service to our country and for helping us with our mission to make quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible!
Jessica Altamirano
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