How Patient Relationships Shape Optometrists
Dr. Hay with his sons in October 2017.
On March 1, 2018, Michael Hay, OD, wrote a touching personal story highlighting the human connection between patient and doctor for Optometric Management. Dr. Hay is part of our Doctor of Optometry network through employment with Crystal Clear Eye Associates of Florida, P.A., an independent medical practice with multiple locations within our America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses stores in Florida.
In his article, Dr. Hay shares how the patient he was examining had lost his son in 2010 – he was killed during his deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Dr. Hay felt compelled to tell his patient that his own teenage son would also be serving our country and had enlisted at just 17-years-old in the Marine Corps.
The two men instantly formed a connection.
This connection was so strong that the patient took off his late son’s dog tags and gave them to Dr. Hay, to in turn, give to his son – so that he would have a guardian angel. Dr. Hay’s son now proudly wears this brave young man’s dog tags.
Dr. Hay and his son at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
The Impact of a Patient
Dr. Hay’s story demonstrates the incredibly strong connection that an Optometrist can have with his or her patient. A connection that can last well past the examination room, as Dr. Hay and his son recently visited the young man’s grave.
It is connections like these that keep Optometrists like Dr. Hay fulfilled. He says, “That’s why I do what I do; that’s what keeps me going – the connections I make with my patients.”
Welcome to the Military Family, Dr. Hay
Dr. Hay will soon be joining many before him as a military father. His situation is extra special as he will be the father of not just one service member, but two. Dr. Hay’s eldest son was inspired by his brother’s call to duty and also enlisted, choosing the Air Force.
This summer when both sons leave for basic training, Dr. Hay will stand proud thinking of his boys and knowing that they have chosen to follow their hearts, as he did 25 years ago when he decided to become an Optometrist.
More About Dr. Hay
Dr. Hay has practiced optometry for 25 years. He has been part of the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network since 2013 and is an Area Doctor with Crystal Clear Eye Associates of Florida in Jacksonville, FL.
Dr. Hay is a 1993 graduate of the Southern College of Optometry and received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jacksonville University in 1988.
To read Dr. Hay’s article in Optometric Management click here.
Jessica Altamirano
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