Bears, Glasses, and the Heart of Rural Optometry
Every time I travel for work, I think I’ve seen it all. But Newfoundland always surprises me.
As a travel optometrist, my work often takes me to new places. This time I found myself in a cozy little town called Springdale.
The first clinic day is always wild. I’m learning the clinic’s systems, the staff are adjusting to my style, and the waiting room is full of patients—many of whom haven’t seen an eye doctor in months. It’s an absolute whirlwind.
I met Crissie—the lead optician and clinic manager who helped me settle in. That first day, we had a flood of emergencies and we both stayed an extra two hours after clinic to finish paperwork.
The next day? Even busier.
Crissie let her staff take lunch breaks while she worked through her own, moving from patient to patient with a smile and an infectious energy. By the end of the day, I couldn’t help but ask, “Crissie... How do you have so much energy?”
She laughed and said, “Well, I really shouldn’t.”
Bears On The Loose
Crissie went on to tell me she’s the mayor of South Brook—and that her town is currently dealing with a bear problem. A dozen bears are roaming around, with some even wandering into her own backyard.
“I could see them right through the window!” she exclaimed.
Between bears howling outside and her dog barking all night, she barely got any sleep.
And yet, here she was, still beaming with energy, still giving her all to the people in front of her.
When I asked what drives her, her answer was simple but powerful: helping people.
Whether it’s making sure someone sees clearly, looks great in their glasses, or feels good about themselves, she wants to make a positive impact. It’s also why she became mayor—people in her town come to her with problems, and she loves doing what she can to help.
In big cities, staff sometimes hope for a slow day. But in rural towns, it’s the opposite. They want to stay busy because it means they’re helping more people and making a real difference. Working with the Springdale team reminded me why we do what we do—and how energizing it is to work with people who care so deeply.
See you next month! 😀
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