Dr. Abby Jakob says winning a Young
Professional of the Year award was
“the best moment” of her life so far.
“I have never been so proud and hon-
oured,” the 29-year-old optometrist,
who owns EYES in Kingsville, Ont.,
tells Optical Prism magazine.
“To be recognized for my efforts so
early in my career is such a boost of
confidence and so rewarding. I can't
even describe the joy I still feel from
that day.”
Jakob, who was born and raised in
Kingsville, was presented with the
award by the Windsor-Essex Regional
Chamber of Commerce and The
Windsor Star in April.
Jakob began practicing optometry in
2014, after graduating summa cum
laude from the Illinois College of Op-
tometry in May of that year.
She decided to open her own business
in March 2017.
The idea to become an optometrist
was initiated by a positive influence
in Dr. Jakob’s life.
“My optometrist, Dr. Brian Adamson,
inspired me. He always told me how
much he loved his career and that was
rare to hear. I knew I wanted to do
something in health care. I always
thought I'd become a veterinarian, but
after shadowing my local vet, it was
too sad for me to see sick or dying ani-
mals. That's when I seriously looked
into optometry.”
It is a career choice she truly appreciates.
“I enjoy witnessing the moment when
patients start to understand the reason
for their symptoms or concerns, as
if they finally have an answer to their
questions. It's like a lightbulb turns on
for them and they are very thankful.
I find this very rewarding, especially
because these patients are the
most appreciative.”
Dr. Jakob recollects a moment where
she made a significant difference in
a young patient’s life. It stands as an
important reminder that regular eye
exams are essential.
“One time, a little girl came in complain-
ing of headaches. After dilating her
pupils and finding that her optic
nerves were swollen, I sent her directly
to the ER to have an MRI. She ended
up being airlifted to Toronto, a four-
hour drive, to have brain surgery, where
a tumour was removed. She is perfectly
fine today and has come back to my
office with a ‘thank you’ note and a big
hug! I will never forget that.”
In the wise words of Dr. Jakob, it is
crucial to “treat others the way you'd
like to be treated, smile, and always
listen to the patient.”
OPTICAL PRISM | October 2018 35