Dr. Mitchell is a proud Hokie who graduated from Virginia Tech in 2007 with a degree in biology and a minor in psychology. While enrolled at Tech, she was active in several volunteer organizations, founded the pre-optometry club, and was a member of the National Scholars Honor Society and Alpha Epsilon Delta, the Health Professional Honor Society at VT.
She moved to Boston, Massachusetts to attend the New England College of Optometry, where she spent the next four years studying under some of the best eyecare physicians in the country. She gained clinical experience in the VA Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, and Omni Eye Services. Her clinical internships included primary care, ocular disease, surgical co-management, pediatrics, and contact lenses.
Dr. Mitchell moved back home to Blacksburg in 2011. In 2019, she earned her Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). There are currently only about 3000 active fellows worldwide, and there are only about 70 fellows in the state of Virginia. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, son, and dog and frequently gets lost in a good book.
Dr. Mitchell has focused her skills on options to slow the progression of myopia in children and specialty contact lenses, especially for patients with keratoconus.
What do you enjoy about someone being able to see clearly?
- I love watching a squirmy little kiddo just light up when they can see clearly for the first time. They get this shy little smile and then a really big grin that’s contagious and everyone in the room starts laughing. They didn’t know what they were missing and it’s like a whole new world for them!
Share briefly how much seeing your patients makes your job rewarding.
- The most rewarding feeling for me is fitting a patient in a specialty contact lens. In some cases, it’s been years, even decades, since they have had clear vision. When the happy tears turn into a hug, that’s how I know I’ve made a big difference in their lives.
Anything else that you would your patients to know?
- Yes! Please make sure your kids develop good habits now while they’re still young and healthy. Sunglasses are so, so important! There’s only so much ultraviolet light we can take. Be as outdoorsy as you want, that’s wonderful, but do it with a good pair of sunglasses on your face!