Member Profile - Kevy Simmons, OD
Where do you currently practice?
PineCone Vision Center in Sartell
Where are you from originally?
Near the Bay Area originally, but I grew up in Boise.
What school did you graduate from (undergraduate and optometry)?
I went to Seattle Pacific for undergrad then to Pacific for optometry
What are your hobbies?
This is not intentional, but my current interests happen to share a common theme – creating and solving crossword puzzles, competing in CrossFit workouts, and participating in church activities. I enjoy skiing, too, but not really cross-country, unfortunately.
Describe your local community involvement?
I enjoy being active in my church community, particularly in addressing challenging issues like parish renewal, social justice, and ideological polarization.
Tell us about your family and pets?
My wife Nancy is a fellow MOA member and Minnesota native. We have a son Jett (3), daughter Ezra (1), and a mystery on the way. We also house a labradoodle Bernie and cat Johnny. Our other feline brother Martin passed recently but remains with us in song (substituting “reindeer” for “tractor”).
Why do you choose to be a member of the Minnesota Optometric Association?
The MOA looks out for us, works to protect and expand our way of practice, and provides local CE opportunities. Seems like a worthy cause.
What do you like best about the profession of optometry?
The best part of my job is being able to advocate for those who are unable to speak for themselves.
Describe your favorite memory from your Optometric career?
I don’t have a specific memory, but kids often say funny things during their exam, and it usually makes my day.
What fun fact would you like to share about yourselves that your colleagues may not know about you?
I have an identical twin brother, and I’d say we have a pretty convincing telepathy routine. I’d bet he feels the same way.
Please list any articles you have written or lectures you have provided to educate others on eye care.
In residency, I had an article published on the evidence basis for oculomotor dysfunction which was then adapted into a position statement for the institution I attended. I also have the (repeatedly humbling) privilege of being involved with PEDIG as a contributing investigator for its recent amblyopia studies (ATS20 and ATS22). Aside from this, I enjoy lecturing on a small scale to our rotating students, my favorite topics being evidence-based practice, optic disc swelling, and pediatric specialty care.
