Member Profile - Meredith Stallone, OD

November 18, 2022
November Member Spotlight

Where do you currently practice?
University of Minnesota Lions Children's Eye Clinic

Where are you from originally?
Long Island, NY

What school did you graduate from (undergraduate and optometry)?
Undergrad: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Optometry: SUNY College of Optometry

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy working out on my Peloton, running, or reading a book. I have a knack for crossword puzzles and do one almost every day. I also enjoy boating and trying new restaurants with my husband.

Describe your local community involvement.
I am currently co-chair of the Public Vision Awareness committee for the Minnesota Optometric Association. I recently moved to the North Loop neighborhood of downtown Minneapolis and look forward to becoming more involved in my new community as I get settled.

Tell us about your family and pets.
I got married to my husband Andy, who is also an OD, in the fall of 2021 after a COVID postponement. I love all dogs and can't wait to add one to our family!

Why do you choose to be a member of the Minnesota Optometric Association?
To me, membership in the Minnesota Optometric Association is a responsibility. As optometrists, we each have a role in protecting, fostering, and advancing our profession in order to provide the best possible care to our patients. The ability to practice to the full scope of my education as well as connect with and learn from my amazing colleagues allows me to go back to my patients and provide them the excellent care that they deserve.

What do you like best about the profession of optometry?
I love being able to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Vision is such a precious sense, and what we do as optometrists makes an enormous impact on the quality of life of every individual that we see. It's especially rewarding to practice in pediatrics where I am able to literally create vision for children and allow them to flourish academically and socially. It's amazing what a pair of glasses and improved vision can do for a child's self-esteem. I love to see very shy and reserved kids really come out of their shells when they are able to see well and develop their self-confidence.

Describe your favorite memory from your optometric career.
I had a 7-year-old patient who used his reward token for the "Treasure Tower" at the end of his appointment to get a ring. He gave it to me instead of getting a toy for himself. It was so sweet and I still have it sitting on my desk! I gave him another token to pick out something for himself afterward, of course!

What fun fact would you like to share about yourselves that your colleagues may not know about you?
I am a huge fan of Lady Gaga. One time I camped out overnight in Central Park to see her perform on Good Morning America and she bought me, Burger King because I was one of the first people in line!

Please list any articles you have written or lectures you have provided to educate others on eye care.
The Other Pandemic: Reducing Pediatric Myopia Progression. Presented at University of Minnesota Medical School Letson Visiting, Professor Series. Managing Myopia in School Age Children. Presented at M Health Fairview Ridges provider Grand Rounds. InfantSEE Squirming Patients 101. Panelist, Optometry's Meeting 2022.

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