Member Profile - Viktoria Davis, OD
Where do you currently practice?
Madelia, MN
Where are you from originally?
Novato, CA
What school did you graduate from (undergraduate and optometry)?
Undergrad - Gustavus Adolphus College, Optometry - Pacific University
What are your hobbies?
Reading, Quilting, Spreadsheets, Knitting, Ballet
Describe your local community involvement?
I've been a very active member of the Madelia and Greater Mankato community for 24 years. I'm active in the Madelia Lions Club and the Madelia Chamber of Commerce. I've served on the Watonwan County Health Professions Advisory Council and Early Childhood Intervention Committee. I'm an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm. I have been involved with the Mankato School of Music, Mankato Ballet Company, Mankato Lancers, Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Mankato Symphony.
Tell us about your family and pets?
My husband Steve and I have the most wonderful, amazing, talented, and fantastic kids in the world - Katharine, a senior at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA majoring in dance and social justice; and Karl, an 11th grader at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan studying classical performance - cello. We have two cats who run our house, Theodosia and Emma.
Why do you choose to be a member of the Minnesota Optometric Association?
To me it was never a choice - it's just something you do. I am a solo doctor in a very small town. The MOA allows me to have a voice in my profession and make a difference. I also very much value the friendships and relationships with my colleagues that I have developed through the MOA.
What do you like best about the profession of optometry?
I really enjoy the freedom of being my own boss. My office exudes my values and principles. I can truly practice my core beliefs without being forced to compromise on them.
Describe your favorite memory from your optometric career.
My dad was a -12.00. It took a lot of convincing for him to agree to cataract surgery because he was terrified of losing what vision he had. I went to stay with him for surgery. The next morning, he came to the living room with a very weird look on his face. I thought something was wrong, and asked. His reply: "I just woke up and could see my wife for the very first time."
Please list any articles you have written or lectures you have provided to educate others on eye care.
I've written articles on practice management for Optometric Management and been a guest on the Power Hour - Optometry's Podcast several times. I authored an article on Gertrude Stanton, the first female optometrist in the US which was published in Hindsight: the Journal of Optometric History and excerpted in AOA Focus. I have presented several lectures on Medical Billing & Coding and look forward to sharing that with the MOA at our next annual meeting!
