Today we’d like to introduce you to Chinelo Onyeador.
Hi Chinelo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Very often, my patients ask me “what made you become an optometrist?” And I’m always like “honestly, I’m not sure.” It has pretty much been the only job I’ve wanted to have since I was a kid. Thankfully, it worked out for me because I did not have a back up plan! My very first job at 16 was helping out at a private optometry clinic and that just solidified my decision to make it my career. After graduating college and then battling cancer, I went to Kentucky College of Optometry, and graduated in 2022. I did a residency in ocular disease, with emphasis in retina and glaucoma, and once complete, I worked for a large practice with multiple locations. After a while, I realized that I wanted something different. I felt like I was losing my patient for optometry. I tried to find another job, but nothing seemed to stick. That’s what led me to open my own office. I figured it would probably be best for me and my patients to practice optometry exactly the way I wanted to.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As I said before, I was a cancer patient prior to starting my career. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after I graduated from the University of Notre Dame, and obviously it was not what I expected. In a way, I’m grateful that I went through everything I did. My experience as a cancer patient has really shaped the way that I take care of and relate to my patients. I strive to be the kind of doctor that I wanted to have when I was sick.
Optometry school was also very difficult for me. I had a hard time figuring out what study methods worked well for me, especially after being out of school for a few years. Although I was able to graduate on time, I really struggled with passing the national boards. After a few tries, I finally passed them, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It has made me appreciate my career so much more and now I try to help students who are in the same position as I was. Challenges are always going to be there, but it’s really about how you bounce back.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice recently opened in November 2025. I focus on primary care optometry (glasses and contacts) and ocular disease. I would say that I am known for thoroughly educating my patients. I want all my patients to take ownership of their ocular and overall health care by being as informed as possible. My favorite thing to hear my patients say is “I have never learned so much at an eye exam.” That’s the experience I want everyone to have after they see me.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I was born and raised in the DFW area, specifically Arlington, and I’ve lived in six other states between my education and training. I always had plans to come back (even though I really loved Chicago). I love that you can find anything you want here – whether it’s a certain type of food, music, art, nightlife, etc. The thing I wish we did better was public transportation. That’s the thing Chicago beats us at. But our weather makes up for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.eyeconiceyecaretx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyeconiceyecaretx/?igsh=MW42YzZoNzJyaXRlNQ%3D%3D#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eyeconic-Eye-Care-of-Texas/61579656672832/
Image Credits
BManut Productions
Hundred Dollar Headshot
