Ana Pernia
Land O Lakes,USA
Summary
Licensed Optometrist specializing in comprehensive medical eye care and advanced ocular disease management. Actively mentors future optometry professionals while providing patient-centered care to diverse populations, including veterans. Strong advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based treatment strategies to improve patient health outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Optometry Resident
VA Tallahassee Health Care Center
Tallahassee, USA
06.2025 - 06.2026
- Diagnosed and managed a range of ocular conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, uveitis, corneal disease, neuro-ophthalmic conditions, and ocular emergencies.
- Provided comprehensive medical eye care to a predominantly elderly veteran population.
- Interpreted diagnostic tests such as OCT, visual fields, and fundus photography.
- Documented patient progress in electronic health records, enhancing continuity of care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to formulate and implement comprehensive treatment strategies.
- Mentored fourth-year optometry students to foster a supportive and educational environment.
- Presented Grand Rounds cases and completed a residency case report.
Optometry Intern
Midwestern University Eye Institute
Downers Grove, USA
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Performed ocular health evaluations for patients across all age groups.
- Fitted specialty contact lenses, including scleral hybrid and ortho-k, tailored to ocular anatomy.
- Educated patients with low vision about assistive devices to enhance their independence.
- Provided vision therapy to address binocular vision disorders.
Optometry Extern
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, USA
12.2024 - 02.2025
- Conducted diagnostics such as tear breakup time and corneal/conjunctival staining evaluations to assess anterior segment conditions.
- Assessed tear meniscus and meibomian glands to develop targeted treatment plans for dry eye disease.
- Supported specialty procedures to enhance patient care, including Blephex and intense pulse light therapy, for dry eye relief.
- Addressed anterior segment conditions with special attention to dry eye disease.
Optometry Extern
VA Tallahassee Health Care Center
Tallahassee, USA
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Delivered comprehensive eye care services to veterans, addressing diverse ocular health needs.
- Treated ocular diseases including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy to enhance patient outcomes.
- Counseled patients regarding ocular disease, treatment options , medication adherence, and the relationship between systemic health and vision
Optometry Extern
Eye Centers of South Florida
North Miami, USA
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Conducted comprehensive exams for geriatric patients to identify and manage ocular disease.
- Counseled patients on cataract surgery options, postoperative expectations, and medication adherence.
- Assisted in diagnosing and managing postoperative complications, including corneal edema and elevated intraocular pressure.
Teaching Assistant
Midwestern University College of Optometry
Downers Grove, USA
09.2023 - 11.2023
- Assisted students in refining clinical examination techniques to enhance proficiency in optometry procedures.
- Delivered individualized instruction on ocular anatomy and clinical concepts to strengthen educational foundations.
- Evaluated student performance and offered feedback to improve clinical competence and confidence.
Optometric Technician
Premier Eye Center
Plantation, USA
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Documented medical histories and facilitated patient intake processes to ensure comprehensive care.
- Conducted preliminary eye tests utilizing specialized equipment.
- Coordinated appointment scheduling to align with patient needs and optimize clinic workflow.
- Addressed customer inquiries via phone about practice services, enhancing patient understanding and satisfaction.
Education
Residency - Primary Eyecare with Emphasis in Ocular Disease
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: SGT Ernest I. “Boots” Thomas VA Clinic
Tallahassee, Florida06-2026
Doctor of Optometry -
Midwestern University College of Optometry
Downers Grove, IL05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL12-2019
Associate of Arts -
Broward College
Davie, FL08-2017
Skills
- Ocular disease management
- Glaucoma
- Dry eye management
- Ocular emergency management
- Diagnostics
- Optical coherence tomography
- Geriatric patient management
- Clinical decision-making
- Treatment planning
- Primary care
- Healthcare team collaboration
- Patient-centered approach
Certification
- Licensed Optometrist, Florida State Board of Optometry
Research
Inexperienced Vs Experienced Goldmann Applanation Tonometry and Its Effects on Corneal Topography
• Presented at Kenneth A. Suarez Research Day at Midwestern University: May 2024
• Authors: Giacomo Cilliani, Ana Pernia, Celestina Rosario, Kaila Taitano, and Dana Rhea, OD, FAAO
Professional Presentations
Inflamed and Pressured: A case of Anterior Uveitis with presumed Idiopathic Intracranial Pressure
- Presented at NSUCO Resident Weekend 2026
Academic Club Memberships
SVOSH – Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, Downers Grove, IL
- Student Member, September 2021 – May 2025
Hispanic Health Care Association, Downers Grove, IL
- Student Member, September 2021 – May 2025
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Timeline
Optometry Resident
VA Tallahassee Health Care Center
06.2025 - 06.2026
Optometry Intern
Midwestern University Eye Institute
02.2025 - 05.2025
Optometry Extern
Bowden Eye & Associates
12.2024 - 02.2025
Optometry Extern
VA Tallahassee Health Care Center
09.2024 - 11.2024
Optometry Extern
Eye Centers of South Florida
06.2024 - 08.2024
Teaching Assistant
Midwestern University College of Optometry
09.2023 - 11.2023
Optometric Technician
Premier Eye Center
06.2020 - 06.2021
Residency - Primary Eyecare with Emphasis in Ocular Disease
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: SGT Ernest I. “Boots” Thomas VA Clinic
Doctor of Optometry -
Midwestern University College of Optometry
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
Florida Atlantic University
Associate of Arts -
Broward College