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For Dr. Ansel Johnson, a 40-year career in optometry has never been defined solely by prescriptions, practice ownership, or professional titles. His journey reflects something much larger: the power of representation, lifelong learning, community service, and using eye care as a gateway to better overall health.
Speaking with Dr. Adam Ramsey on the Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast, Dr. Johnson shared how an early interest in science and people evolved into a career that continues to influence patients, students, and the profession.
Choosing Optometry as a Path to Opportunity
Dr. Johnson originally planned to pursue medicine. While attending Illinois Wesleyan University, however, he discovered optometry through a classmate and began looking more closely at the profession.
The combination immediately appealed to him. Optometry offered the opportunity to become a doctor, own a business, and create a more direct path into practice. He was also struck by the profession’s lack of diversity. At the time, he recalls there being an estimated 400 African American optometrists among approximately 28,000 practitioners.
Rather than viewing that disparity only as an obstacle, he saw an opportunity to make an impact.
That mindset would shape the rest of his career.
Building a Practice That Sees the Whole Patient
After graduating from the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Johnson built a career grounded in clinical care and community connection. His practice serves a large Spanish-speaking population, and he uses Spanish daily to gather histories, communicate with patients, and build trust.
His approach also extends far beyond the eyes.
After his own journey with Type 2 diabetes, Dr. Johnson became deeply involved in diabetes education and lifestyle coaching. He believes optometrists are uniquely positioned to help patients understand the connection between ocular findings and systemic health.
With a significant portion of the population living with diabetes or prediabetes, he sees eye care as an opportunity to connect the dots. His goal is for patients to view the optometrist as the “quarterback” of their eye care—someone who understands the whole patient and guides them through the healthcare system when additional care is needed.
Why Representation and Relationships Matter
Dr. Johnson’s leadership has extended into advisory boards, professional organizations, mentoring, and industry opportunities. Yet he emphasizes that opportunities often begin with visibility and relationships.
Showing up at major professional meetings, building genuine connections, and delivering excellent work can open doors that may not appear immediately. For Dr. Johnson, representation is not simply about being present. It is about bringing different life experiences and perspectives into rooms where important decisions are made.
His philosophy is equally clear when working with industry: integrity comes first. He is selective about the organizations and products he supports because credibility cannot be separated from trust.
The Next Chapter Is About Giving Back
Today, Dr. Johnson’s practice serves as an externship site for multiple optometry schools. He wants future doctors to understand how patients actually use their vision—not simply how to write a prescription.
His nonprofit work is also expanding access to eye examinations, diabetes education, low vision resources, and transportation support for patients who may otherwise struggle to receive care.
After four decades in optometry, Dr. Johnson is not focused on retirement. He is focused on impact.
His career offers a powerful reminder for eye care professionals: success is not only about building a practice. It is about building relationships, creating opportunities, serving communities, and leaving the profession stronger for the next generation.
