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In this riveting episode, join us as we embark on a journey with Dr. Angelica Cifuentes, affectionately known as the “Tiny Optometrist,” whose remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph promises to captivate and inspire. From her humble beginnings in Colombia to navigating the challenges of immigration and academia, Dr. Angelica Cifuentes’s path to prominence in optometry is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how she leveraged social media to connect with colleagues, educate the masses, and launch her own e-commerce venture, ByeDryEyes. Join us as Dr. Angelica Cifuentes leaves an indelible mark as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring optometrists and immigrants alike. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to her success!
What’s Covered?
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes’s Inspirational Journey From Colombia to Optometry
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes
Hi, Darryl! Thanks a bunch for having me. I’m doing really well, and I’m thrilled to be here on the podcast again.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Absolutely, Angelica. It’s great to have you here. I’m eager to dive into your story. But before we jump into that, I always like to give my listeners a proper introduction to my guests, whether they’re tuning in via Instagram or elsewhere. So if you wouldn’t mind sharing a bit about your background, maybe even a fun fact or two, we can then segue into the story of the Tiny Optometrists.
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes:
Of course! So, I’m Angelica Cifuentes, also known as the Tiny Optometrist. I was born in Colombia and raised in Miami. I came to the States when I was 12 years old.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
That’s fantastic. And you’re bilingual, right? Fluent in Spanish and English?
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes:
Yes, indeed! I speak both languages. I’m deeply passionate about my culture and absolutely love the field of optometry. I’m particularly devoted to assisting students from pre-optometry through optometry school. So, that’s a quick glimpse into who I am.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Wonderful. And where did you attend optometry school?
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes:
I completed my optometry education at Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, I serve as the CEO and co-founder of ByeDryEyes.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Oh, impressive! Let’s delve into your journey then. You’ve taken quite a non-traditional approach, which I find incredibly fascinating. I believe sharing stories like yours not only resonates with our colleagues but also with students who may be facing similar challenges or victories. So, if you could walk us through your story from the beginning, that would be fantastic.
Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Hurdles in Education and Immigration
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes:
Absolutely. So, it all began in Colombia. My dad owned a restaurant, and my mom was a teacher. From an early age, I was deeply involved in the school system. I remember being in the classroom, not quite grasping everything, but there nonetheless. An interesting anecdote: during my first week in first grade, I finished everyone’s homework because I wanted to play. This caught the attention of my teachers, and after a test, they decided to skip me straight to second grade. Fast forward to when I moved to the States at 12.
Every immigrant has to undergo testing to determine their educational level. Despite being in the middle of eighth grade, my knowledge level was deemed at a tenth-grade standard. However, my English proficiency wasn’t quite there. I was given the option to jump straight to tenth grade, but I was hesitant. In my mind, I pictured American high schools like something out of “Mean Girls,” which terrified me. So, I chose to remain in eighth grade and focus on learning the language. I devised a routine where I’d study English for 45 minutes of each class and then spend the remaining 15 minutes on homework. My aim was to transition to honors classes, but that required mastering the language first.
Through dedication and effort, I managed to accelerate my progress. During the summer, I even took a special test to exit the ESOL program, enabling me to integrate fully with my peers. Despite being offered the chance to participate in a dual program, I decided to experience a traditional high school journey, even though I was significantly younger than my classmates. It was a period filled with both highs and lows, but overall, I cherished the experience. However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. As I approached senior year, when students typically start planning for college, I encountered a major setback due to my immigration status. Despite securing scholarships, I learned that I couldn’t accept them because of my situation.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
It sounds like a rollercoaster ride, especially at such a young age, having the rug pulled out from under you like that.
From Dr. Angelica Cifuentes to Tiny Optometrist on Social Media
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes:
Right? It was like everything seemed perfect, you know? I had all the requirements down pat. I was active in sports, had an impeccable GPA, and excelled in honors classes—everything was on point. Reality hit hard during senior year. So, I just told myself, “Okay, there’s a reason for everything. God has a plan.” I was just 16 then, and my little sister was born around then too. So, I thought, “Alright, I’ll take a year off. I’m young, it’s fine.” That’s precisely what I did. I enrolled in a local community college, Miami Dade, but there was a catch.
Due to my immigration status, my tuition fees were tripled. It was another hurdle to overcome. I struck a deal with my dad—I’d work at the mall, earning peanuts, while he covered my tuition.
I’d foot the bill for my textbooks, which, by the way, weren’t digital back then; they were these monstrous tomes. And that’s how we managed. Plus, if I ever got a bad grade, I’d have to repay him the amount he invested in my education. So, from early on, I learned the value of hard work and determination. I always had this vision of making my parents’ sacrifices worthwhile. Fast forward to my first two years of college, which actually stretched to two and a half years because we couldn’t afford full semesters.
Towards the end of those first two years, my brother thought he had a contact lens stuck in his eye, which turned out to be a false alarm. I took him to an eye doctor, who later became my mentor. Witnessing how relieved my brother was after the visit sparked my interest in optometry. I asked if I could shadow her, and she welcomed me with open arms.
That’s when I fell head over heels for optometry. During those years, I took up odd jobs in the eye care field, starting from a technician role that was essentially created for me by an office I frequented. I then moved on to seasonal work at an optical store in the mall, learning about insurance and glasses. Later, I worked as a receptionist in an office, where I also dabbled in fixing glasses. Eventually, I became a scribe. Each job added to my experience and fueled my determination to pursue optometry.
When the time was right, I returned to school, this time enrolling at Florida International University. I’d been out of school for nearly four years by then, so registering for classes was a bit of a challenge. I wanted to take on five classes per semester, but my advisors were skeptical. They warned me against it, citing my long break from academics and full-time job.
Despite their reservations, I pushed for it and even obtained an override from my professor. To everyone’s surprise, I made the Dean’s List that semester. So, I kept pushing myself, juggling work and studies, and eventually graduated with my undergrad degree. Then came the obligatory gap year before optometry school. By then, I had about six years of experience in the field, having worked in various roles. I applied to my dream school, NOVA, among others, and after some waiting and nerves, I finally got in. Oh, and during those gap years, I also managed to purchase a home in Miami.
Social Media Strategies for Healthcare Professionals
Dr. Darryl Glover:
What prompted you to dive into the world of social media?
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes:
Well, when I started optometry school, I initially wanted to create an Instagram profile for optometry. But to be honest, my first year was like literal hell. I cried almost every day during my 45-minute commute from Davie to Miami because I was so overwhelmed and stressed out. There were countless moments when I doubted myself, thinking I wasn’t cut out for it. Keep in mind, I had always been a high-achieving student, so struggling during my first year, which was chaotic with the sheer volume of information, hit me hard. So, during that time, I barely posted anything, maybe just two pictures.
During my first year, I was fortunate to meet my best friend, Melissa, who’s also a doctor. She noticed how stressed out I was and suggested we start doing social media together on the side. I was like, “Okay, Melissa.” She even told me my name was horrible, which was Dr. Angelica Cifuentes Suarez back then. So, she suggested “Tiny Optometrist” because she thought it suited me perfectly. I was skeptical at first, but the next morning while cooking my eggs before school, I thought about it again and decided to go for it. Melissa had reserved the name for herself initially, but she insisted I use it because she believed I embodied it perfectly.
So, we started creating content together. It became a way for me to escape from the stress of school. Making those little videos and posts helped me release my stress. I shared my story, the ups, downs, tears, joys, sleepless nights—everything. I realized that not many people understood what it meant to be an optometrist, including myself before starting school. So, I used social media to educate others about the field and share my journey. It was therapeutic in a way, and I found it fulfilling to connect with others who were going through similar experiences.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Now, Angelica, I’d like to discuss social media for doctors who may feel overwhelmed or lost. What platforms are best for amplifying their voices or connecting with colleagues and patients?
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes :
Everyone has their favorite platform, but I’ve noticed that Instagram has become a go-to for many. Nowadays, people search for restaurants and more on Instagram to get a feel for the vibe. Similarly, TikTok has become a hub for learning various skills. So, I’m biased towards Instagram. It’s a great starting point to build your presence. After that, you can explore platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. Personally, I haven’t used LinkedIn much until recently, so I can’t speak much about it. But for beginners, Instagram is a user-friendly option.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Absolutely. For me, I use Instagram mainly for doctor-to-patient interactions, though many colleagues follow me there too. It helps me build trust with patients before they even walk through the door. When they see aspects of my personal life, like my kids or shared interests, it makes our interactions smoother. As for doctor-to-doctor or business-to-business interactions, LinkedIn is my go-to. TikTok is still new to me, but it’s undeniable how these platforms serve as search engines. If you’re not on them, you’re missing out. And consistency is key—let your audience know when to expect your content.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Social media has also played a role in your business ventures, particularly with ByDryEyes. Can you tell us more about that transition?
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes :
Well, the name “ByDryEyes” actually came to me one night before bed, and it stuck. We launched the business in January 2023, shortly after I graduated from optometry school. ByDryEyes is an e-commerce website offering a range of dry eye products for patients.
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes’s Legacy on Inspiring Future Generations in Optometry
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Being Hispanic in the field of eye care, I’m curious about your experiences, hurdles, and how your heritage has influenced your journey.
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes :
Initially, I was self-conscious about my accent and hesitant to put myself out there, but I eventually embraced my identity as a proud Latina. Being bilingual has been a tremendous asset, especially in optometry school, where I could assist Hispanic patients and translate for my classmates. It’s been a journey of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
And finally, Angelica, what legacy do you hope to leave in optometry?
Dr. Angelica Cifuentes :
I want to be known as a change-maker and a symbol of determination. I want every Hispanic or immigrant with big dreams to know that they can achieve them. I aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams relentlessly, regardless of age or circumstances. Keep knocking on those doors until you get your “yes.” That’s the message I want to leave behind.
