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The latest episode of OD’ing on Movies took listeners on a deep dive into the indie horror sensation Obsession, a psychological thriller that explores what happens when admiration turns into unhealthy fixation. While the hosts unpacked the film’s suspenseful twists and unsettling themes, the conversation also highlighted something equally compelling—a unique career path in optometry.
Guest Dr. Lindsay Carroll shared how she found her dream job in a mobile pediatric eye clinic serving schools throughout the Denver metro area. Her story proved that, unlike the movie’s title, finding your calling in optometry shouldn’t be an obsession with one traditional path—it should be about discovering what truly fits your passions and personality.
A Different Way to Practice
Rather than working in a conventional office, Dr. Carroll travels directly to schools, providing comprehensive eye exams to children who might otherwise never receive vision care. The program removes barriers such as transportation, cost, and scheduling, helping students access eye exams and glasses during the school day.
For many children, it’s their first—and sometimes only—visit to an eye doctor.
Following What Brings You Joy
Dr. Carroll didn’t start in mobile care. After graduation, she worked in a retail setting before intentionally searching for pediatric outreach opportunities after moving to Colorado.
Her advice to new graduates was refreshingly simple: identify what excites you most about optometry and let that guide your career decisions.
Whether you enjoy pediatrics, medical optometry, specialty contact lenses, private practice, or community outreach, the profession offers countless opportunities to build a fulfilling career.
Lessons Beyond the Movie Screen
While Obsession delivers plenty of suspense, dark humor, and psychological horror, the hosts also discussed the dangers of idealizing people and situations rather than communicating openly and authentically.
That message extends surprisingly well to professional life. Many students believe there is only one “right” way to practice optometry, but success comes from exploring different modalities and finding the environment where you can make the greatest impact.
For Dr. Carroll, that meant combining her passion for children with community service through mobile eye care.
Making an Impact Where It Matters Most
School-based vision programs help identify refractive error, amblyopia, binocular vision disorders, and other conditions that can affect a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Early intervention can change educational outcomes and improve quality of life for years to come.
The episode may center around a horror movie, but its biggest takeaway is unexpectedly inspiring: pursue the career that aligns with your passions, remain open to unconventional opportunities, and remember that some of the most rewarding work in optometry happens outside the walls of a traditional clinic.
Sometimes the best career path is the one you never expected.
