Fifteen Years of Faith, Friendship and the Gift of Clearer Vision
For 15 years, Veronica Sandoval has built a career grounded in faith, compassion and the joy of helping patients experience the gift of clearer vision.
Stepping Into Something New
When Veronica first joined Panhandle Eye Group, she was entering a field that was completely new to her. Before beginning her career in eye care, the only work she had known was retail at United Supermarkets, where she started working at age 15.
“I was so nervous to start,” Veronica said. “The only thing I knew was retail.”
Although she may have felt unsure in the beginning, Veronica embraced the opportunity to learn. What started as an unfamiliar job eventually became a fulfilling 15-year career.
From Patient Charts to an Ophthalmic Technician
Veronica began her time at Panhandle Eye Group in the file room, working with physical patient charts. Since then, she has witnessed major changes in the way patient information is stored and care is provided.
“I started working in the file room with actual patient charts,” she said. “Now, patient information is on the computer, and I work for Dr. McCarty.”
Today, Veronica is an ophthalmic technician. Her responsibilities include preparing patients for their appointments, documenting information during exams and assisting during surgery.
Veronica Sandoval of Panhandle Eye Group
Continuing to Learn and Grow
Throughout her career, Veronica has adapted to changes in technology, testing and patient care. New updates, procedures and lens options have continued to shape her role.
“It has changed a lot,” she said. “I have learned new things, including updates, testing and new lenses, and I am still learning.”
Her willingness to continue learning has helped her grow from a nervous new employee into an experienced member of the Panhandle Eye Group team.
Helping Patients See Again
For Veronica, the most rewarding part of her job is knowing that her work helps patients regain their vision.
“I enjoy getting to help patients with their vision,” she said. “The most rewarding part is seeing them get their sight back.”
She also appreciates hearing from patients who take the time to thank Dr. McCarty and his staff for the care they received. Those moments remind her how worthwhile their work can be in a person’s life.
Memories That Reach Beyond the Practice
After 15 years, Veronica said it is difficult to choose only one favorite memory. However, the mission trips she took to Mexico to help provide cataract surgery remain especially rewarding.
“I don’t have just one favorite memory; I have several,” she said. “The ones that stand out are when we went on mission trips to Mexico to do cataract surgery.”
Those experiences gave Veronica another opportunity to see how restoring someone’s vision can change a life.
Coworkers Who Became Friends
The people Veronica works with have played an important role in her journey. Over the years, those relationships have grown into something deeper than ordinary workplace connections.
“I have an amazing boss, and the people I work with are amazing,” she said. “They are more than just coworkers.”
Veronica credits her faith, boss and friends with helping her reach this milestone and encouraging her through moments when she struggled to believe in herself.
“Reaching 15 years has made me realize that anything is possible with faith in God,” she said. “It has also made me stronger, grateful and blessed to have an amazing job, boss and friends who have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
One Change She Isn’t Ready For
As Veronica looks ahead, there is one change she admits she is not ready to face.
“I’m not looking forward to Dr. McCarty retiring at all,” she said with a laugh.
Until that day comes, Veronica looks forward to continuing to learn, support her team and help patients experience the joy of clearer vision.
Panhandle Eye Group congratulates Veronica on 15 years of dedication, growth and service. We are grateful for the faith, compassion and commitment she continues to bring to our patients and team.