Doctor Highlight: Dr. Helen Kim

Dr. Helen Kim attended the University of Washington where she graduated with a Major in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Minor in Medical History and Ethics. She received her Doctorate in Optometry with Honors from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry. At Berkeley Optometry, Dr. Kim served as her Class President and Trustee of the American Optometric Student Association. After graduating, she worked at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Tacoma, Washington where she served veterans in our armed forces and managed diverse medical care.

Dr. Kim has been an active member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) where she served as Membership Chair. She has also provided eye care to people in need in Mexico and Honduras through Volunteers of Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH International).

In 2018, Dr. Kim moved back to Seattle with her family and enjoy traveling abroad to learn about other cultures and experience new adventures.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME AN OPTOMETRIST?

I have always been fascinated with eyes since I was young mainly because I had poor vision. I was completely amazed when I received my first glasses as I drove home in the back of my parents' car looking at all the trees and leaves so clearly. Then I started to wonder a lot about vision. Could everyone see the same colors as I did? Why did my eyes change so much year after year? Vision just fascinated me. One of the main reasons why I chose to be an optometrist is because it is primary vision care. I am able to see everyone from infants to the elderly in my community and take care of their eye health. I love getting to know everyone in my community and building relationships over the years. It has truly been a privilege.

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR OCCUPATION?

Mainly because I love to take care of my community and build relationships.

WHO INSPIRED YOU OR DID YOU LOOK UP TO?

My cousin Suzy inspired me. She became the first optometrist in our family, and I thought that was a wonderful idea.

WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PATIENTS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love to travel, and it is more special when I can incorporate my passion of vision with it. I have served in Honduras and Mexico and hope to go to many more countries in the future to help people see better. Giving people sight can be so simple and instantaneous with glasses. I hope when my children get older, they can join me in providing service to those in great need around the world.