‘What could be more rewarding than helping people see better?’ – Patricia Espinoza de Faria
We’re shining the light on Patricia Espinoza de Faria this International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Leaving behind a home country in turmoil and her career in ophthalmology, Patricia started a new life in Canada but still managed to find her way back to the world of optics. Now, she’s the retail partner at Specsavers Lynden Park Mall in Brantford, ON and studying for her new chapter in opticianry. She shared some reflections on her journey and career in eye health care.
What inspired you to pursue a career in optics?
My mother was a pharmacist, and my father is still practicing as an endocrinologist at the age of 92. They taught me the value of hard work.
When the time came for me to decide about my future career, I started going with my d ad to the hospital. I saw him while he was examining and talking to one of his patients, and something just moved inside me – and I made my decision.
Ophthalmology came later, mostly because I grew up with recurrent styes and I had them treated with injections, surgery and medication. Talking with all the different ophthalmologists that I had to visit increased my curiosity. After finishing medicine, I wanted something that involved both clinical and surgical aspects, focused on a small part of the body but with great significance. And what could be more rewarding than helping people see better?
What challenges did you face as a woman in science and how did you navigate them?
I believe that every woman of my generation has faced challenges to our gender. We might not speak loud enough or complain strongly enough when we’re being paid less or getting less recognition than our male coworkers or peers – or worse, facing harassment in the workplace. Simply because we’re women.
How did I navigate that? Probably not as well as I would navigate those challenges now. I’ve learned with experience that we need to speak up and explain why a certain situation feels unfair. Defend our point of view and our value. Worst case scenario, if they don’t listen, we can leave with our pride intact, knowing that we did everything that we could.
What’s been your most rewarding experience or achievement as a woman in science?
I left my country in 2012, and I believe that I was in a very good position in my career. I was working with one of the most respected ophthalmologists in my hometown, doing and reporting anterior chamber analysis, specular microscopy and OCT; and working privately in my own office as well.
The most rewarding experience in this line of work is the happiness in a patient’s face when they can finally see clearly again, especially in a developing country like mine, where people often come to see you with very advanced cataracts.
How have you been able to pivot your career? What got you to your current path today?
I came to Canada because of all the turmoil happening in my country, so that I could offer my kids a better quality of life. I didn’t have any expectations of becoming a doctor here as I knew that it would be very difficult, and I just wanted to start working. I was lucky to find a job as an optometric assistant and I stayed in that path for a long time. Unfortunately, I was rejected from the bridging program offered by an optometry school, so I decided to keep learning more in the position I had back then.
Tapping into what my husband would call being a natural boss (I prefer natural leader!) I started looking out for manager and leadership opportunities, where coaching and mentoring was also possible. Any previous skill becomes the foundation of the new ones that you will develop while reinventing yourself.
Opticianry became a possibility when I met Rachel Perez, who mentored me in one of my previous jobs, and showed me that it offered a lot of opportunities. Thanks to her recommendation, I interviewed for a retail partner opportunity with Specsavers. And here I am, ready to start studying again, this time to become an optician.
What would you share on International Day for Women and Girls in Science to empower the next generation?
Follow your dreams, use both your heart and your head to visualize and nurture them. Remember that your dream can transform, grow, or be reshaped. Work should never be a burden; it must bring joy. Be proactive, and persevere – someone will eventually say yes, someone will eventually answer the door. Ask questions, lots of them, and don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” because we stay young by learning every day and being open to change.
Good luck and stay empowered!