Becoming Dr. Lydia

My Village. This is just as much
their white coat as it is mine. 🥼❤️

I tragically lost my mother during my first year of optometry schol. Our family was already close, but her loss brought us even closer. Through every challenge, my aunt, uncles, and mentor continued to pour into me, support me, and remind me why I started.

I am deeply grateful for the village that carried me when I couldn’t carry myself.

💯

God’s work. 🤍

Every lesson, every test, every setback, every victory, and every trial was part of His pruning and purification process.

On May 29, 2026, I earned my White Coat and officially entered the clinical phase of my journey to becoming Dr. Lydia.

As I reflected on the significance of the white coat, I realized that its color is fitting. White symbolizes purity, and before God entrusted me with the responsibility this coat represents, He first refined me through seasons of loss, sacrifice, uncertainty, growth, and faith. The white coat is not just a symbol of academic achievement. It is evidence of a purification process that produced perseverance, character, and purpose.

This moment was made even more special because I was surrounded by the people God strategically placed along my path: my Aunt Marilyn McClain, who had the honor of placing my white coat; my uncles, Larry and Melvin; my best friend, Trevin, my step dad, Nathan; and Dr. Charles Rudolph, the man who first introduced me to the field of optometry.

There were moments I wasn’t sure how I would make it through. Yet God’s grace carried me every step of the way.

To God be all the glory. The journey continues. 🤍👩🏾‍⚕️

First Day of Class in OD-3. 🏥📚

Diagnosis??

Clues:
A 59 y/o male patient presented with rapidly progressive bilateral vision loss over just 7 days.
No diabetes. No hypertension. No known systemic
illness.

Fundus photography as seen

Lab workup revealed: HIV positive, CD4 count: 42
Vitreous PCR positive for CMV

The retina doesn't just reveal ocular disease..
sometimes it reveals systemic life-threatening illness.

✨ 5.26.26: A Divine Beginning ✨

Today is the first day I enter clinic to provide comprehensive eye exams to real patients. A divine day, created by God and guided by my preceptors. 🤍

Today shall be positive & unforgettable. I am basking in this moment of gratitude and reflection, especially knowing I am just three days away from officially receiving my white coat in front of my dearest family and friends.

A moment I have prayed for, worked for, and trusted God through. Grateful is an understatement. The journey of becoming continues. 👁️✨

Today, I started preparing to take Parts 1 of Boards. With FAITH, I know that investing early in my understanding will surely lead me to success.

BLOW MY MIND, GOD, because only YOU give wisdom, knowledge, understanding and success. ✨

Side note: peep my mom (my heavenly angel) on the screensaver. 🪽🪽💕

🔍 Spot the Clinical Finding 👁️

A localized elevated white lesion with surrounding conjunctival congestion — what’s your diagnosis?

💬 Comment your differential diagnosis below
📚 Let’s discuss the clinical approach and management
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