ARACELIS AGUIAR - AZCOPT 2026

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 Hi, I’m Aracelis Aguiar, an optometry student from Miami, Florida, currently attending AZCOPT. Growing up, I spent a lot of time working in retail with my parents, which sparked my love for helping people while providing meaningful service. Optometry felt like the perfect way to combine that passion with my interest in eye health. I’m especially drawn to ocular disease, glaucoma, and specialty contact lenses, and I love taking the time to educate patients—helping them understand their concerns and feel confident about their care. I would describe myself as warm, calm, and outgoing, and my Cuban heritage plays a big role in shaping who I am. My parents came to the U.S. from Cuba in hopes for a better future and a pursuit of happiness, so I made it a priority to ensure the opportunities they worked so hard for were not wasted, inspiring me to make the most of my education and experiences. One day, I hope to open my own private practice, where I can continue providing thoughtful, patient-centered care. Outside of optometry, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and sharing lots of laughs along the way. 

 I chose my fall rotation at West Texas Eye Care because of its excellent reputation and because the clinic’s private practice model aligns with my long-term career goals. During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients—from children to older adults—seeing everything from simple refractive errors to glaucoma, AMD, foreign body removals, and post-operative cataract care. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of truly listening to patients: addressing their main concerns first is often more meaningful than jumping straight to a new prescription. This rotation has helped me grow more confident in my clinical decision-making and in providing care tailored to each patient’s needs. I’ve also loved experiencing the small-town feel of Fort Stockton and the welcoming environment at the clinic. Dr. Pass, Dr. Cherry, and Dr. Lamm have been incredible mentors, guiding me through patient care, billing, and practical aspects of running a practice. Overall, this rotation has been an amazing opportunity to strengthen my skills and solidify my passion for thoughtful, patient-focused optometry