Dr. Rebecca Harris grew up in Somerset, Kentucky, where her father is still practicing optometry to this day. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at the University of Kentucky in 2005 and was then accepted into the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.
Her clinical training included primary care, pediatrics, ocular disease and external rotations in both Central Kentucky and Tuscaloosa VAMC. Dr. Harris received her Doctorate of Optometry in 2009 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is currently a Diplomate with the American Board of Optometry and is a member of the Kentucky Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
Recently, Dr. Harris sat down to discuss why she became an eye doctor, some of her education and training, as well as her life in Central Kentucky.
What drew you to being an eye doctor?
As a child, I witnessed how much my father enjoyed his career and the patients that he cared for. I was always fascinated with science and the visual system, so it was a natural fit. I wanted to be a part of a profession where I could make a difference to even some that cross my path. What better way to do that then to help foster the gift of sight?
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping to improve someone’s vision, but also taking into account how I can improve their quality of life. Figuring out what I can do to help them not only see better but how to make their lives easier (maybe they have dry eyes or want freedom from glasses) is something I strive to do for every patient.
What is the most exciting part of working with KEI?
Communication is the key to delivering quality care. KEI offers a broad spectrum of eye care specialists all within one practice. It makes communication between all of your eye care providers more efficient.
What type of eye care do you provide?
I provide primary eye care that includes routine eye care for pediatrics and adults, management of glaucoma, macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. I am fortunate to have a great network of specialists nearby if a referral is needed.
What do want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as the doctor that always listened and addressed any concerns that a patient may have. That is one of the benefits of practicing in a small town. You really get a chance to know your patients well and you’re not far if someone needs your help.
If you weren’t a doctor, what career path would you have chosen?
I always thought it would be fun to be a meteorologist, but my fear of public speaking kept that at bay!
How do you spend your time outside the office?
For those that don’t know our family well yet, we have four kids under five years old. My time outside the office is spent chasing after little ones, bike rides, walks, lots of laughs and PLENTY of laundry. Trying to take in this precious time before it passes!
What is your best advice for patients?
You are your best advocate. If something changes and you need answers, make sure you are in the hands of someone who will listen.
Dr. Harris and her husband, West Harris, DMD, (who operates his own dental practice in Lexington), currently reside in Versailles, Kentucky where West is a coach for the Woodford County High School baseball team. They are the proud parents of three daughters and one son, June, Gwen, Nora, and Owen. Dr. Harris and her husband also have two dogs that are as much family as their children and enjoy keeping up with Woodford County athletics and the Kentucky Wildcats. If you would like more information on Dr. Harris or any of the other talented Kentucky eye doctors we have on staff, you can visit their Kentucky Eye Institute profiles.