About Stephen John, O.D., Diplomate ABO

Dr. Stephen John always saw his profession as both a way to make a living, and a means to support his community as well. The path to optometry wasn’t always a clear one, but the spark was ignited from the desire to help his family. “My grandmother went blind when I was young, and sadly it could have been prevented,” Dr. John recalls. “She had cataracts but refused surgery. Her last images of us were as kids and, even though she was still living, she was never able to see us as adults. She could have had surgery and seen. She could have had a better life.” As a result, Dr. John’s goal as an eye care provider is to educate his patients, helping them make the right decisions. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston, Dr. John took a job in the burgeoning technology field. Prior to becoming an optometrist he was a programmer analyst for Halliburton in Texas. “I’m fascinated by technology, and the role it plays in our daily lives. I loved working with computers, but I was interested in finding a way that could combine the latest technology with my need for a more hands-on role in helping people. One day, it just clicked for me – technology, my community, memories of my grandmother… Optometry made perfect sense. If I can help someone have a better life, help them see better, that’s my contribution to my community, and to the world,” he says. “It makes me feel good to be in a position of service.”