Dr. Paula Newsome: 30+ Years of Trailblazing Eye Care

We’d like to shine a spotlight on and offer our heartfelt congratulations to our one and only Dr. Paula Newsome for over 30 years as a private eye care practitioner and champion for equal rights. It wasn’t always easy, but “nevertheless, she persisted!”

In all her years practicing eye care, she’s always been a trailblazer. In a wide-ranging article for Black History Month with the American Academy of Optometry, Dr. Newsome discusses how she overcame overt sexism and racism on her long journey to become one of the most respected eye doctors in the field today. Some of her many accomplishments include:

• Being the first African American female optometrist to open a private practice in North Carolina

• Becoming the first female African American female Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry

• Being among the first students from the University of Alabama at the Birmingham School of Optometry to earn both her master's and doctorate degrees at the same time

• Becoming the first African American resident at the Eye Institute at Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry

Among the proudest episodes of her life was meeting Nelson Mandela soon after his release from prison, before he became president of South Africa, and accepting his invitation to come on a three-week mission to deliver eye care to needy communities throughout the country. The time spent serving the South African community influenced her deeply, leading to the formation of a medical mission team at her church and visits to countries such as Jamaica, Guyana, and Haiti to serve the eye care needs of underprivileged residents throughout those communities.

Today, Dr. Newsome travels the world, providing free eye care in many parts of North America, South America, and Africa. With a thriving optometric practice in Charlotte for over 20 years, she continues to innovate and blaze new trails by staying on top of the latest developments and technologies throughout the eye care world. Teaching classes and giving lectures to aspiring eye care professionals in Atlanta is a prominent part of her work. She is also well-known in the field for her discussions on Acuvue Vitas Contact Lenses, which are featured in Optometric Management.

Having such a dynamic and innovative eye doctor with us at enhances not only the experience of our patients but that of our entire clinic!