Jennifer Chan is a fourth-year student studying at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. She was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta and completed her BSc in Biology and Nutrition at the University of Alberta. During her undergraduate education, she was also employed at an optical with a retail position. Jennifer then completed an Optical Sciences diploma to become a licensed Optician and this where her interest in this field really developed.
Through the optical, Jennifer also had the opportunity to shadow the partnered Optometrist. The most rewarding part of being an Optician was witnessing the joy that corrective lenses brought to people. However, it was through the opportunities with the Optometrist where she became truly fascinated by the complexity of the eyes and the impact that ocular health could have on a person.
At the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Jennifer was a class scribe, group tutor for clinical labs and private tutor for several other classes. She has been fortunate in receiving recognitions from the university such as scholarships for outstanding clinician, outstanding academic performance and the President’s Cup, as well as the Walmart Optometry Scholarship and American Academy of Optometry’s J. Pat Cummings Scholarship.
Throughout her fourth-year rotations, she was given the opportunity to learn from a group of very successful Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, such as the ones in the attached picture. Their mentorship greatly expanded her knowledge in all areas of the profession and their clinical practice and research success has become something she’s idolized and motivated to achieve. In the future, Jennifer hopes to open a private practice in Edmonton. She will strive to always treat her patients with the utmost care and respect, give back to the community and never stop learning so she can pursue her career to the fullest.
In her hometown, she mentors at the elementary school she attended and volunteer at the food banks. In addition, her hobbies include travelling, eating and watching the Edmonton Oilers hockey games with her family.