My mom was a schoolteacher, and my dad was an artist who had various jobs while I was growing up. I had a good childhood, played sports, was active in school, and didn’t want for anything. A pivotal moment in my childhood was the passing of my father from a long battle with cancer in 1996, which I think ultimately taught me from a young age the importance of health and the fragility of life.
Later, I graduated from Bishop Hafey High School, then started at Muhlenberg College and finished at Wilkes University before matriculating into Salus University, where I would attain the degree of Doctor of Optometry as well as Master of Public Health.
Fast forward ten years since my graduation from Optometry school, and I am living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I met the love of my life in undergrad—Jillian, who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy—and married her. We’ve already had three beautiful children, and we have another on the way. I could not be more grateful for all the wonderful gifts the profession of Optometry has given us.
I am the proud co-owner of a four-location private practice with nine of the best docs around. There is not a day that goes by that I am not excited to go to work and help people lead better lives. I love Optometry and that is why I decided on the first day of orientation in Optometry school that I was going to work to do whatever it was within my power to make sure the profession of Optometry not only continued, but also improved.
We have much work to do but as we embark on 2024 and the endless possibility it provides, let’s not forget who we are and the gifts we have been given. I would like 2024 to be the year of communication so that you feel plugged in and connected and aware of the hard work the volunteers and staff are doing. So, stay tuned for regular updates from your favorite eye guy from Hazleton! It’s going to be a great year!
James Deom, O.D.
POA President
