Dr. Angelica Cifuentes: The Non Traditional Journey "The Tiny Optometrist"

Some careers follow a straight line. Others are built through grit, patience, and a deep belief that the right doors will open with time. Dr. Angelica Cifuentes’ path to optometry is the latter. Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, Angelica immigrated to Miami at age 12 and faced years of logistical and legal roadblocks before she could apply to optometry school. She never stopped moving forward. She found mentors, worked every role in a clinic, and turned setbacks into skills that now serve her patients every day.

In this conversation, Angelica shares how she discovered optometry, why she built a transparent social media brand as The Tiny Optometrist, what drew her to commercial sublease practice, and how she is giving back to the profession through advocacy and mentoring.

Discovering optometry through a family emergency

Dr. Angelica Cifuentes always knew she wanted to be a doctor but did not know which path fit. The spark came when her brother worried a contact lens had floated behind his eye. That urgent visit to optometrist Dr. Vanessa Marino, who later became a mentor, revealed the full scope of eye care. Shadowing exposed Angelica to pediatrics, retinal emergencies, and the calm confidence that transforms patient fear into peace. It clicked. This is the work.

Learning the clinic from the ground up

Before optometry school, Angelica worked everywhere in a practice. Front desk. Optical. Adjusting frames. Lab. Insurance verification. Those experiences became superpowers in school and later as a doctor. She already knew lensometry. She could problem solve at the front. She could read benefits and explain materials in exam rooms. Today, that empathy and fluency help her support her team and guide patients through the entire journey, not just the exam.

Takeaway: If you are a pre optometry student, shadow widely and work in the trenches. Learn from techs and opticians as much as you learn from doctors. You will use those skills forever.

Nova dream, new name, and building The Tiny Optometrist

Angelica earned her seat at Nova Southeastern University, her dream school. During those years she created a social media outlet that became a brand. A friend nudged her to adopt a shorter handle. The Tiny Optometrist was born. What started as a stress relieving hobby grew because she showed her whole journey. Wins and misses. Study days and real life. Authenticity built connection.

Her rule for partnerships: Be honest and transparent. Try everything first. Only share what you truly believe in.

A non traditional path and why timing matters

Angelica graduated high school at 16, started college at 17, then took an unexpected five year pause due to immigration hurdles and life changes. She used that time to work, learn, and save. When she returned, she carried a full course load while working full time, earned Dean’s List honors, and finished strong. That detour gave her maturity, clarity, and commitment. It also proved that time will pass anyway, so you might as well spend it building the life you want.

Choosing a practice setting that fits your life

Angelica explored private practice and medical optometry during fourth year and after graduation. A breakfast meeting with Dr. Idries Fattin opened her eyes to sublease life at Blinkn Owl. Flexibility to travel for events, freedom to shape her schedule, and space to build deep patient relationships were the deciding factors. She briefly split time between private and commercial, then transitioned fully to the sublease model that best supports her goals.

Similarities and differences she highlights

• You can practice high level, medical minded optometry in a well run sublease.

• Private practice can offer optical revenue and full ecosystem control, but it also brings more overhead and scheduling rigidity.

• Sublease can deliver meaningful flexibility without compromising patient care when the culture is right.

There is no single best model. There is the model that best fits your values, goals, and season of life.

Entrepreneurship and Dry Eye

After graduation, Angelica fell in love with ocular surface disease. Rather than opening a brick and mortar clinic right away, she and her husband launched By Dry Eyes, an e commerce store dedicated to dry eye solutions. He runs the behind the scenes. She serves as the clinical voice and face. It is a practical way to help people now while keeping future options open.

Advocacy and representation

Angelica serves on the boards of Latinos in Optometry and the Miami Dade Optometric Association. She mentors Nova students, supports SVOSH, and uses her platforms to educate on policy issues that affect our profession. She is not political by nature, but when the profession needs a voice, she shows up.

Why it matters: Introducing optometry to middle and high school students expands awareness, builds diversity, and strengthens the future of eye care. Representation invites the next generation to see themselves in white coats.

Advice for students and new grads

• Believe in yourself. Obstacles are shaping you, not stopping you.

• Work across roles before school if you can. The empathy and skills pay off for years.

• Be you online. Authenticity is more powerful than polish.

• Pick a practice model that fits your life, not someone else’s.

• Keep doors open. Say yes to opportunities that align with your values.

What is next for Dr. Angelica Cifuentes

Angelica is leaving space for the next right thing. After years of meticulous planning, she has seen how unexpected opportunities can create the most meaningful chapters. She is staying open, staying grateful, and continuing to build community through honest storytelling and everyday care.

Connect with Dr. Angelica Cifuentes on social as @tinyoptometrist on Instagram and TikTok. If you are a student who wants to shadow or has questions about her path, send her a message. She treats DMs like texts and does her best to respond.