Dr. Christine Craig joined Ridgefield Vision Center in June 2017. We’re excited that she’s here, and want our patients to get to know her, so we asked her a few questions:
Why were you drawn to optometry? I was the nerdy science kid in class and am fascinated by how the body works. I also love helping others, so healthcare has been my aim ever since I was a child. And what’s cooler than eyeballs and vision?
Where did you go to professional school? Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN
Why did you decide to practice in Richmond? I enjoyed living in Memphis during my years of optometry school, but I’m from Goochland and I love Richmond too much to choose anywhere else. Memphis has a strong local business atmosphere that I thoroughly appreciate, so Richmond’s growing local movement is attractive to me, and of course the thriving restaurant scene here is a big draw. I also love the number of outdoor activities that are available here, particularly any involving the James River.
In what other optometry practices have you worked? In addition to seeing patients at The Eye Center of Southern College of Optometry, I’ve also interned with Dr. Marc Hudson at Blue Ridge Eye Associates in Lexington, VA and with numerous optometrists at the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Both of these practices see patients with a wide variety of ocular conditions, both acute and chronic. I learned a great deal about diagnosis and treatment from both of these experiences, which prepared me to give every patient I see the best possible care.
How and why did you choose Ridgefield Vision Center? I was a patient of Dr. Droter’s for many years! And you may have seen me here before: I worked at RVC at the front desk and as an optometric technician for three summers while I was in school. Not only has Dr. Droter been a wonderful mentor, but I also love the staff and office atmosphere, as well as the many patients that I’ve had the pleasure of working with here.
What is your favorite quote? “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” –Henry Ford
Before you became an optometrist, what was your most interesting job? In college, I was a hostess and later a server at Bull & Bones in Blacksburg, VA. It was a fast-paced but fun job where I learned how to work with a wide variety of people and manage situations to provide the best experience for each customer.
What are your hobbies? I love to cook and explore the outdoors, especially going to the James River and hiking Virginia’s mountains. Once Fall arrives, I’ll be headed to Virginia Tech for at least one football game. Go Hokies! I’m also looking forward to returning to Richmond Volleyball Club to play my favorite sport again.
Any message you’d like to convey to your new patients? I am committed to providing the highest quality of eye care for my patients. I am trained in the most recent advances in diagnosis and management of both ocular conditions and systemic conditions that can affect your eyes, and I look forward to taking care of your eyes and sight for years to come.
For 19 years, our optometry team at Ridgefield Vision Center has provided conscientious, personable vision care for adults and children in Richmond’s far West End, near Godwin High School and Short Pump Mall. We make going to the eye doctor a positive experience. Whether you need eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses, we offer the highest quality products to ensure the health of your eyes so that you enjoy good vision in every season of life. We’ll continue to provide you with valuable information about the human eye and to provide the highest level of professional eye care for our patients’ vision health. Call us at 804-741-1204 and schedule your next appointment today!
