Dr. Samuel Homra is an ophthalmologist with Levenson Eye Associates.
Tell us about your work.
I am an ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained in corneal transplants, glaucoma surgery and cataract surgery. I work for Levenson Eye Associates, which has been in the community for more than 30 years. As one of the newest doctors to join the group, I am proud to be a part of such an incredible organization where I’m able to provided my services. What I value most about our group is our strong commitment to philanthropic work, primarily focused on providing access to eye care for underserved populations. We are involved with organizations like Vision Is Priceless and Surgical Eye Expeditions International (SEE) to provide care to those that need it most.
What do you like best about what you do?
The most rewarding aspect of ophthalmology, and the reason I pursued a career in it after medical school, was because I felt like it was one of few medical specialties that can improve a patient’s quality of life. The idea that a 10-minute surgical procedure could cure blindness in a patient with a cataract or a corneal transplant could restore sight in a patient who thought it was gone, was the main motivation.
It has been incredibly rewarding to watch patients who have lost their dependence regain it after surgery. In some cases, and we see this with patients in our community partnerships like Vision Is Priceless, we can lift patients out of homelessness because their sight had been limiting their ability to hold a job, and they didn’t have the resources to have surgery.
What is a typical day like for you?
I am fortunate to be a part of a very busy practice with really skilled ophthalmologists. I see patients throughout the day with a variety of diseases including cataract, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and corneal dystrophies. I am also a part of ongoing clinical trials hoping to bring the future of eye care directly to our patients. This allows me to offer access to treatments that are not yet available to the general public.
Tell us about your background, especially as it applies to your career or to your involvement with the organization described above.
I went to Tulane University in New Orleans for undergrad where I graduated with a degree in cell and molecular biology. I then earned my medical degree from the University of Louisville and went on to complete my ophthalmology residency at Louisiana State University in New Orleans. I then pursued dual fellowship training in glaucoma and cornea surgery at Your Eye Specialists in Fort Lauderdale.
Are you from this area originally?
I grew up in Jacksonville, moving to the area when I was 3, and my wife was born here. My wife and I both went to Episcopal (at the time High School) School of Jacksonville. We both have family in the area, as well. After our first child was born at the start of my fellowship, we knew we wanted to move back home. Having been gone since graduating high school, seeing how much the city has grown and evolved has been impressive. We are excited to raise our kids here.
What do you like best about living here?
Growing up, my family had season tickets to the Jaguars so I’m most excited to take my kids to the games. We also love being by the beach. That’s actually how I ended up in Fort Lauderdale for fellowship. I promised my wife we’d choose a fellowship close to the ocean since I made her move to New Orleans with me for residency.
How do you like to spend your free time?
With two boys under 2, I spend all my free time with my family. Our favorite thing to do is hike Guana Park on a nice day. My oldest son loves pointing out birds and picking up rocks. And my youngest enjoys the sunshine. Now that spring is here, we are looking forward to getting back to the beach where my oldest son loves to splash in tide pools. Having friends and family in town means that we get to spend a lot of time with the people we are closest to.
