Crystal Vision | A Clear Vision For Modern Eyecare
By JENNIFER LECLAIR | Photos by JOHN BURNS
One day, a pianist came to Dr. Heather Triggs unable to read her sheet music. After treatment for chronic dry eye at Crystal Vision, the patient’s life changed.
“I like to see that kind of positive outcome,” said Dr. Triggs. “It’s fulfilling for myself as well as the patient.”
It’s exactly the kind of medical problem-solving that Dr. Triggs envisioned when she opened her Topeka optometry practice. Crystal Vision focuses on addressing the underlying causes of eye conditions, rather than just prescribing glasses.
“My building blocks and foundation are centered around newer technology, advanced treatments and medically focused eyecare,” said Dr. Triggs. “I will push boundaries and explore new options and opportunities to offer different treatment modalities beyond the standard of care.”
COMING INTO FOCUS
Dr. Triggs became interested in optometry during high school and college. She shadowed a female optometry duo whose practice showed her the profession could be both challenging and family friendly, something she says resonated with her personal and professional aspirations.
“I was lucky to see firsthand that this profession is challenging, not stagnant or boring,” said Dr. Triggs. “Luckily, I also saw that it was a career path where you could accomplish what you wanted to feel professionally fulfilled, while also having the flexibility to be present for your family.”
Originally from Nortonville, less than 40 miles from Topeka, Dr. Triggs has ties to the city through her husband, a Topeka native.
“I did a lot of research before deciding where to establish business roots,” said Dr. Triggs. “From a business analysis perspective, I really took a look at where I had the opportunity to grow. There is a lot of potential to serve here, and the smaller city feel of Topeka really resonates with me.”
Dr. Triggs specializes in scleral contact lenses and stays current with new options on the market. She also focuses on managing eye conditions like dry eye, which she says is increasingly common among people of all ages.
“It stems from the fact that a huge part of our jobs as adults are computer based, and kids from elementary school to college spend a lot of time on tablets and computers,” said Dr. Triggs. “We get dry eyes from staring at screens all day, so we are seeing the national average age for dry eyes getting younger year after year. It’s a nationwide problem that we have identified in the field of optometry, and I love exploring new, innovative solutions.
”She offers advanced treatments that address root causes rather than providing temporary relief, with personalized treatment plans to help patients reach their goals.
A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES
Dr. Triggs designed Crystal Vision to be welcoming and comfortable. The optical area resembles a high-end boutique, with fashion-forward frames displayed alongside more traditional options.
“I hope patients walk through the optical area feeling like there are options perfect for them,” said Dr. Triggs. “I want them to find a frame that makes them feel confident and completes their total experience here.”
Crystal Vision uses newer diagnostic testing methods that no longer require patients to endure a sudden puff of air on their eyes. In the exam room, Dr. Triggs says she emphasizes clear communication and open dialogues, spending time answering patient questions to develop comfort and trust.
“I like to challenge myself and I’m not going to settle for average. The better I can get to know a patient and their interests, the better I can help them reach their goals,” said Dr. Triggs. “I will keep pushing to find the best options and I hope my patients appreciate that I will never settle for ‘just okay.’”
Understanding that doctor visits can often feel rushed, Dr. Triggs also says she schedules longer appointment times and asks about patients’ work and hobbies to better understand their vision needs.
EYE-OPENING CONNECTIONS
As a member of the Greater Topeka Partnership, Dr. Triggs says she has connected with and learned from other regional business leaders and looks forward to networking within local women’s professional groups.
Beyond the clinic, she participates in professional optometry networks to access continuing education and mentorship. Dr. Triggs said her involvement with the Kansas Optometric Association, headquartered in Topeka, and the American Optometric Association, provides important resources and networking opportunities with optometrists around the country.
Her involvement with the Independent Practice Institute has connected her with a network of colleagues to meet monthly and discuss the business management and clinical aspect of owning an independent practice. Dr. Triggs says she chose independent practice over corporate optometry to maintain more control over patient care decisions.
She’s also fond of how social media can be used to expand health knowledge and awareness. At continuing education conferences, fellow optometrists will often share their lectures and presentations on a variety of platforms to make the information more accessible.
“The access to information is incredible, and a simple post can inspire me to go find a research study and learn more,” said Dr. Triggs. “My thirst for knowledge is continuous and social media is an awesome tool for personal growth.”
PERSPECTIVE SHIFT
Early in Dr. Triggs’ journey to get to where she is today, she began to wonder if she had what it takes to make it in the profession. She recalls the advice she was given that kept her pushing forward even when the road felt difficult.
“An optometrist I was shadowing asked me if I really wanted to go into this profession and I said yes, I really do,” said Dr. Triggs. “Then he told me that if I was passionate and if I really care, I was going to make it.”
She offers similar wisdom to young individuals considering optometry as a profession, and she encourages them to do their due diligence in exploring all areas of the business.
“Meet people in all aspects of optometry: private practice, corporate practice, even within a medical ophthalmology group,” said Dr. Triggs. “If you care, you’re passionate and you’re motivated, you can do whatever you set your mind to.”
