Brian Sun, OD
Get to know the 2023-2024 Residents
Brian Sun, OD
NOR-LVR Resident
What is your fondest memory of WUCO professionally and/or personally? So far, seeing my name on an office door was pretty cool!
What do you love about WUCO? The preceptors and mentors I have had the pleasure of working with so far have all been so welcoming and willing to share their clinical pearls and knowledge. It is awesome to come to an atmosphere of acceptance and openness.
Why did you choose WUCO? I feel like Western chose me! During my 4th year I rotated through the ECI LA clinic and found out that I really enjoyed low vision. The fact that as a resident here at Western allows me to explore even more aspects of optometry (namely neuro-optometry) and further improve my skills in primary care really sealed the deal for me. I really do feel like I get a taste of everything here and having so many different specialties available is something I really treasure.
Why did you choose the profession of optometry?
What is your favorite thing about being an optometrist? In terms of low vision, my favorite thing about optometry is the specialized care I provide for my patients. When we find something that works for a patient that has severely limited vision, that breakthrough moment is priceless!
What are your passions outside optometry? Passion projects? I am an avid golfer, having played it all my life. Always down to hit the range/course! Also shooting archery and indoor rock climbing! Keeping up with my 3-year-old takes up the majority of my free time though!
What’s the most interesting thing you’re working on right now? Getting a poster put together for Academy on a case study of hydrocephalus and optic nerve atrophy.
What is your current goal for professional development? What is your next “thing” or next professional goal? Just staying afloat during this residency! I knew coming into a residency program that it was going to be a challenge, and I look forwards to learning every day that I am here.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My daughter, Aubree.
What advice would you provide to other Alumni after graduation? Be open to all opportunities that present themselves to you. They may not all lead to success, and many do not pan out. Keep making connections because you never know where they can lead you.
What was your favorite subject in Optometry school? Honestly, my favorite part of optometry school was starting clinic. It really allowed me to see the didactic things I learned in the classroom translated to the real world, and I loved finally being able to do the things I had been practicing to actually help patients.
Have you ever had to “unlearn” something? What was it? I had to “unlearn” my poor time management skills when starting optometry school. A graduate program is no joke! There never is enough time to learn everything. I had to get out of the mindset of “knowing everything” before starting and start the mindset of “knowing enough” to get started and understand that much of what I learn will come as I go. The preceptors are there to take that thing you know 80% about and get you closer to the 100% you want.
