We are happy to announce that David Klink, DO will be joining our team as an associate physician! Dr. Klink will be working with Piedmont Eye Center to assist in seeing patients in need of a neuro specialist. He is the ninth doctor to join our multi-specialty practice! Get to know Dr. Klink below.
What made you want to become an ophthalmologist?
I’ve always been fascinated by the visual system; the eye, the brain, how the eyes move and how we see. I enjoy the evaluation and thought process that goes into figuring out visual problems. I also like the fact that it is a mix of office practice and surgery, so you get to follow some patients for a long time while you may only see some once.It is a mix of lots of different things that keeps the practice challenging and interesting.
How did you come to Piedmont Eye Center?
I actually came to Lynchburg to teach at the Osteopathic Medical School when I retired after 28 years in the Navy in 2015. The ability to work in a multi-specialty practice like Piedmont allows me to stay clinically active which makes my teaching and work at the medical school better.
Why did you choose your subspecialty?
I did two fellowships, one in in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (eye misalignment) and the other in Neuro-Ophthalmology, which is my focus here at Piedmont Eye Center. I enjoy the evaluation and clinical reasoning that goes into figuring out visual problems that involve the eye, the brain, and things like eye movements and visual development. There is a lot of overlap between the two areas and I think that each one enhances the other.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Educating patients and, in some cases their parents, about what is going on with their vision and how we can address it. Many times we can offer treatment plans that resolve the patient’s problem, but sometimes we can’t. It is especially important in those cases to make sure that everyone involved understands the problem and the treatment plan well in order to maximize the patient’s visual function.
What’s one thing you wish every patient knew?
That they are in charge of their health. Doctors function as consultants and advisors, but it is up to the patient to do everything in their power to maximize their well-being.
What do you like to do when you aren’t at work?
My wife and I are at a stage in life where we are beginning to collect grandchildren, spending time with them and having an influence on their lives is our top priority. Our faith community is also very important to us, and I serve as an elder in our local church body. Travel, being active outdoors and reading are other things I enjoy when I have the time.