Member Spotlight: In Focus Vision Solutions
Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…
Photo by Scott Foust Photography
Meet Dr. Caitlin Morrison, a board-certified optometrist who founded the Scottsdale-based specialty contact lens practice In Focus Vision Solutions. Dr. Morrison is an Arizona native who studied optometry in Boston and New York before returning home to serve patients who haven’t had success with traditional contacts or eyeglasses. Her practice is designed to help those with vision conditions like ocular disfigurement, extreme light sensitivity, double vision, or persistent dry eye (often caused by living in the desert) to find the ability to see clearly with specialty contact lenses.
Dr. Morrison has a highly customized concierge approach to finding specialized vision solutions for her patients. An appointment with Dr. Morrison is consultative and extremely thorough — plus, she’s a busy working mom with a baby on the way—so we were thrilled to score some time on her lunch break to get to know her better.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you get started in optometry?
Dr. Morrison: I went to optometry school to fix my own problem! Like many of my patients, I had trouble with traditional contact lenses due to extremely dry eyes. I went from doctor to doctor and tried every type of contact lens available. I didn’t give up, and eventually found a solution with the scleral lens. It was such a relief for me to find an answer after searching for so long. I continued on with my residency program because I wanted to be an advocate for other people like me, who had been unable to find a solution but wanted to keep trying.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your work do you find the most fulfilling?
Dr. Morrison: Some of my patients experience vision difficulties that have severely limited their quality of life, often for decades. And almost every day, I get to be a part of that incredibly special moment when they see again. I feel lucky to be a part of that.
“Almost every day, I get to be a part of that incredibly special moment when they see again. I feel lucky to be a part of that.”
Dr. Morrison
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How does the process of getting fitted for specialty contact lenses work at In Focus?
Dr. Morrison: The entire process is customized. We spend about three to five appointments together making and refining the lens to create the most comfortable, effective solution. Even with the latest technology, I like to take my time with each patient to evaluate how their brain and eyes will adapt to their specialized lens. Patients will have these lenses for life, so it’s essential to get them just right. Then, we check in every year to make any necessary adjustments.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Do you have any eye health tips for our readers specific to living in the drier desert climate?
Dr. Morrison: My patients are always surprised when I share that the easiest way to find relief from dry eyes is not some special medical eye drop but a wet compress. Eighty percent of dry eye is due to a lack of oil in eyelid glands, so using a wet washcloth over closed eyelids for 5 minutes twice a day is effective. However, if dry eyes are getting in the way of wearing contact lenses, a scleral lens might be the answer.
Photo by Scott Foust Photography
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of our unique environment, can you share what it’s been like returning to Arizona after so much time away? What brought you back?
Dr. Morrison: I’m so happy to be back in my hometown after almost ten years. It’s a special place, and I love the way our year-round sunshine can make you feel. From a business perspective, it’s been really encouraging, as there’s a palpable community-feel amongst small business owners. It keeps me inspired and motivated!
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are some of your favorite local spots here in the Valley?
Dr. Morrison: Postino is an all-time favorite for dining. For shopping, Regency Modern is my go-to spot for gifts, especially chic candles you can’t find anywhere else. I also love to stop by Zoolikins, especially since I have a baby at home and another on the way. My husband and I love to play golf, and when we can we’ll do a twilight golf run at The Biltmore. I usually spend my Saturday mornings at the Gilbert Farmers Market shopping for fruit and specialty treats.
If you or someone you know has struggled to find a vision solution through traditional contact lenses, you can rest easy now that Dr. Morrison is back in the Valley. She’s made it her life’s work to bring specialized, custom vision solutions to her patients and she won’t give up until you are seeing comfortably and clearly. Book your exam online or by calling 480-420-4243.
