Tulsa Tech Helps Student Find His Vision for the Future

When Karem Alkhatib enrolled in Tulsa Tech’s Eye Care Optometry Assistant program as a senior at Union High School, he wasn’t sure exactly where his future would lead. He knew he was interested in the medical field, but it took one unexpected discovery to help him find his passion.

“I was originally interested in the Dental Assisting program, but I knew that it was very competitive,” Alkhatib said. “I was looking at the Pharmacy Technician program but didn’t feel like that was the right fit. Then I saw the Eye Care program. I felt like it was intriguing, so I enrolled in the class and absolutely loved it. The teacher made me love it, and it has been the best decision I’ve ever made in terms of what I want to do in school. 

That decision opened the door to a profession he had barely experienced himself. Before enrolling in the program, Alkhatib had visited an eye doctor only once because he has excellent vision 

Through Tulsa Tech’s classroom instruction and hands-on labs, he discovered that eye care involves much more than checking eyesight or prescribing glasses.

“I learned the structures of the eye, how to use the slit lamp and the phoropter to help patients get the right prescription for eyeglasses and contact lenses,” he said. “It also showed me that this was a way I could really help people, which gives me a purpose.”

“I wasn’t just coming to class to try and pass. I was coming to learn more about what I want to do, and it interests me.”

During his time at Tulsa Tech, a major part of Alkhatib’s experience was an internship with MyEyeDr. After completing the program, he was hired by the company as a Vision Technician.

The transition from the classroom to the workplace showed him just how valuable his training had been.

“When I began my internship, I saw firsthand how much my instructor, Mrs. Dava Jackson, was teaching us,” Alkhatib said. “It really helped set me up for my future.”

He credits Jackson’s passion for teaching and the supportive classroom environment with making the experience especially meaningful. His classmates also became an important part of his journey, creating a close-knit group that felt like family.

Beyond technical knowledge, Alkhatib learned that success in eye care requires patience, focus and strong people skills. Vision Technicians interact with patients throughout the day, and the ability to remain friendly, attentive and helpful can make a difference in someone's experience.

“Patients may feel nervous, anxious or even frustrated about coming to the doctor, so you need to stay true to yourself, remain positive and be willing to help put them at ease.”

Alkhatib is now attending Tulsa Community College in its pre-optometry pathway. He plans to spend two years at TCC before transferring to Northeastern State University to earn his bachelor’s degree and continue into NSU’s Doctor of Optometry program.

His long-term goal reflects the purpose he discovered at Tulsa Tech, helping people protect one of their most valuable senses.

“People don’t value vision until they start losing it,” Alkhatib said. “I feel like a lot more people should learn about optometry because it’s really important in our lives.”

He encourages students to consider Tulsa Tech to explore career interests before making a significant investment in college.

“Before stepping into a field and risking four years of a college education, I very much recommend going to Tulsa Tech, getting a brief idea of it and seeing if you really like it,” he said.

For Alkhatib, that year did more than introduce him to a profession. It helped him discover a direction, develop practical skills and take his first steps toward a career centered on helping others see the world more clearly.