Meet Dr. Khem | Optometrist

Get to know our optometrist and owner, Dr. Jennifer Khem.

Where are you from originally?
A small town outside of Fort Worth, TX — I am a native Texan but have since made Los Angeles my home as I love the people, weather, beach, activities and so much more!

Where did you go to school?
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, graduating early with a B.S. in Biology and then went immediately into optometry school at the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry. Afterward, I chose to complete an optional residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hudson Valley in New York.

Where have you lived?
I was fortunate to experience short periods of time living in various parts of the U.S. due to my externships during optometry school. I’ve lived in Austin, Texas, Bay Area, Portland, Oregon, Washington D.C., and Westchester, New York.

What languages do you speak?
I can understand Cambodian very well.

Are you a morning or night person?
Night owl.

What’s your favorite time of day?
Nighttime.

Beach or Mountains?
Definitely the beach as I love a beautiful ocean and sunset.

What is the sound you love the most?
The sound of rain.

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee and boba.

Sweet or Savory?
Sweet — I have a huge sweet tooth!

Favorite Artist?
Lana del Rey, for her ethereal vocals.

Favorite Quote?
“Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity.”

Favorite board game?
Othello.

What three words best describe you?
Kind, empathetic, generous.

What is at the top of your bucket list?
Visiting the biolumenescent ocean in Maldives.

What is something that amazes you?
The ingenuity of children and their ability to learn in such a short period of time. They are little geniuses!

Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?
I can fulfill my passion of helping my patients improve their quality of life through vision.

What is the best part of your career?
Meeting new people everyday and making a positive impact.

What is the most memorable part of your career?
Every time I see a huge smile from someone who is seeing clearly for the first time and seeing their genuine reaction. It warms my heart.

What is something that you take pride in?
I take pride in the commitment I have to my patients and provide them with the time, energy, resources and comprehensive care they deserve. I treat all my patients like they are my family — they are someone’s parent, sibling, friend, etc. So it is an honor for someone to choose me to care for their eyes and in return I will do my best to ensure they are taken care of. It brings me joy to see my patients’ vision improve, which is why I have taken a great interest in scleral lenses since these lenses can bring patients to seeing 20/20 who have never seen that well before their entire lives — that is truly a rewarding experience and always a highlight of my career.

What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen?
People helping other people or animals.

Who inspires you to be better?
Children. They are pure examples of those who do not discriminate and see past race and beliefs, are curious and maintain a zest for learning.

What books do you like to read?
Entrepreneurial and leadership books…when I do read or pick up a book.

What book do you recommend?
I recommend reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad and The Millionaire Next Door. They both teach you frugality and show that the spending habits of those that are wealthy go against the stereotypical grain that they are hyperconsumers.

My favorite quotes from the book are:

“Whatever your income, always live below your means.”

“Wealth is not the same as income. If you make a good income each year and spend it all, you are not getting wealthier. You are just living high. Wealth is what you accumulate, not what you spend.”

What can you never seem to finish?
Funnily, a book. I’ve never been a bookworm or an avid reader (pertaining to literature). I’m more of an “article reader” — I love reading articles, news, tidbits, summaries that are straight to the point, etc. on a daily basis however. During school, you can bet that my best friend was Spark Notes and Pink Monkey, hah! However, I liked reading textbooks and encyclopedias.

What is a common misconception about you?
That I’m studious, that is far from the truth! I was voted “Most Studious” during my senior year…I wouldn’t say I’m studious, I just find efficient ways of doing things in the least amount of time and the least amount of work in order to achieve the same outcome.

What is something you will NEVER do again?
Ride Shotgun Falls at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor or any tall water slide.

What bends your mind every time you think about it?
That our eyes see everything upside down — so how is the world really like if we see everything inverted?

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
Malibu.

What is the best purchase you’ve ever made?
My PopSocket and will never go without one again.