Recent University of Guam graduate Kyra Dela Cruz is already looking ahead.

Dela Cruz hopes to eventually return to Guam as a licensed optometrist, helping address local eye care needs while creating opportunities for future students interested in the profession.

A Clear Perspective

Dela Cruz knew early on that she wanted a career in healthcare, but her decision to specialize in optometry was solidified during her senior year of high school. As a child, she frequently visited eye clinics because of recurring vision-related issues and quickly learned how important vision is to everyday life.

“Being in that setting from a young age helped me understand how important vision is to a person’s everyday life,” Dela Cruz says.

Her interest in the field deepened further after learning optometry was a meaningful combination of science, problem solving, and patient care.

“One of the things I love most about optometry is the ability to provide patients with almost immediate relief and gratification,” Dela Cruz explains. “Whether it is helping someone see clearly for the first time in years, addressing discomfort, or guiding them through concerns about their eye health, optometry allows providers to make a direct and personal impact on a patient’s quality of life.”

Creating Opportunities

To prepare for optometry school, Dela Cruz chose to attend UOG and major in Bio-Med.

“Bio-Med gave me a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and other sciences that are important for understanding the human body,” Dela Cruz said. “The courses at UOG challenged me to think critically, manage my time, and develop the study habits necessary for a rigorous professional program.”

As she explored the profession, Dela Cruz recognized a challenge facing students on Guam: there were few local resources or peer networks for those interested in optometry.

Rather than accept those limitations, she founded the Pre-Optometry Professional Society (POPS), a student organization that helps aspiring optometrists connect with eye care professionals, participate in clinic visits, and learn more about careers in vision care.

Through POPS, students attend informational meetings, engage in outreach activities, and gain exposure to professional pathways that were previously difficult to access locally.

 

 

Experiences Beyond the Classroom

Along with the support system fostered through POPs, Dela Cruz sought opportunities outside of UOG to further strengthen her foundation.

Dela Cruz sought hands-on experience in patient care. She worked as an ophthalmic technician at Eye Care Guam, where she gained firsthand experience supporting patients and developed a deeper understanding of local vision care needs.

Dela Cruz further expanded her professional preparation through summer programs at the Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry in 2024 and the State University of New York College of Optometry in 2025, both supported by funding from the Research Corporation of the University of Guam.

“The experiences gave me exposure to optometry school curriculum, clinical skills, mentorship, and a better understanding of what my future in the profession could look like,” Dela Cruz shares.

 

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Acceptance into UC Berkeley’s optometry program represents the payoff from years of dedication, perseverance, and initiative, but Dela Cruz is quick to credit the people who helped her along the way.

She expressed gratitude to her family, professors, mentors, coworkers, and friends for their encouragement and support throughout her journey.

This same sense of gratitude is one that Dela Cruz hopes to pay forward, as she is determined to return to Guam once she completes her studies and becomes a licensed optometrist.

“I carry my island, my family, my mentors, and my community with me. That support motivates me to continue working hard and to eventually return home to give back,” Dela Cruz shares.

She hopes her story encourages other students to pursue ambitious goals while remaining committed to their communities.

“With hard work, support, and determination, we are capable of creating our own opportunities and making space for others to follow,” Dela Cruz affirms.