Seeing was not only believing for David Ardaya. It changed his life.
Growing up loving the sciences didn’t help point to a specific career when it came time. And being blessed with great vision, the Whittier doctor didn’t know much about optometry growing up. That changed when he volunteered at a local optometrist.
“I could directly see the powerful impact and life-altering improvements that eye care can provide,” Ardaya said. “I could also see the impact that helping patients had on the doctor. He really enjoyed what he did and he was living a full and joyful life. At that point, my mind was set and I couldn’t be happier.”
His patients could say the same. Ardaya, a member of Golden Optometric in Whittier, was chosen as Optometrist of the Year by the California Optometric Association, which represents 2,500 members.
Officials at the nonprofit said the selection is not only a tremendous accomplishment, but also highlights Ardaya’s work and advocacy for Medi-Cal patients. He helped reinstate coverage for adult eyeglasses in the Medi-Cal program, which saves seniors, people with disabilities and low-income Californians hundreds of dollars on each pair of eyeglasses.
“I very much appreciate this opportunity,” said Ardaya, who has served the Whittier and surrounding communities for more than 18 years. “Receiving the award for Optometrist of the Year was frankly a surprise. I feel deeply grateful to the California Optometric Association, which has continually battled to improve access and eye care benefits for all Californians.”
Dr. Candy Kimura, president of the optometric association, praised Ardaya’s commitment to improving healthcare systems so that more Californians can access eye care.
“In addition to managing multiple practices, Dr. Ardaya has provided expert advice to his colleagues to improve business operations and develop medical contacts,” Kimura said.
“Besides being a tremendous resource for his fellow optometrists, Dr. Ardaya volunteers regularly outside of optometry including serving meals to those in need, volunteering for the Special Olympics, and has helped with numerous vision screenings at hospitals and schools. He has also been involved in fundraising for the American Diabetes Association and juvenile diabetes research.”
Ardaya said he had to take action during the recession of 2007-2009, when Medi-Cal patients lost their eyeglasses benefit and were forced to pay for these out of pocket. About 2 million Medi-Cal enrollees between the ages of 21 to 64 were affected, the association said.
“That just didn’t seem fair,” Ardaya said.”Hard-working Californians who depended on Medi-Cal were left in a tough spot which impacted their ability to drive and to earn a living, which was already imperiled.”
Ardaya became the association’s face and voice in advocating for the benefit’s reinstatement, which happened in 2020.
“I love getting to know my patients and developing years-long relationships built on trust,” Ardaya said. “The benefit of being an optometrist is that if you do a great job, patients will return year after year. I take great pride in serving our community and nothing beats observing our patients, young or old, smile from the joy of seeing the world more clearly.”
Ardaya received his bachelor’s degree in physiological sciences from the University of Arizona, his Doctor of Optometry degree with distinction from Pacific University in Oregon and his master’s in health administration from the University of Southern California. He was awarded, in 2009, the “Young Optometrist of the Year” by the California Optometric Association.
His latest honor this year was celebrated by his wife Ivy, who is also an optometrist, and their two children.
But Ardaya sees this recognition as a nod to his own self-improvement. “I just want to be the best version of myself, living righteously and being viewed as an authentic person,” he said.
Anissa V. Rivera, columnist, “Mom’s the Word,” Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Whittier Daily News, Azusa Herald, Glendora Press and West Covina Highlander, San Dimas/La Verne Highlander. Southern California News Group, 181 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 209 Monrovia, CA 91016. 626-497-4869.
