Dr. Kendra Phillis, O.D., has joined Focused Eye Care, 505 West Hollis St., Suite 109, in Nashua, where she worked and shadowed doctors during her years in college.

NASHUA – Everyone can agree that the COVID-19 crisis has been arduous for first responders, doctors, nurses and police and fire personnel.

Vision care is no exception.

For patients who have experienced an eye emergency, Focused Eye Care optimized their staff and care, alleviating visits to the ER by facilitating patients in their West Hollis Street office.

And last week, Focused Eye also welcomed Dr. Kendra Phillis to their busy Nashua practice .

Born and raised in Nashua, Phillis’ father, Hugh, and sister Stephanie, are both orthodontists in the city. Phillis attended Nashua schools and said she always had problems with her own eyesight.

“I had poor vision,” she said. “I always had to wear glasses or contacts to see. But I realized I always like to go to the eye doctor and be able to see better.”

Phillis received her biology degree from New York University and her Doctor of Optometry at New England College of Optometry. During that time, she shadowed and worked with Drs. Kelly MacDonald and Scott Huffer. Phillis also worked with Drs. David Helfman and Elliot Lasky at Focused Eye.

“They were so awesome,” she shared. “They gave me the opportunity to start ‘teching’ here. So, I actually started setting up patients and getting more hands-on experience. I also started worked in the optical department, learning about frames and glasses as well.”

The new doctor is thrilled to be back in Nashua and is equally excited to meet new patients.

“It’s wonderful. We stayed in touch” she said. “I’ve had a great relationship with Focused Eye Care over the years and went on to do a residency that included a clinical rotations at Mass Eye & Ear in Boston.”

Phillis has a lighter schedule for now, as she gets acclimated with the new systems and the ever-changing eye techniques at the office that she called home for some time.

“Even before I started working here, I was a patient here,” she said. “So many things have changed. I get to see how things are run and further learn about patient care.”