FIVE MINUTES WITH ...
BRETT HAGEN
Vision Source optometrist
As an optometric physician , Hagen helps his patients see the world . After a virus , he experienced devastating hearing loss that persisted until he discovered Widex MOMENT hearing aids . Now , he wants more people to face their fears and get their hearing checked .
Q . HI BRETT ! TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU BECAME AN OPTOMETRIST ?
» “ In sixth grade , I shadowed a state patrolman in his occupation . We were riding , and he could read the licence plates in front of us , but I couldn ' t . I thought you must have to have Superman vision in order to be a state patrol . Some weeks later , I discovered I needed glasses . Many years later , I wanted to provide that same amazing gift of sight to others . I ’ m now 30 years into my career .
“ My favourite moments are showing people what they didn ' t know they were missing , showing them what they could see when they came into our office , not knowing what they were missing . We all have an amazing tolerance for blur when we don ' t know any better . It just doesn ' t happen until people come into our offices and – whether it ' s their first pair of glasses , first pair of contact lenses , laser surgery or cataract surgery – all of them are just amazing moments to witness , and I feel very privileged to be a part of it .”
20 September 2022