A Path to Pediatric Ophthalmology
From an early stage in her training, Dr. Herce knew she wanted to work with children. She initially envisioned a career in pediatrics—imagining her own clinic, complete with a treasure box of treats for her patients and the joy of watching them grow over time.
During medical school, however, she discovered a passion for ophthalmology. While she briefly considered other surgical specialties, including urology and vascular surgery, she consistently found herself happiest during her ophthalmology rotations. That clarity ultimately led her to pursue ophthalmology wholeheartedly.
While completing her residency at The Ohio State University, Dr. Herce explored subspecialties such as retina and cornea. The program’s strong pediatric emphasis encouraged her to blend her love of working with children and the diversity of ophthalmic care, leading her to pediatric ophthalmology.
“I love that I can do surgery and procedures while still using the cerebral side of medicine. I get to do retina, ROP, cornea, and pediatrics—it’s the perfect combination. And it offers a great work-life balance.”
Practicing Pediatric Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Herce is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine, where she also serves as the Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship Director. She affectionately refers to her fellows as her “big kids” and is deeply committed to mentorship and education.
She believes pediatric ophthalmology is a field that never grows monotonous. The specialty offers flexibility to focus on specific conditions, along with abundant opportunities for collaboration across medical and surgical subspecialties.
“Every day is fun. I tell the kids that I get to play all day because I’m not the one putting in the eye drops. I get to be silly and connect with them, and that joy never gets old.”
Why Pediatric Ophthalmology
For Dr. Herce, pediatric ophthalmology is the ideal blend of meaningful patient relationships, surgical variety, intellectual challenge, and personal fulfillment. It is a specialty that rewards curiosity, creativity, and compassion—making it an exciting and sustainable career path for future ophthalmologists.