Dr. Kolia distinguished herself early on, becoming one of the first graduates of optometry in her native country of South Africa. In 1987 a fellowship from the college of optometry led her to the University of Houston, where she later completed her master’s degree in Physiological Optics as well as her Optometry Degree.
Dr. Kolia spent time teaching at the University of Durban Westville in South Africa and as a clinical supervisor for 3rd and 4th year optometry students at the University of Houston. Her extensive experience working in hospitals throughout South Africa, starting up a day clinic to include eyecare, along with her academic and private practice endeavors gives her a unique global perspective to her profession.
Dr. Kolia continuously seeks out opportunities to challenge and advance herself, keeping up to date with the most innovative technology. She enjoys providing personalized state of the art care for her patients in her private practice, readily accepting patients with challenging eyecare history. Dr. Kolia keeps her office equipped with the latest technology and fashion trends to ensure her patients have the best options available in eyecare and eyewear.
Dr. Kolia’s commitment to the field of optometry can be seen in her efforts both locally and globally with Optometry Giving Sight – the only global fundraising initiative to help those who are blind simply because they don’t have access to basic eyecare. Locally, her office is participating with a monthly donation, raising awareness, and educating the public about this incredible opportunity showing that together, we CAN make a difference. Distinguishing herself once again, Dr. Kolia was the first optometrist in the United States to participate in the launch of the OGS initiative in Durban, South Africa. This allowed her to experience first hand how funds raised by Optometry Giving Sight were being used; “I attended a local school where children were examined by ICEE and saw what a great impact this contribution will have on the lives of the children. There is such a need for refraction work and knowing I have somehow contributed by participating in Optometry Giving Sight’s World Sight Day Challenge, it is a full circle in my life and is very rewarding”.
