Dr. Paul Luong is the co-owner of Complete Eye Care Inc. and an adjunct professor in UMSL’s College of Optometry. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)

HOMETOWN: St. Louis

CURRENT LOCATION: St. Louis

OCCUPATION: Co-owner, Complete Eye Care Inc.; Adjunct Professor, UMSL College of Optometry

Dr. Paul Luong’s connection to UMSL runs deep – and forward. During his fourth year in the College of Optometry, he learned about a private practice that was looking to hire an optometrist. Graduation was still eight months away, but he reached out, interviewed and began working part-time to ensure it was the right fit. After graduation, he joined the practice full-time, and less than a decade later, he became a co-owner of Complete Eye Care Inc. and an adjunct faculty member, guiding the next generation of optometrists through hands-on mentorship.

In 2025, he was honored with the college’s Early Career Achievement Award, a recognition he describes as “being acknowledged by the very institution that shaped me into the optometrist and person I am today.” He also remains closely involved in alumni engagement and serves on the UMSL Alumni Association Governing Board. –Erica Falgout

What do you find most rewarding about your clinical work?

I love the variety of patients we see at CEC. We’re a comprehensive ophthalmology practice, and I enjoy the medical side of eye care. I have a special interest in specialty contact lenses and the unique challenges of fitting patients with diseased corneas or irregular ocular surfaces. Helping them regain quality of life through improved vision is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

How did your time at UMSL shape your journey as an optometrist and business owner?

UMSL’s optometry program is truly top-notch. The rigorous curriculum, combined with the dedication of the faculty and staff, prepared me well for the realities of clinical practice. That foundation gave me the confidence not only to provide excellent patient care but also to take on the challenges of running a business. The support and mentorship I received at UMSL still shape the way I approach both clinical and management decisions today.

What does it mean to come back and teach future optometrists?

I began clinical teaching in 2018, working with third-year optometry students at the UMSL Patient Care Center. It’s their first experience with real patients, and it’s a privilege to guide them through the eye examination process. Since 2024, my practice has also served as a clinical rotation site for fourth-year students –an especially formative stage as they refine their skills and explore what kind of doctor they want to become. Being part of that journey is something I don’t take for granted.

What are your hopes for the next generation of UMSL optometry students?

The field is evolving quickly – with new technologies, medical therapies and expanding scopes of practice – but what will always matter most is a genuine commitment to patient care. I want students to embrace innovation but never lose sight of the privilege we have in being trusted with someone’s vision and quality of life. I also hope they lean on each other and on the strong alumni network that UMSL has built; the relationships I made here have shaped my career as much as the education itself.

Why do you stay involved with UMSL through the Alumni Association Board?

The UMSL College of Optometry should be viewed as a jewel on UMSL’s crown, and I believe the UMSL Alumni Association plays a vital role in amplifying the voice of our College of Optometry graduates. It’s a bridge that connects our shared past with future opportunities, and I’m committed to making sure our alumni remain engaged, supported and proud of the college that launched their careers.

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self as you were just starting optometry school?

I would tell myself to focus less on chasing grades and more on truly learning the material. A good GPA is important, but education is about more than test scores – it’s about developing the knowledge and skills that will make you a better doctor and advocate for your patients.

How do you balance clinical work, teaching and community involvement?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while running a business, seeing patients, teaching, pursuing hobbies and being a good husband and father is definitely a challenge. I’m incredibly grateful for my wife’s support in this pursuit – and for my calendar app. My wife and I have weekly check-ins to plan out our schedules, and that practice helps me see clearly where I can dedicate time to each of those priorities.

This story was originally published in the fall 2025 issue of UMSL Magazine. If you have a story idea for UMSL Magazine, email magazine@umsl.edu.