Hello! I’m Dr. Samantha Thompson, but please call me Dr. Sami. I grew up in Knoxville, Iowa, and attended Central College, where I played on the women’s tennis team. In 2024, I earned my doctorate from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m thrilled to be back in my home state, ready to serve the vision needs of fellow Iowans.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to help others, which led me to a career in healthcare. Optometry appealed to me because it offers the opportunity to care for patients of all ages and address the unique visual needs that change throughout life. My passion lies in primary eye care, binocular vision dysfunction, and diagnosing and treating eye injuries, infections, and diseases. I’m especially drawn to vision therapy, as it allows me to use critical thinking to identify the root causes of visual discomfort and collaborate with patients to find effective solutions for clearer, more comfortable vision.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Peter, and our 2 pets—Buddy, our cat, and Bella, our dog. I love biking Iowa’s scenic trails and staying active with tennis, pickleball, sand volleyball, running, and other outdoor activities. Peter and I recently bought a home in Johnston, and we’re excited to explore our new neighborhood and get involved in the community. One of my personal goals is to visit all of America’s National Parks someday.
I look forward to building personal connections with my patients and learning how to best support their vision. I’m excited to meet you and help you see your world clearly.
