It’s all about vision for Doctor Amy Puerto, O.D.! Whether it’s equipping her patients to see better, strategizing alongside the nonprofit boards she serves, or mapping a vision for her own future, Dr. Amy embodies her lifelong motto, “Carpe Diem!”
With a solid foundation in primary eye care, Dr. Amy compassionately addresses the impact of systemic diseases, autoimmune conditions, and mental health on visual and ocular health. She is the proud developer and supervisor of Louisiana Family Eyecare’s pioneering surgery-focused optometric residency program, cementing her position as one of the few optometrists regularly performing ophthalmic surgeries, particularly as a female practitioner. Dr. Amy has earned professional distinctions including Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, and sustaining member of the American Society of Optometric Surgeons. For her initiative and commitment to the profession, Dr. Amy was recognized as the 2022 Louisiana Young Optometrist of the Year and the 2023 American Optometric Association’s (AOA) National Young Optometrist of the Year.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Dr. Amy has made significant contributions to various nonprofit organizations. As President of the Junior League of Greater Covington for the past two years, she navigated the organization through new governance strategies and stronger financial investments post-pandemic. Dr. Amy also serves as President of the Optometry Association of Louisiana advocating for the profession to state and national legislative leaders and serves on the Industry Relations Committee for the AOA. Committed to community engagement, she volunteers with Girls on the Run South Louisiana and Habitat for Humanity’s W.A.T.C.H. (Women Accepting The Challenge of Housing) philanthropic program. Recognized for her civic contributions, Dr. Amy was named Louisiana Northshore’s 40 under 40 in 2022 and selected for the 2024 class of Leadership Louisiana, a prestigious leadership development and civic advocacy program.
Following her experience in several youth leadership programs, Dr. Amy’s interest in government and politics led her to serve as a legislative intern in Washington DC after graduating valedictorian in high school. She pursued her passion for advocacy and personal development at Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY, earning dual degrees with honors in Political Science and Communication while serving as Student Government President and student liaison to the university Board of Trustees for two years. During her doctorate studies, Dr. Amy was elected Class President and elected to serve on the prestigious national American Optometric Student Association Board of Trustees.