Derick G Holt, Pediatric Ophthalmologist

EYE-Q

What we do:
Eye-Q pediatrics provides comprehensive eye care for infants and children of all ages. This includes medical and surgical management of a wide range of conditions including strabismus (eye crossing or wandering), amblyopia, refractive error, and eyelid disorders. Other less common conditions that we follow and manage at Eye-Q pediatrics include retinal disease, cataract, glaucoma, and even childhood eye cancers. While the vast majority of patients receive all their care at Eye-Q, we provide local co-management and coordination of care for some of our Central Valley patients with extremely rare pediatric ocular conditions that require subspecialist treatment at tertiary referral centers (major academic institutions) in California.  

In addition to pediatric ophthalmology, Dr. Holt also provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with Adult Strabismus (adult patients with eye crossing or wandering from any cause).

Education:
Dual chemistry and biology majors as an undergraduate. Ph.D. in oncological sciences from University of Utah.

Age:
36.

Family:
Married to my high school sweetheart Candas, with three children

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What made you want to be an ophthalmologist, Derick?
I was fortunate to meet some fantastic mentors in medical school, who exposed to the field of ophthalmology. After working with them, and seeing what a difference they made in the lives of their patients, I was convinced that ophthalmology was the field for me.
 
What’s it like practicing with children, Derick?
I have always liked working with children, they make our job fun every day. We have set up our office to be kid-friendly in order to decrease the natural anxiety that children have anytime they visit a doctor’s office. We have the latest technology in terms of visual acuity assessment for children, and have several fun “eye-catching” gadgets to get their attention during an exam.   

Tell us a little about the clinic you designed, Derick.
See some of the response above. Also, we wanted to create an area that would be comfortable for parents and families during our patient’s exams. From the waiting room to the exam rooms, pediatric patients and their families have been the focus of the clinic design. We also felt that it was important to have a state-of-the art pediatric optical facility, which is adjacent to our clinic space. The Eye-Q Pediatric optical shop houses staff specially trained in fitting children for glasses and provides the largest selection of pediatric-specific frames in the Central Valley.

What do you do with Valley Children’s Hospital, Derick?
I perform eye surgeries at VCH. Working with Dr. Michelle Carle, a retina specialist at Eye-Q, I also provide retinal screening and consultation services for all at-risk children in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.  

You’re new to the Valley. How do you like it so far?
My family and I have really enjoyed the Central Valley so far. We enjoy biking and visiting the parks around town and have also made trips to the nearby mountains for some amazing hiking. What has impressed me the most are the wonderful people I have met, from the incredible staff at Eye-Q to the patients and families I am privileged to see each day.

What was the best advice you ever received, Derick?
My mother taught me from a young age to always put my very best effort into everything I do.  

What was your very first job and what did you learn from it?
I worked as a janitor as I attended community college in Price, Utah. I learned the importance of organizing and prioritizing my day in order to have enough time to devote to work, study, and rest.

What do you like to do in your spare time, Derick?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children. We enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and exploring all that the Central Valley has to offer.