Keaton Van Thof

Occupation:

Surgical Specialist Director, Glaukos Corporation

What initially inspired you to attend NECC? Where were you on your professional/personal journey prior to enrolling?

Looking back to when I decided to attend NECC brings back several memories. I had just returned to my hometown after attending an out of state university. I didn’t have the best experience there and was looking for a place where I could push my education forward while still being able to focus on working and spending time with my friends. NECC was a great option to ensure my education did not fall from my priorities and I was able to stay out of significant debt while I was attending. Almost all my credits from my previous university transferred over to NECC, which made the transition much easier to digest.

Before attending NECC, my education was focused in exercise science. NECC’s classes helped foster my interest and guide me towards biology. I was able to work full-time and finish my associate degree within a few years. It seemed like a long time then but, looking back now, it happened in the blink of an eye.

In what ways has NECC helped you on your educational and professional path?

NECC was truly the foundation of my educational path. I was able to complete a goal I had set for myself: completing my associate degree. It is also where I learned about the community college connection program, where scholarships are awarded to NECC graduates to attend Boston University to continue their education. NECC gave me time to realize what field I wanted to be working in. What did I enjoy? What wouldn’t feel like work to me? Studying at NECC helped shape my decisions to work in eyecare.

I’d love to hear more about your career journey. What led you to your current role? 

My career journey started at LensCrafters, where I worked as a lab technician making glasses. When I graduated from NECC, I got a job as an optometric technician working for an optometrist. After working for an optometrist, I wanted more responsibility and an opportunity to earn certifications, which led me to working for ophthalmologists. While working for ophthalmologists, I developed a real interest in surgery. I ended up working as a Refractive Surgery Technician and earning a number of certifications to further my career and expertise in the OR. From there, I focused on breaking into ophthalmic clinical research where I worked as a clinical outcomes specialist, clinical relations manager, surgical specialist, and most recently, the director of the Surgical Specialist Team.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Every day is different and unique. It makes my job something that I truly enjoy. One week I could be traveling across the world to support clinical research cases in the OR, while other weeks I am on MST calls for several hours a day. I spend a majority of my time training my clinical team and surgeons on the different technologies to help treat glaucoma, cornea, and retinal diseases.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The company I work for creates technologies that treat glaucoma, cornea, and retinal diseases. We are changing a treatment paradigm that has been established for many years. What I enjoy most is being a part of bringing those technologies to patients in need. I am extremely passionate about what I do and love the fact that I can share this with others to change the world of eyecare. I also really enjoy working as team toward a common goal. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Anything else you’d like our audience to know about you?

Although I have spent much of my academic and professional life focused toward my goals, I have also been able to maintain a good balance. I have a number of hobbies including: boxing, swimming, basketball, and car racing. I got married and started a family and have traveled all over the world. I believe balance is a key component to the continued pursuit of success.

Each month, the NECC Alumni Office shares interviews with our accomplished graduate population through its alumni newsletter. If you have a story to share and would like to be considered for a future edition, please fill in an Alumni Update Form or email alumni@necc.mass.edu.