Chelsea Linzmeier knew by the eighth grade that she wanted to become an optometrist. With years of hard work, she achieved that goal. Now, about a decade and a half later she channels that same passion and energy into mentoring the next generation of eye care professionals.
Dr. Linzmeier, an optometrist at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in Madison, WI, was recently honored as the 2025 Distinguished Community Educator by the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
“One of my favorite things about working at the VA is the learning environment,” Dr. Linzmeier said. “Every day I witness the collaboration, the teaching, and the teamwork that ensures our patients – our veterans – receive the exceptional care they deserve. I am grateful, honored and humbled to be a small part of that.”
Dr. Linzmeier earned her four-year optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2008. As part of her training, she completed a four-month rotation at the VA clinic in Tennessee. That experience sparked a deep connection with the veteran population — one that would shape her career.
Following graduation, Dr. Linzmeier moved to Madison and met Andrew T. Thliveris, PhD, MD, then chief of ophthalmology services at the VA the time. Although there wasn’t an opening at the time, he promised to call her when one became available. Two years later, he did — and in 2010, Dr. Linzmeier joined the VA team. She has loved every minute of it.
“There is something to learn to from everyone,” she said. “It brings me joy to connect with our veterans and ensure they get the care they deserve. It’s incredibly rewarding to work in an environment that values that approach.”
Dr. Linzmeier’s clinical focus includes specialty contact lenses and low vision rehabilitation. In 2015, her role expanded to include training the ophthalmology residents in these vital services.
“Teaching ophthalmology residents wasn’t something I anticipated,” she recalls, “but it’s something I truly enjoy. I love helping them discover the different options available to our veterans. When we collaborate, we can guide patients to the right person and give them hope. That can be just as important as the service itself.”
At the University of Wisconsin, ophthalmology residents rotate through various service areas, including the VA. The rotations are structured such that Dr. Linzmeier works with each resident individually and is able to tailor the training to what each needs and wants.
Dr. Linzmeier credits her own mentors for shaping her path. Dr. Thliveris showed her what was possible. Dr. Karen Hoffman, a low vision specialist at the VA, taught her the intricacies of low vision care. And Dr. Daniel Knoch, the current chief of ophthalmology services, has supported her efforts in resident education.
“If you treat every patient as your father, your son, your daughter – someone you love – you will never go wrong,” she said. “I take time to get to know something special about each patient – something that doesn’t have anything do with their eyes. When I understand what makes them tick, I can provide better care.”
She smiles vibrantly. “Honestly, I think I get more out of every interaction than my patients do. I leave work every day fulfilled and rewarded.”