A 2006 visit with a former friend from New York City helped steer Monique Badillo toward life on the Space Coast working as as a certified ophthalmic technician (COT).
Amazingly, living near her friend in Palm Bay was Yvonne Santiago, clinic manager for Florida Eye Associates, whom had trained Badillo to be a COT in New York.
“It turned out she had lived like a block from my friend for the past four years,” Badillo said. “I called (Santiago) because I knew she lived in Florida. I gave her the address and she said, “Oh, my gosh, you are like a block away,” and while I was on the phone with her, she knocked on the door. The whole scenario was weird. Everything just happened and now I’m living here with my family.’”
Badillo talked about her career and how modern medicine can make a huge difference in improving and maintaining sight.
