This is MCPHS: Meet Optometry Student Madi Lemke

4 questions with Worcester Doctor of Optometry student Madi Pearl Lemke

Name: Madi Pearl Lemke
Degree: Doctor of Optometry ‘26
Hometown: Kingston, Ontario 

Newsworthy Now: Originally from Canada, Madi Pearl Lemke has found a home on the Worcester campus, where her passion for understanding the human eye matches her dedication to making the most of her time in Massachusetts. Now in her third year of the Doctor of Optometry program, Lemke has served as president of two campus clubs and spends much of her week seeing patients at the Eye and Vision Center. 

Key Facts:  

• Lemke was President of the Canadian Association of Optometry Students from 2023 to 2024.  
• She started the Bridging Interfaith Backgrounds & Liturgical Experiences (BIBLE) Club on the Worcester campus. 
• With an interest in vision therapy, she aims to treat children and patients with traumatic brain injuries.  

Background:  Hailing from a small town in Ontario, Madi Pearl Lemke found her inspiration to pursue optometry in her childhood optometrist. After earning a biology degree from Queen’s University, a former classmate who had joined the MCPHS optometry program encouraged her to apply. “I fell in love with it immediately after the interview process,” Lemke said.  

Fun Fact:  The eye doctor who got Lemke her first pair of glasses at 10 years old still treats her to this day. After working at her practice during high school and throughout her undergraduate education, Lemke said she hopes to return and take a position there once she earns her OD.

Candid Conversation: Reflections and Advice

How has MCPHS prepared you for your career?  

One of the biggest things is building interactions through interprofessional education, like talking to students in other professions and attending interprofessional events. Communicating with students in other programs has been really beneficial and it has helped me prepare me for not only treating patients, but also working with other doctors.   

What was it like to transition to a new country? 

I came from a small town, so adjusting to a busier city was a change, but it hasn’t been bad. There’s plenty to do, and there’s a growing Canadian community here. Many of us became friends on the first day, which made finding a community easier. The hardest part was being away from friends and family, but that gets easier with time and video chats. Learning American taxes was tricky, but overall, the transition has been good.  

Which patients have you learned the most from? 

Recently, I had a patient with whole-body symptoms, and even though her eye exam was clear, we suspected multiple sclerosis based on her symptoms. Helping her get the right support was incredibly rewarding. Another patient with lupus came in for a routine exam, and we discovered her medication was affecting her eyes. That was a new experience for me. We discussed next steps, and she was grateful, even saying she’d be excited to come back. 

What advice do you have for international students from Canada or other countries? 

Reach out. If you don’t know anyone, admissions can connect you with Canadian students, which helps build your comfort with the Community. The school’s website is also really helpful for figuring things out at the start. And do fun stuff—yes, the program is tough, but take time for yourself and enjoy it. Four years might seem long, but it goes by fast, so balance hard work with enjoying the experience. 

"This is MCPHS" is an ongoing series featuring future healthcare leaders from across the University’s 14 schools.