Meet Ophthalmologist Toni Meyers, MD

What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this Q&A series, a group of leading local physicians share the moments that set them on their path, the breakthroughs shaping their fields, and the realities behind the work. Their answers are candid, occasionally surprising, and grounded in experience. Together, they offer a clear-eyed look at the people delivering care in our community and what continues to motivate them every day.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

A. I grew up hearing stories about my great-grandfather, the personal physician to the Emperor of Japan. That instilled in me a certain sense of awe about the profession from a very early age. I was very physically active growing up, always on the playground playing four square, soccer, handball, you name it. If you add being competitive to that narrative, it led to several sprains and breaks over the years and I often found myself at the doctor’s office. Despite the injuries, I quickly realized that I loved being in that clinical environment. When I was 11, my primary care physician discovered a large ovarian tumor and I had to stay in the hospital for several days after it was surgically removed. I started making “rounds,” visiting other kids on the ward, and didn’t want to leave the hospital when it was time to go home. I begged my mom to stay another night and she reluctantly agreed. I realized I was meant for a medical career after that.

How did you select your particular specialty?

I fell in love with ophthalmology after performing my first eye exam. Seeing the optic nerve and the retinal vessels directly, and diagnosing diseases like hypertension and diabetes, was incredible to me. In ophthalmology residency, I fell in love with cataract surgery after performing a few surgeries because of the immediate positive effect. To be able to impact another person so that they could go from not being able to do their favorite hobbies such as reading, driving to a show at night, hiking, golfing, and so on, to being able to reclaim their lives within days, was exhilarating. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to give another person their sight back, and I am forever grateful for this honor.

What inspires you to get up every day and take care of your patients?

I simply LOVE what I do. I get to connect with multiple patients every day, to assist them in their journey, and hopefully make them feel confident that they will have vision until their final days. 

What is one thing about where you work or the work you do that you believe patients should know more about and understand?

In addition to cataract surgery, I am a fellowship trained glaucoma specialist. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, currently without a cure. There are many different types of glaucoma as well as a plethora of treatments. Glaucoma surgery has been an exciting field to be a part of due to the many innovative changes in treatment. I love being able to educate my patients about the many medical and surgical treatments for glaucoma. 

What’s a daily ritual or habit that helps you stay grounded?

I wake up every day before work to exercise. It helps me feel energized and focused. Oh, and the double cappuccino helps, as well!!

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through your work in medicine?

The practice of medicine is a blend of science and art. As a surgeon, you naturally want to fix things with minimal risk or downside. There are areas that are black and white, in which the path is research supported and clear cut. On the flip side, there are gray areas, in which the next step could go in several directions, some of which is decided during surgery. I’ve learned that I enjoy toggling between these two mindsets. I love the challenge of the unknown and appreciate that the practice of medicine is constantly evolving. To be a lifelong student is humbling and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

How do you define success – personally and professionally?

To me, success is contentment. Contentment with where and who you are in life.

What’s a place that holds special meaning for you, and why?

Japan will always feel like a second home to me, thanks to my parents taking me and my sister there every other summer growing up.

What’s something you’re currently learning or exploring outside of medicine?

After turning 50, I decided to learn something new every year. Last year I learned how to scuba dive. This year, I am learning to sail. 

Describe your perfect day off – what would it include?

Anything… as long as it’s with my husband and best friend, Jason, and my two teenage boys, Miles and Dean.  

As Sansum Clinic begins a new chapter as part of Sutter Health, we remain united by a shared mission: to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the communities we serve. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare on the Central Coast.

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