Education
Dr. Thibodeaux’s undergraduate work was through Louisiana State University, University of New Orleans and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He earned his doctorate in optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. He completed his internships at the Indian Hospital in Shiprock, New Mexico, and the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A life-long learner, Dr. Thibodeaux obtained additional post-graduate training in ocular disease from the Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia. He continues his work in optometric education as a proctor for 4th year students for the Illinois College of Optometry. He has externs work through the office every 3 months.
Experience
In 1990, Dr. Thibodeaux was one of three instructors providing the first postgraduate education course in LASER use by optometrists while serving as an assistant professor at Southern College of Optometry. He also established residency and internships programs in ocular disease at two separate campuses.
During a three-year tenure as clinical director to two medical and surgical eye centers in West Tennessee, Dr. Thibodeaux gained skills in complex eye disease management.
Dr. Thibodeaux has been licensed to practice in six states and was honored as Optometrist of the Year in 2002 and again in 2007 by the New Mexico Optometric Association, where he has served as a board member and the association’s liaison to the insurance industry. He also received both an advocacy award (2016) and lifetime achievement award (2022) for the state association.
Dr. Thibodeaux shares his knowledge and experience through lectures and presentations across a wide range of topics. He has often served as a clinical examiner for the New Mexico State Board of Optometry and is now Vice-Chair of the Board.
Personal Note
Dr. Thibodeaux enjoys an active lifestyle playing tennis, whitewater boating, downhill mountain biking, and motorcycling. Dr. Thibodeaux lives with his wife, Kim and their dogs in Santa Fe.