CEO of KeraLink International Discovers Her Own Eye Health Issue on Path to New Role and Vows to Pay it Forward
In a twist of fate or perhaps as the stars have aligned, Michelle Bockman, CEO of KeraLink International (KLI), discovered her own eye health issues while preparing to take on a leadership role in an organization dedicated to preventing, detecting and treating corneal disease and blindness.
Last year, while consulting and searching for her next professional endeavor, Michelle and her husband were traveling to Colorado and she had a startling realization – Michelle lost her central vision in one eye. This alarming development led her to seek medical attention, where she was diagnosed with Central Serous Retinopathy, a condition caused by fluid buildup behind the retina. Often associated with stress or activities like weightlifting, this condition can result in serious vision issues or even retinal detachment.
As Bockman grappled with this diagnosis, an unexpected opportunity came her way. Pam J. Hall, KLI Board Member and Vice President of Marketing at Enovis Corporation, reached out to make Michelle aware of an opportunity for the CEO position at KeraLink pointing out the “professional and personal serendipity” of the timing, urged her to pursue the opportunity.
During her interview at KLI, Chief Technology and Investment Officer David Green, having learned of her recent diagnosis, immediately offered to connect her with KLI’s partners at Johns Hopkins University. During her first week at work in Baltimore, Michelle visited the renowned research center, where an ophthalmologist conducted a thorough examination of both her eyes and prepared her for Photodynamic Treatment which is a cold laser procedure. In a surprising turn when preparing for the surgery, the doctor found a suspicious growth on the waterline of her other eye (“the good eye”), which hadn’t been causing her any discomfort. A biopsy revealed that the growth was basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer. Demonstrating remarkable commitment, she attended a KLI board meeting on this very day.
Earlier this month, Bockman underwent a 2-step surgery to have the tumor removed inside of her lower eyelid. Reflecting on the diagnosis, Michelle suspects it may be linked to her years of sun exposure living in the Ozarks as a kid.
“It’s been difficult, but I’m so thankful that this job opportunity came across my desk when it did,” she said. “If I hadn’t accepted this interview, we never would have caught the cancer in its early stages. It was as if the world was telling me to go here.”
Now, as the CEO of KeraLink International, Michelle is more dedicated than ever to both her health and her mission. Her personal journey has given her a unique perspective and a deeper connection with the organization’s mission.
“I was looking for a purpose, not just a job,” she commented. “I’m happy to be back in the healthcare sector where I can make a difference and have this extraordinary story of how I found my way here.”
Her story is a testament to the unexpected ways life can connect personal and professional paths, and she is grateful to be able to share her experience with KLI’s partners and recipients of their care, bringing a personal touch to her leadership. More importantly, she realizes how fortunate she is to have access to healthcare professionals.
“Corneal disease is treatable, and unfortunately it does impact low-middle-income countries mostly. I cannot imagine not having access to the medical professionals I needed and encourage those, even if you don’t have a personal story like me, to get involved in our mission so that everyone has the opportunity for a brighter future.”
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