Normanie McKenzie Ricks: A Visionary Leader in Occupational Therapy and Vision Care

Normanie McKenzie Ricks is a name synonymous with dedication, innovation, and leadership in the fields of occupational therapy and vision care. As the business owner and operator of Achieve Vision Center in Marietta, Georgia, Ms. Ricks has built a career focused on improving the lives of individuals with neurological deficits affecting their vision. Her journey is not only a testament to her professional expertise but also a deeply personal mission that drives her to continuously expand her impact on the lives of children and adults alike.

A Mission Born From Personal Experience

In 2016, Ms. Ricks’ daughter, Amare, was diagnosed with a vision disorder that was unfamiliar to her at the time. This pivotal moment prompted her to delve into research about the condition and its treatment options. She quickly realized that the rehabilitation techniques used for this vision disorder were closely aligned with the therapies she had been providing to stroke and traumatic brain injury patients. Additionally, much like the clients she served, individuals affected by the disorder were vastly underserved. This discovery ignited her passion to fill that gap in care, ultimately leading to the establishment of Achieve Vision Center in 2019.

Through the center, Ms. Ricks provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals suffering from neurological deficits that impair their vision. In addition to her work at the center, she extends her services beyond her clinic walls by offering free vision screenings to school systems throughout Georgia, aiming to ensure early detection and intervention for children in need.

Vision Therapy Education International: Expanding Global Impact

Normanie Ricks’ drive to improve vision care is not limited to her local community. In 2021, she founded Vision Therapy Education International, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visually impaired individuals with the education, healthcare, and resources necessary to succeed in life. Her advocacy for children with disabilities and her commitment to accessible care are at the heart of this initiative.

Her outreach extends far beyond the United States, as she has traveled to countries such as Japan, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Zambia, where she provides vital services to underserved youth communities. Ms. Ricks is also passionate about education, teaching occupational therapy to students across multiple universities, ensuring the next generation of professionals is well-equipped to continue her important work.

A Decorated Career in Healthcare and Service

Before founding Achieve Vision Center, Ms. Ricks built a distinguished career as an occupational therapist specializing in pediatric and orthopedic rehabilitation. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health Education and Promotion (2005) and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy (2007) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Armed with her qualifications, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where she served as a decorated officer and manager of an early intervention program at a military hospital facility. Her leadership expanded the program’s reach to local Marine Corps and Air Force bases, a feat that earned her a commendation medal in 2014.

Ms. Ricks’ career is defined by her client-focused, results-driven approach, and her passion for improving the lives of her patients. Her work has earned her recognition as a Marquis Emerging Leader in the field of occupational therapy, and she continues to serve as a powerful advocate for children with disabilities.

A Thought Leader and Advocate

In addition to her professional roles, Ms. Ricks is also the host of the podcast and television show “Health Facts with Normanie Ricks” as part of the YUR Health Network. The show aims to raise awareness about health and wellness issues, empowering her audience with knowledge and insights.

Her influence extends into the world of business, where she serves on the advisory council of the National Small Business Association and as an executive board member of Lions Clubs International. These positions reflect her commitment not only to healthcare but also to community service and small business leadership.

Looking to the Future

Normanie Ricks has ambitious plans for the future. With the success of Achieve Vision Center firmly established in Georgia, she is looking to expand the center’s reach to other states, including Texas, Illinois, and California. Her vision is to make the services she provides accessible to more individuals, ensuring that no one suffering from vision-related neurological deficits goes without the care they need.

As a business owner, occupational therapist, and advocate, Ms. Ricks’ work is changing lives. Her dedication to her profession, her passion for helping others, and her commitment to expanding access to care make her a true leader in her field. Through her various roles and initiatives, she continues to pave the way for a brighter future in vision care and occupational therapy.