Her Story. Our Fight.

Claudia Garza Robinson
A Life of Passion, Perseverance, and Positivity

Claudia Garza Robinson, born on January 28, 1975, was a shining example of dedication, passion, and strength, especially in her work and life in the world of optics. Her story is one of embracing challenges, cherishing life's small victories, and, above all, inspiring others with her relentless positivity and love for what she did. Her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her, especially women in the field of optics who are battling cancer themselves.

Claudia's journey into the world of optics was not a straight path but a beautiful, unexpected twist of fate. Prior to entering the optical field, she had spent her adult life managing restaurants, a profession at which she excelled. But as life often does, it beckoned her toward a new passion. In 2010, after a life-changing move, she took a job at LensCrafters in Rapid City, South Dakota. It was here, at the crossroads of a new opportunity, that Claudia discovered a lifelong love for eyes. As a sales representative for eyewear, a workup technician, and eventually learning how to make glasses in their in-house lab, she found a new sense of purpose.

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Though the world of optics was entirely new to her, Claudia quickly embraced it. After relocating to Georgia due to her military spouse, she became a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and worked with a gastroenterologist. But Claudia's heart remained in optics, and it was at Mirate Eye Care, where she worked as an optometric technician, that her career truly flourished. The move to Florida further deepened her passion for eyes when she joined Mullis Eye Institute, diving into the field of ophthalmology.

Under the guidance of many talented doctors, particularly Dr. Robinson, Claudia honed her skills as an ophthalmic technician, becoming an expert in in-clinic workups and later stepping into the role of a pre-and post-op surgical tech and even a surgical counselor. Claudia obtained her Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification, an achievement that reflected her commitment and expertise in ophthalmology. Her professionalism and hard work allowed her to wear many hats in the ophthalmic world, and she was soon regarded as a trusted member of the team.

Infamous Hurricane Michael and the closing of Mullis Eye Institute eventually led her to Eye MD of Niceville, a private practice where she worked under Dr. Ruttig. Over six years, she helped the practice grow from a small office with a 30-patient daily load into a thriving practice, complete with its own Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) and a patient load of over 80 per day.

Despite her growing professional success, in late 2018, Claudia's life would take a sharp and unexpected turn. While still working at Eye MD of Niceville, she noticed a lump just under her left armpit. Initially, doctors believed it was a benign cyst, but a routine mammogram revealed something far more sinister. In December of that year, Claudia was diagnosed with Stage 3 ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. The diagnosis shook her, but Claudia's determination to continue living her life was undeterred.

She began chemotherapy in January 2019, and it wasn't long before she encountered the brutal side effects of the disease and its treatment: nausea, bone pain, and the loss of her hair. Despite the hardship, she carried on, determined to work as much as her body would allow. She often joked with her colleagues, even as her body grew weak from the toll of treatment. One of the most challenging moments for Claudia was the loss of her hair, but in true Claudia fashion, she found humor and strength in the experience. Though her wigs were realistic, the heat was unbearable, and she eventually decided to embrace her baldness, proudly showing off her natural self, even at work. It was a moment of power for Claudia — a reminder that strength comes not from appearance but from within.

Despite all the challenges of 2019, Claudia was able to adjust to her new normal. As she neared the end of her chemotherapy regimen, things began to feel a bit more manageable. Her body adapted, and she settled into a routine where she would feel weak immediately following her treatments but began to regain her energy just in time for the next round. Though she faced the ongoing battle with bone pain and nausea, she remained optimistic, always pushing forward.

Claudia's resilience and courage became even more evident in 2020. She was ready to face the world once again, empowered by the routine she had forged and with her hair growing back in thick, curly waves. She had made it through the toughest year of her life. Her doctors were confident that the treatments had worked, and the tumor markers remained excellent.

However, as she entered remission, Claudia could never fully shake the fear of recurrence. Her cancer had been estrogen and progesterone-positive, meaning that even as she battled through the physical toll of chemotherapy, she would remain on medication to keep her body in a forced menopause to prevent a recurrence. The fear of the disease returning would remain with her, a constant companion.

Then, in 2023, just as she neared the end of her treatments and 5th year of remission, Claudia noticed a familiar sense of unease in her body. She trusted her intuition and requested a test. When the tumor marker levels rose, she followed her instincts, and a PET scan revealed a small tumor in her liver. The cancer had returned. This time, it was metastatic, and Claudia was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

While this news was devastating, Claudia met the challenge with the same tenacity and positivity that had defined her life. Her fight was no longer just about getting through a round of chemotherapy or radiation; this battle was now about managing a disease that would never truly go away. Despite the sobering reality of metastatic cancer, Claudia refused to be defeated. She took a break from her beloved work at Eye MD of Niceville to focus on her treatment, which included a radioactive treatment and new chemotherapy and immunotherapy options. Though the pain was intense, Claudia kept her focus on the future, still determined to return to her work.

She continued to inspire everyone around her, even as the disease progressed. Despite suffering from new symptoms and complications, she continued to plan for her future, even dreaming of teaching about the field of eyes at a university in Houston. Her dedication to her work, her love for her family, and her infectious humor remained with her through it all.

Tragically, Claudia's battle with cancer took a rapid turn. Her cancer progressed, and she was eventually hospitalized, surrounded by family and friends. Even in the ICU, she radiated warmth and laughter, never losing her ability to make others smile despite her own pain. Her love for the field of ophthalmology remained undimmed, and even in her final moments in hospice, filled with a cozy cocktail of pain meds, she shared her passion with others. She believed she was hosting an eye conference, speaking about her journey with eyes and all she had learned along the way. Her loved ones gathered and listened to the joy in her words.

Claudia passed away on September 1, 2024, but her legacy lives on. Patients and coworkers alike remember her for her boundless energy, her unbreakable spirit, and her incredible ability to connect with everyone she met. She was more than a technician; she was a mentor, a friend, and a light in the lives of all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her impact on the field of optics, her patients, and everyone she encountered will never fade. Claudia Garza Robinson was a true testament to the power of passion, positivity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Her story continues to inspire women in optics facing cancer and serves as a reminder that, no matter the challenges life presents, joy, courage, and love for one's work and family can light the way.