Dr. Normanie McKenzie Ricks stands as a remarkable force in occupational therapy, leadership, and service. A U.S. Navy Veteran and internationally recognized professional, she brings 18 years of clinical experience spanning staff, supervisory, and managerial roles. As the visionary Founder of Achieve Vision Center, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their functional independence and live with purpose.

Her influence extends far beyond clinical settings—Dr. Ricks is celebrated as a Marquis Who’s Who in America honoree, Women Leader to Look Up To, Top Five Dynamic Business Leader, International Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and Occupational Therapy Entrepreneur. Through her expertise and unwavering commitment to client-focused results, she continues to elevate healthcare standards and inspire excellence across communities worldwide.

Career Journey: Where It All Began

Dr. Normanie McKenzie Ricks began her professional journey serving her country as an Active Duty Navy Occupational Therapist. Throughout her military tenure, she excelled both as a clinician and a Healthcare Clinic Manager, building strong foundations in patient care, leadership, and rehabilitation strategy. These years shaped her expertise and fueled her passion for helping individuals regain independence and live fulfilling lives.

Driven by a desire to make an even greater impact, she transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, founding Achieve Vision Center—a specialized practice focused on advancing vision rehabilitation. Dr. Ricks received extensive training from leading pioneers in the field, enabling her to introduce innovative approaches to treatment and diagnostics.

She is among the very few highly specialized diagnosticians for Irlen Syndrome, a visual processing disorder that often goes undiagnosed. Through detailed screening and testing, she supports individuals experiencing challenges such as reading difficulties, learning disorders, visual processing issues, ADD, autism spectrum conditions, headaches, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). This condition affects:

• 50% of individuals with reading and learning challenges
• 30% of people diagnosed with ADHD or autism
• Approximately 15% of the global population suffering from migraines

Her work continues to transform lives—ensuring more people receive accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and renewed confidence in their daily abilities.

What are your long-term goals, and where do you envision yourself in the coming years?

“As one of only 170 Irlen diagnosticians worldwide, I feel a deep sense of responsibility and purpose in the work I do. My long-term goal is to travel the world and extend vision therapy and intervention to individuals who would otherwise never receive the support they need.

I believe God has guided me on this path—to serve among the 2.2 billion people living with visual impairment who lack access to proper healthcare, education, and essential resources. In the years to come, I envision myself reaching underserved communities globally, empowering more individuals to experience improved visual function and, most importantly, a better quality of life.

My mission is simple yet profound: to ensure every person has the opportunity to see their future with clarity and confidence.”

Notable Recognitions & Accreditations

Dr. Normanie McKenzie Ricks has earned widespread recognition throughout her career for her leadership, innovation, and excellence in occupational therapy and entrepreneurship. Her accolades include the Cobb County Innovative Business Award, Women Leaders to Look Up To – 2022, Top Occupational Therapist of the Year 2025, UAB Blazer Fast 40 Award 2025, and recognition among the Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs.

She has also been honored with inclusion in Who’s Who in America, selected as a Goldman Sachs Black in Business Scholar, and awarded the prestigious Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her distinguished service. Additionally, she has been celebrated as one of the Top Five Dynamic Business Leaders, further solidifying her position as a visionary in healthcare and business.

Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Innovation

Throughout her career, Dr. Normanie McKenzie Ricks has embraced the complexities of working in rapidly evolving scientific and medical environments. As a trailblazer in the field of vision therapy, she has navigated challenges that come with introducing new therapeutic approaches and reshaping traditional methods of care. The continuous advancement in science demands constant learning, resilience, and adaptability—qualities she has consistently demonstrated while advocating for improved vision health worldwide.

Final Thoughts — In Her Words

“My journey has been guided by faith, purpose, and an unwavering belief that every individual deserves the gift of clear and functional vision. I am committed to expanding awareness, access, and innovation in vision rehabilitation across the globe. For me, success is not measured by accolades, but by the lives transformed — the children who can finally read without struggle, the adults who rediscover comfort in daily tasks, and the families whose futures shine brighter.

I will continue to serve, educate, and advocate until every community — no matter how distant — has the resources to see their world with clarity and confidence. This is my calling, and my passion continues to grow with every life touched.”