Dr. Julie Minnix has been dedicated to serving patients in Reno, Nevada since 2016. Her story is intricately interwoven with her early connection to the city, her academic pursuits, and her unyielding commitment to her community. Dr. Minnix has found her professional home at Cochrane Family Eyecare, where she hopes to provide optometric care to patients and their families for many years to come.

She first moved to Reno from Modesto, CA while in the 4th grade, and graduated from Bishop Manogue High School. Wanting to live by the beach and experience life in a city a bit larger than the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Dr. Minnix pursued an undergraduate degree in communication from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles

The prospect of personal and academic growth took her overseas to London, England, for a period of international study. After USC, Dr. Minnix engaged in a three-year stint in the realm of online advertising within the bustling urban landscape of Los Angeles. Yet, her professional path felt incomplete, propelling her to reconsider her trajectory and seek a more meaningful avenue.

An eye exam in Los Angeles proved to be a transformative moment for Dr. Minnix. Even though she wore glasses and contact lenses for her entire life and loved science, a career as an optometrist had never occurred to her. But the experience of seeing her own retina (the back surface of the eye) via Optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging was a revelation. In the blink of an eye, she had found her calling.

Returning to Reno, Dr. Minnix completed her required prerequisite undergraduate science courses at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her passion propelled her to the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where she embraced both the academic rigor and the vibrant city life.

Three years of harsh winters were enough, however, and as soon as she received her Doctor of Optometry degree she returned to Reno for a year-long residency at the Veterans Administration (VA), where she focused on ocular disease and primary care. While she enjoyed all of the patients she was able to serve there, the World War II veterans held a special place in her heart. Her one-year stint solidified her determination to build her career within the Reno community.

Prior to joining the Cochrane Family Eyecare team, Dr. Minnix gained more optometric experience in private practices in the Reno area. But after interviewing with Cochrane Family Eyecare, she knew she had found her home. The practice's emphasis on a family-centric approach and meaningful connections resonated deeply, aligning perfectly with her vision of patient care. She also desired to be an integral part of a privately-owned practice that wasn’t owned by an insurance company, corporation, or holding company.

Dr. Minnix loves interacting with patients and their families over the course of their yearly eye examinations. She loves that she gets to spend a short but meaningful time with a wide variety of people from all walks of life. She gets to make real connections with real people from our local Reno community.

Beyond her professional identity, Dr. Minnix embraces the role of wife and mother of two children. Her personal time is invested in family outdoor activities such as walks and hikes and exploring the beauty of Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake. Every weekend, she enjoys visiting our local farmer's market. She loves supporting small and locally-owned businesses.

Dr. Minnix looks forward to meeting you and your family!

Currently accepting new patients.