Meet Dr. Dr. Ariel Chen, O.D.
Why you became an Optometrist
I received my first pair of glasses at the young age of 4 years old. They were these small pink circle glasses and I was amazed by how different the world looked and even more amazed by how excited my parents were. The first time I tried contact lenses, I teared up in excitement as I could finally eat a hot bowl of beef noodle soup without my glasses fogging up. Seeing how much eye care could affect my life led me down the path of dedicating my educational career to becoming an optometrist.
What do you love about your job
I love the long-lasting relationships we form with our patients. It’s truly an amazing feeling to see our patients grow and share stories about their lives every year. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the positive impact of our care and dedication. The scope of optometry has rapidly grown in the last few years, allowing us to better support our community. Whether it’s a journey through improving their ability to study through vision therapy, implementing myopia control for preventative care, or helping them see clearly for the first time in years with our special scleral lenses, I am honored to be part of a team that is always motivated to provide the best care and experience.
Education and Fellowship
Doctor of Optometry Magna Cum Laude at University of California, San Diego. Born in the south, raised in California and pursued her education at where it just felt right, Southern California College of Optometry. Being named after The Little Mermaid, she spent her undergraduate years at UCSD, studying under King Triton.
My Passion In Eye Care
Dr. Chen is passionate about taking care of her patients through annual comprehensive eye exams, specialty contact lenses, vision therapy, and ocular disease management. She enjoys educating her patients on preventative care such as myopia control treatments and keeping them up-to-date on the latest innovations in the field of optometry. Dr. Chen understands and emphasizes the importance of high-quality eye care and strives to ensure her patients receive just that.
Professional Affiliations and Networks
During her time at Southern California College of Optometry, she trained under doctors at the military hospital, veterans hospital, Indian health reservation hospital and private practice clinics. After graduating, she was ecstatic to become part of a clinic that practiced optometry to its full scope and prioritized its patients’ needs above all else.
Accomplishments
Publications
Say OK to orthokeratology lenses. Dr. Chen helped gather clinical data to research the first time success fit of orthokeratology lenses in the Euclid Phoenix Trials in 2024.
Lectures
Catch Dr. Chen, a former Instagram viral sensation, at webinars and dinner parties yapping about her own experience in vision therapy and myopia control.
The Highest Rated Specialty Eye Care Center In Orange County
400 Patient Reviews and 4.9 Star Average Rating On Google
What patients are saying about Dr. Chen
Nick K
I had my first ever eye visit with Dr. Chen and she was phenomenal. So friendly and quick to answer all of my questions. So excited to get my prescription and start seeing better!
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Reviewed on: Sept 7, 2024
Nathaniel C
My experience at Insight Vision Center Optometry with Dr. Chen was nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of top-notch facilities, cutting-edge technology, and the unparalleled expertise and compassion of Dr. Chen make this clinic a true standout in the field of optometry. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Chen and Insight Vision Center Optometry to anyone seeking unparalleled eye care that encompasses both excellence and genuine care.
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Reviewed on: Aug 30, 2023
Peter D
I had a great experience with Insight Vision Center Optometry! I went for an annual eye exam and a medical visit. Dr. Chen was attentive, thorough, and kind. I would recommend coming here for all your vision needs.
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Reviewed on: Feb 7, 2023
Bianca C
This was my son’s first eye exam. He had such a great experience. Everything went excellent. They were so patient and most of all kid friendly! They took the time to explain every machine my son had to go through. He was placed in a kid-friendly treehouse room. He was not scared at all for his first time! Thank you Dr. Chen and the young lady with the heart eye glasses for the wonderful experience!
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Reviewed on: July 13, 2024
Personal Information, Hobbies and Family
Dr. Chen is a self-proclaimed boba and coffee enthusiast who’s always on the hunt for the next best spot—feel free to share your recommendations! While green grapes top the list of favorite fruits, Dr. Chen also has a soft spot for savory delights like beef noodle soup with knife-cut noodles, hotpot, and fried chicken.
When not indulging in culinary adventures, Dr. Chen enjoys “farming” virtually, of course, in video games and taking long, peaceful walks by the beach or through the park. A self-confessed lover of surprises, she can’t resist the thrill of blind boxes, crane machines, and gacha games.
How Are You Involved In the Community
Through undergraduate and graduate school, I volunteered with local clubs, providing vision screenings to schools and underserved communities. School screenings are an important way of identifying children who may need additional help with their vision before it hinders their educational journey. I also had the opportunity to provide care to underserved areas in Tecate, Mexico. Donating glasses and contact lens solutions have had a huge positive impact on these smaller communities. Over the summers, I enjoyed volunteering with local no-kill dog shelters where we would take care of abandoned dogs and get them ready for the adoption process.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
I love writing short stories in my free time so look out for my future New York Times Bestseller! I also enjoy running and hiking in the beautiful nature all around us in Southern California. My closet is full of board games and my most recent obsession is Mahjong. The recipe for a happy Dr. Chen is boba, coffee, tacos, and the occasional soft serve ice cream with a taiyaki fish on top by the ocean.
