Nhi Nguyen, OD


Primary Care,  Scleral Lenses,  Advanced Contacts for Irregular Cornea, Myopia Management, Advanced Dry Eye Treatments, Medical Eye Services

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LECTURES

Dry Eye, Scleral Lenses, and Myopia Management

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Myopia Management

UNDERGRADUATE

University of California, Santa Barbara

OPTOMETRY SCHOOL

Marshall B. Ketchum University

Why You Became
an Optometrist?

As the eldest sibling and child of immigrant parents, taking care of others came naturally to me. Before deciding to pursue optometry, I considered careers in nursing or physical therapy due to my involvement in sports as a teenager, but eventually realized neither was a good fit. Growing up, I only ever had two consistent eye doctors my pediatrician and my optometrist. While medical school didn’t pique my interest, optometry did. My annual visits with my optometrist were always pleasant, pain-free, and helped me achieve clearer vision. I wore my first pair of glasses at 11 years old, transitioned to hard contact lenses at 15, and switched to soft contact lenses at 22. After learning about all of the amazing specialties in vision care, my decision to pursue optometry was solidified.
Dr. Nhi (3)

What Do You Love About Your Job

What I love most about practicing optometry is the personal connections I build with my patients. Although this is a common sentiment, the significance of these relationships truly stands out in my daily work. An encounter that comes to mind is when I helped a patient who was living with a debilitating corneal condition, also known as keratoconus, achieve clear vision for the first time in many years and the first thing she saw was my face! The moment was filled with hugs and tears, and the emotional connection we formed from that experience has led us to stay in touch ever since. I can completely change a patient's life with a piece of plastic – that's pretty incredible!

Education and Fellowship

Dr. Nhi is a distinguished optometrist who earned her Doctorate of Optometry, Magna Cum Laude, from the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University.

Born and raised in Orange County and completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at UC Santa Barbara.

My Passion in
Eye Care

Dr. Nhi is passionate about expanding access to quality eye care and raising awareness about health and wellness, especially in underserved communities. She is dedicated to supporting educational outreach efforts and inspiring others to pursue their passions with purpose and determination.

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New Hope for Dry Eye Sufferers

Xiidra vs Restasis Quick Fix or Steady Dry Eye Relief?

Are you tired of battling dry eyes every day? You're not alone

Home Treatment to Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms Hydrate, Massage Maintain

Education And
Fellowship

Dr. Nhi is a distinguished optometrist who earned her Doctorate of Optometry, Magna Cum Laude, from the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. Born and raised in Orange County and completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at UC Santa Barbara.

Professional Affiliations
and Networks

Dr. Nhi is affiliated with the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association, Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, Treehouse Eyes, Orange County Optometric Society, California Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, Orange County Concussion Consortium, and the Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Society.

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Accomplishments

Publications


Dr. Nhi co‑authored a poster presentation titled “Reclaiming Sight and Confidence: Prosthetic Lenses in Iris Atrophy” with Dawn Lam, MSc, OD, FAAO.

Lectures


Dr. Nhi has delivered insightful lectures, including “Behind the Blur,” focusing on myopia management.

Awards & Recognition


She was honored as the winner of the ABB Optical 9th Annual Optometry Student Challenge.

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Personal Information,
Hobbies and Family

Dr. Nhi grew up playing softball and volleyball but now enjoys hitting the court for tennis and pickleball matches. Her go to beverage is a classic iced latte, perfect for fueling her active lifestyle.

After crossing paths with a stray cat, she developed a special bond that led to her becoming a proud cat mom to Kitty (yes, that’s really his name). Dr. Nhi finds joy in every moment, whether on the court, with a latte in hand, or sharing life with Kitty.

Involvement in the community has been a significant aspect of my professional journey. I volunteer at community health fairs, including events like the LA Community Health Fair with UCLA Bruin Vision Project members and the Veterans Stand Down Fair in Compton. Previously, I served as a nutrition instructor for children, where I focused on promoting healthy eating habits and empowering young individuals to make informed dietary choices. This role provided me with a platform to positively impact children’s health and well-being, especially in vision care!

During my graduate studies, I participated in health professional organizations where I shared my personal experiences with aspiring optometry students. My goal is to inspire and motivate them to consider optometry as a career path, emphasizing the fulfillment and opportunities within the field.

When I was 7, I wrote a letter to the President asking if we could be friends. My grandma mailed it to the White House, and I surprisingly received an official letter accepting my request and a signed portrait of the President and the First Lady! Sadly, that was the extent of our friendship. I am a VIP member of the CDS, otherwise known as the cat distribution system. Cats in need tend to randomly show up at my doorstep or when I am strolling around town. I’ve saved several stray cats, two of which now live with me!