Meet Dr. Nhi Nguyen O.D.
Primary Care
Scleral Lenses
Specialty Contacts for Irregular Cornea
Myopia Management
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 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.
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.
Professional Affiliations and Networks
Dr. Nhi serves as Vice President of the SCCO American Academy of Optometry Student Chapter and 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.
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 and Recognition
She was honored as the winner of the ABB Optical 9th Annual Optometry Student Challenge.
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. Mai
Franchezka
“Dr. Mai and the entire personnel are amazing! Extremely polite, kind and professional. In addition, I can now see 20/20!!! Thank you, thank you all. 🤗🤗 “
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Reviewed on: Sept 4, 2024
Rene j
“Dr Mai and his team are awesome. They’re the best doing tests because, have the ultimate equipment with the last technology. And their customer service is unique “
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Reviewed on: June 23, 2024
Amy A
“Dr Mai is unbelievably intelligent, smart , nice and knowledgeable “
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Reviewed on: June 3, 2024
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.
How Are You Involved In the Community
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.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
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!
