Ngoc Thu Nguyen, OD, discovered her interest in optometry during her junior year of college at James Madison University—not in the classroom, but during a visit to her optometrist. “I started considering it because it piqued my interest, like medical school did,” she says.
Dr. Nguyen was initially torn between medical and optometry school but ultimately chose to pursue a career in optometry. “I knew I wanted a career in health care, but I also wanted to maintain a balance between work and family life,” she says. “Medical school seemed too demanding for the life I envisioned.”
After completing her undergrad, she attended Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. During her externship, she completed her hospital rotation at Langley Air Force Base. For her pediatric and low vision training, she trained at The Eye Institute in Philadelphia.
NAVIGATING CAREER CHOICES
Then, Dr. Nguyen faced another big decision: to pursue a residency or jump straight into practice. Eager to start her career, she opted for the latter, becoming an associate optometrist at various corporate locations across Virginia.
Six years into practicing, she made a significant life change. She considered moving to Texas to be closer to her family. “My sister was doing a podiatry residency, and my mom retired and moved to the area,” she says. “I’m a very family-oriented person and decided to move to Texas to be closer to them.”
While visiting family there on vacation and scouting career opportunities, she found work at a corporate practice in College Station. However, after a year, she took a six-month break to get married and travel abroad with her then-husband.
BALANCING MOTHERHOOD AND CAREER
After their travels, the couple settled in Ohio, where Dr. Nguyen balanced her new role as a mother with her career. “I worked one to two days a week for different optometrists while taking care of my baby,” she says. At the same time, she leased a corporate practice in the area.
Her career journey and life took another turn, post-divorce. She came across a job posting for an independent practice affiliated with America’s Best. Intrigued, she applied. Following a quick interview process, she got the job and relocated back to Texas near her family.
Dr. Nguyen’s time at her practice affiliated with America’s Best suits her and aligns with her lifestyle. As a full-time float optometrist, she works at various offices in her area. “My Area Doctor tries to keep me within 12 to 20 miles of home, and I work at four or five locations every month” she says. This arrangement allows her to serve and connect with a wide range of patients. “I love variety. I love that I’m able to go to different offices and work with different people.”
She appreciates her practice for supporting her in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “Practicing in affiliation with America’s Best works for me as a single mom,” she says. “I’m able to work four or five days a week and still be present for my daughter. She’s active in karate, ice skating and piano, and I feel confident in the balance I’ve created between my career and family life.”
GIVING BACK
Dr. Nguyen’s commitment to optometry extends beyond her clinical role. This year, she took on the role of Ambassador with the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network because she “wanted to experience optometry outside of the exam lane,” she says. As an Ambassador, she attends semi-annual dinners to recruit third- and fourth-year OD students.
“I want to share my experience with new graduates to help them make the best choices for their lifestyles,” she says. “With decades of experience in optometry, I’ve gained valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t and I’m eager to share that knowledge from my perspective. One piece of advice I always offer is to prioritize paying off student loans early.” Some offices in the network offer student loan repayment assistance.
A GLOBAL MISSION
Dr. Nguyen takes pride in working alongside a company dedicated to making a meaningful impact and pursuing ambitious initiatives in communities in and out of the U.S. “I ran into Reade Fahs, CEO of National Vision, and found out that the company is involved in such a lofty mission. Our goal is to ensure every single person on the planet has access to affordable and accessible eye care and eyewear,” she says.
She recognizes the privilege of practicing in the U.S., where access to eye care is often taken for granted. “In some countries, you can’t buy over-the-counter reading glasses. We are so blessed to be living in the U.S.,” she says, highlighting the importance of this global mission.
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BUILT-IN SUPPORT
The National Vision Doctor of Optometry network empowers optometrists with strong and supportive teams. Dr. Nguyen manages a high volume of patients, backed by a collaborative environment and cutting-edge equipment. And if any issues arise, team members can easily reach out to someone from the practice or National Vision for support. “National Vision conducts a survey every year for us, and they truly listen to our feedback,” she says. “They’re committed to supporting their affiliated doctors and their patients. I couldn’t imagine practicing anywhere else and plan to stay with this network through to retirement.”
