Our office specializes in developmental optometry, sometimes also called behavioral or functional optometry, and we see individuals of all ages from this more holistic perspective and strive to provide our patients with clear, comfortable, and efficient vision and better insight into their individual visual system. Our typical patients are looking for more than what is customarily provided from a general eye exam and being described as having “20/20” acuity. Often times, having “perfect” eyesight of 20/20 may not be enough. That is because the process of vision includes much more than eyesight alone. Vision is a dynamic and integrated brain process that is involved in, and often dominates, every human activity and action.
Developmental optometrists diagnose and treat vision problems beyond the compensation of eyesight to best corrected visual acuity. “20/20” merely describes a static measurement of an individual’s ability to see specifically-sized characters from a distance of 20 feet. One could have 20/20 eyesight and still have poor vision because 20/20 does not provide any information about a person’s ability to direct their eyes in all positions of gaze and at all distances and the energy involved to do so. It does not indicate any information regarding an individual’s ability to change and maintain focus and clarity while performing tasks at all distances, but especially for near work. 20/20 does not describe anything about binocularity and fusion, the brain process of coordinating the two eyes to work as a team to enhance depth perception. It also does not state anything about peripheral vision and its integration with posture and balance.
Whether developmental, neurological, stress-induced, or injury-induced, vision problems such as convergence insufficiency, poor eye tracking, inefficient focusing, and poor depth perception, can significantly interfere with quality of life. More serious conditions such as amblyopia and strabismus are also treatable within this non-medical model of vision – and possibly without the use of pharmacological agents and/or eye muscle surgery. These visual dysfunctions can negatively impact school, work, and sports performance. If vision development, enhancement, or rehabilitation is required, we offer optometric vision therapy in our 750-square-foot dedicated treatment and training space. Optometric vision therapy are doctor-prescribed brain procedures and activities aimed at improving the visual process for individuals of all ages. Vision problems can arise and impact life at any age and one is never too old for treatment. Our greatest satisfaction comes from improving our patients’ vision for a lifetime of visual efficiency, clarity, and comfort.
In addition to optometric vision therapy, we also offer vision care for the entire family and have complete optical dispensary and contact lens services, including specialty or hard-to-fit contact lens fittings.
Duc Q. Nguyen, OD, FOVDR
Dr. Nguyen’s family immigrated from Vietnam and quickly settled in the Northern Virginia area. After graduating from Annandale High School, he received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. A year spent working in an optometric practice specializing in optometric vision therapy cemented his long-held decision to become a doctor of optometry. The Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon provided him with a strong academic foundation and great experiences personally and professionally. His externships included working in the clinics of the metropolitan Portland area, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Atlanta Eye Associates. At the USAFA, he provided eyecare to members of the service and helped screen cadets for flight eligibility. While there, he worked closely with their Division I baseball team and helped establish their sports vision program at the Human Performance Laboratory. In Atlanta, eye disease, cataract, and laser corrective eye surgery co-management were the main areas of focus. Upon graduation in 1998, he received the Tole Greenstein Award for Excellence in Vision Therapy. Dr. Nguyen is a Fellow of the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association (formerly the College of Optometrists in Vision Development). In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family, golf, and travel.
Wendy Garson, OD
Dr. Garson was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Montgomery County. She attended Northwood High School and graduated from the University of Maryland as a member of Psi Chi, the psychology honor society. Dr. Garson went on to a masters program in psychology at Villanova University. After completing the program, she then went on to attend optometry school at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia.
Natalie Jacobs
Patient Care Coordinator and Business Manager
Natalie handles everything administrative, from patient scheduling to billing and collections to helping patients navigate their insurance questions, she is the first person of contact. She is also involved in ordering glasses and contact lenses and the management of our frames inventory.
Pat Jacobs
Semi-Retired
Pat was our business manager for many years but has recently retired. She continues to work on Saturdays and fills in for Natalie when necessary, which gives her the opportunity to see and catch up with the many patients and families that we have had the privilege to provide care for over the years.
Payment Options
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards as well as personal checks and direct debit through Zelle.
Insurance Policy
Other than Medicare Part B, our office does not participate in any other medical or vision insurance plans. Our practice emphasizes functional patient care and we cannot provide our standard of care and quality of service, while being influenced by the constraints of a typical health insurer, unfortunately. However, we are happy to provide our patients with completed billing invoices and superbills with all the necessary information for direct reimbursement from their insurance carriers.