Our office specializes in developmental optometry, also known as behavioral or functional optometry, and we offer optometric vision therapy in our 1200-square-foot dedicated training room. We are able to see patients of all ages from this functional perspective of vision to provide our patients better insight into the use of their eyes. We strive to listen to each patient’s unique visual concerns so together, we can pursue a treatment plan that best fits the visual needs of each patient. In addition to complete optical and contact lens services, specialty or “hard-to-fit” contact lens fittings and myopia control with orthokeratology packages are also available.
Developmental optometrists diagnose and treat vision problems beyond the compensation of eyesight to the standard of “20/20”. “20/20” refers to visual acuity and it is merely a static measurement of the clarity of a person’s eyesight. Vision, on the other hand, is a dynamic and integrated brain process that provides human beings with knowledge about themselves and the world around them.
Traditional eye care provided by general optometrists and ophthalmologists aim to restore central eyesight by using convex or concave lenses and treating eye disease. However, there are many people who possess “perfect vision” who still suffer from visual problems. This is because “20/20” does not exactly equate to “perfect vision” as it does not provide any information about vital visual skills. It does not provide insight into a person’s ability to direct their eyes in all positions of gaze, including from far to near and back again. It does not provide information about whether a person can maintain clarity while performing near tasks – and if so, for how long. It does not indicate how well the two eyes work together as a team and the brain’s ability to fuse the signals from each eye. It also does not describe anything about peripheral vision. “20/20” is a limited measurement of what is truly considered vision.
Functional vision problems such as convergence insufficiency, focusing disorders, eye tracking dysfunctions, and poor depth perception can significantly interfere with a person’s quality of life. More serious conditions such as amblyopia and strabismus are also treatable – and without the use of pharmacological agents or eye muscle surgery. These visual dysfunctions can negatively affect school, work, and sports performance. Optometric vision therapy has the potential to normalize these visual skills and optimize the people of all ages. Our greatest satisfaction comes from improving our patients’ vision for a lifetime of clear and comfortable visual function.
Meet The Doctor
Dr. Duc Nguyen is a first-generation Vietnamese American who grew up 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 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 eye care to members of the service and cadets. While there, he helped establish the first sports vision program at their Human Performance Laboratory and worked closely with their Division I baseball team. In Atlanta, laser corrective eye surgery and eye disease co-management were the emphases. Upon graduation in 1998, he received the Tole Greenstein Award for Excellence in Vision Therapy. Dr. Nguyen is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.
Payment Options
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards as well as personal checks.
Insurance Policy
Other than Medicare Part B and HSCSN (Health Services for Children with Special Needs, a specialized Washington D.C. Medicaid program), this office does not participate in any medical or vision insurance plans. Our practice emphasizes functional patient care and we cannot provide our standard of care while adhering to the strict policies of typical health insurers unfortunately. We do provide our patients with billing invoices completed with all the necessary information for direct reimbursement from their insurance carriers.