Our Doctors

Dr. Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the prestigious Indiana University School of Optometry. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry in comprehensive care and glaucoma. While in school, she was a member of Taylor University’s student chapter of the Lions Club and was Treasurer for IU’s Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO). She has made several trips to Central America to provide eye care to those in need. Dr. Nelson completed her residency in Primary Care/Ocular Disease at the VA system in Danville, IL where she specialized in diabetic eye disease, glaucoma management, and the treatment of other eye diseases. Dr. Nelson began practicing optometry in 2008.

Dr. Lauren Nelson is a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry where she was top of her class. Prior to optometry school, Dr. Nelson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry summa cum laude from Texas A&M University. Dr. Nelson enjoys seeing patients of all ages but takes a special interest in helping children see better since she started wearing glasses at a young age. She enjoys the enthusiasm they bring to their visits as well as the challenge they present when they are not always willing to cooperate. Most of all, Dr. Nelson loves to see the confidence that comes with a new pair of glasses and being able to see the world again. Outside of work, Dr. Nelson loves spending time with her husband Andrew and their two wonderful boys A.J. and Kyle. When she’s not busy being a boy mom, Dr. Nelson is an avid crafter. She is currently into vinyl cutting, sewing, and embroidery but has been known to scrapbook or woodwork a time or two. You won’t find her crafting during the fall, though, because she has to dedicate her time to watching her Aggies on the football field.

Undergraduate Education: University of Texas at Austin. Optometry School: University of Houston College of Optometry. My only job is to help people see better. Whether that’s with glasses or contacts, treating dry eye, or helping a patient with diabetes or glaucoma, my goal is to have my patients leave the office seeing the best they can.

Undergraduate Education: University of South Alabama Optometry School: Pacific University College of Optometry Certifications/Awards: American Board of Optometry Board Certified – Completed ocular disease residency at Dayton VA Hospital How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? I enjoy meeting patients of all walks of life and helping improve their vision whether through glasses, contacts, or caring and treating medical conditions. Hobbies/Interests: I played Division I Collegiate golf and am still a competitive golfer. I enjoy spending my free time with my three boys, husband, and golden retrievers in the beautiful state of Montana

Undergraduate Education: Franklin College, B.A. Biology with honors, chemistry minor; University of Michigan, MPH. Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry, OD 2007

Dr. Thao Ngo is a dedicated optometrist with over seven years of experience in ocular diseases, dry eye management, and comprehensive eye care. She specializes in pre-and post-operative care for refractive surgery. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Baylor University and her Doctorate of Optometry degree from Rosenberg School of Optometry. Dr. Ngo has worked in several private practices, a laser refractive surgery center, and an ophthalmology clinic in the DFW area. She strives to provide exceptional patient care and communication, helping every patient have the best possible vision. In her free time, Dr. Ngo enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pug, Otis. She loves trying new recipes, traveling, and Lagree fitness.

Undergraduate Education: University of Houston. Optometry School: University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Certifications/Awards: B.S in Biology, Doctor of Optometry, HIPAA, CPR, MiSight. Hobbies/Interests: Sports, Music, and Family.

Dr. Nguyen is a Louisiana native who now proudly calls Texas home. Since earning her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2018, she has been dedicated to serving the Dallas metroplex with compassionate and comprehensive eye care. Dr. Nguyen completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Rosenberg School of Optometry at the University of the Incarnate Word, following her undergraduate studies at Baylor University. Her passion for eye care began in second grade when she first wore glasses—an experience that transformed how she saw the world. That early impact was so profound that she even wore prescription swim goggles throughout her years in competitive club swimming. While in optometry school, Dr. Nguyen discovered that not all patients can achieve 20/20 vision easily. This realization sparked a deep interest in ocular disease and motivated her to pursue advanced training in the field to help her enhance patient visual outcomes. She completed clinical internships at the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center in Amarillo and Eye Centers of Texas in Houston, where her passion for diagnosing and managing complex eye conditions solidified her career direction. Over the years, Dr. Nguyen has worked closely with ophthalmologists throughout the metroplex, expanding her clinical expertise in a wide range of ocular health areas. Her professional interests include anterior segment disease, cataract management, dry eye treatment, glaucoma, refractive surgery co-management, and macular degeneration. Dr. Nguyen is a licensed therapeutic optometrist and an active member of the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and currently serves on the board of the Northeast Texas Optometric Society. She is in pursuit of her Fellowship for the American Academy of Optometry and currently published on Eyes on Eyecare for various optometry subjects. Outside the clinic, she enjoys traveling the world to experience new cuisines alongside her fiancé who are college sweethearts. She has been to China, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Morrocco, United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Korea and Vietnam. She loves taking suggestions on where she should go next!

Undergraduate Education: Xavier University of Louisiana—BS in Biology. Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? By performing comprehensive eye exams with an individualized approach to patient care. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, hiking, going to concerts, and baking.

Undergraduate Education: Florida International University. Optometry School: Nova Southeastern University. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? By providing comprehensive eye exams for adults and children, diabetic eye exams, contact lens fitting, and ocular disease management. Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Ollie.

Languages: English, Vietnamese Dr. Haley Nguyen was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She later obtained her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Texas at Austin.  She then returned to Houston to attend the University of Houston College of Optometry where  she was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and received her doctorate of optometry and graduated Magna cum Laude in 2020. She completed her first clinical rotation at a large private practice clinic where she had the opportunity to utilize the newest and latest state-of-the art technologies to provide personalized and quality vision care. Her second rotation was at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas where she focused heavily on the management and treatment of ocular diseases and conditions. Dr. Nguyen enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, being on the lake or by the beach, and exploring new dining experiences. She is happy to be back in Austin!

Dr. Phillip Nguyen is a native Arizonan, having grown up in Glendale, AZ. He studied biology at Arizona State University and pursued his Doctor of Optometry degree at Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry. In his free time, Dr. Nguyen enjoys sports, trying new restaurants, and traveling. Dr. Nguyen is very excited to deliver comprehensive eye care to the East Valley area.

Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida, Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Minor in Public Health. Optometry School: Western University College of Optometry. Professional Achievements and Associations: Florida Optometric Association, American Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Primary Eye Care and Contact Lenses. The reason I became an optometrist is: From early in my adulthood, I have always been fascinated with the optometry field. Since entering school, it has always been my goal to be in this wonderful field. Shortly after college, I spent some time as an intern at a local eye specialist office where I got even more inspirations to become an Eye Doctor. I became an Optometrist because I wanted to be of service to people - to help them see and feel better and provide an overall observation of their health by looking through their eyes. Ultimately, for me, helping our patients feel better about their vision is at the core of why I am an Optometrist today. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Seeing the smiles on our patient's faces knowing their vision is 100% better after our eye exams. Another favorite for me, is being able to connect with our patients over time and hearing personal stories of their journeys - understanding that we're all from 'different walks of life. In my spare time, I enjoy: In my spare time, I enjoy playing with our one-year-old daughter, Leilani. We love playing at the park and teaching her how to speak Vietnamese and Tagalog. We also enjoy spending time with our family and our 13-year-old Beagle named Bailey.

Undergraduate Education: University of Houston. Optometry School: University of Houston College of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? By providing comprehensive eye exams to help patients see better as well as diabetic eye exams, contact lens fitting, and ocular disease management. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, baking, arts & crafts, traveling with family.