Undergraduate Education: B.A. from Alma College (Alma, MI), graduated 2000. Optometry School: Michigan College of Optometry, graduated 2006 . Professional Achievements and Associations: Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry; Fellow in the Scleral Lens Education Society; Diplomate and Ohio Ambassador for the American Board of Optometry; Member Gas Permeable Lens Institute Advisory Board; Member American Optometric Association; Member and former Governor Ohio Optometric Association; Editorial Board of the journal Optometry Today (India); Drs. Wechsler and Mertz Contact Lens Residency Award; Beta Sigma Kappa National Optometric Honor Society Silver Medal Award; Selected as an "Outstanding female leader" in Vision Monday newsmagazine 2006; Selected as one of the "Most influential women in optometry" in Vision Monday 2018; Selected as a 2018 CooperVision "Best Practices"; 2016 Toledo City Paper "Best of Toledo - Eye Doctor" finalist; Numerous professional publications including as a columnist in Contact Lens Spectrum ("GP Insights"). Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Cornea and Contact Lens Residency, with a focus in specialty contact lens fitting completed 2007; Paragon CRT/orthokeratology certification. The reason I became an optometrist is: To take a love for science and health and translate it through patient care to help improve people's lives and contribute to my community. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Helping patients understand their ocular conditions and the importance of eye health so that they can have a lifetime of good vision. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my family (two children), writing, vegan baking, playing piano.

Undergraduate Education: The Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science; The Ohio State University, Master of Science. Optometry School: The Ohio State University, 2016. Professional Achievements and Associations: Member of the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and the Ohio Optometric Association. Volunteers service through pediatric public health programs Realeyes and InfantSEE. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Pediatrics. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Seeing the smile on my patients' faces when they put on their new pair of glasses. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time outdoors with my husband and two girls.

Undergraduate Education: Wittenberg University. Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? Comprehensive eye exams for adults and children. Contact lens fitting. Hobbies/Interests: Running, resistance training and reading.

Dr. Drees is a graduate of Ohio State University, where he received his bachelor degree in Physiological Optics in 1988. In 1991, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from OSU's College of Optometry. Dr. Drees has served as a board member for the Cincinnati Optometric Association. He is also a member of the Ohio Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. His areas of specialty include contact lenses and laser surgery co-management. Dr. Drees is originally from Cincinnati and is a graduate of Moeller High School.

Undergraduate Education: Western Illinois University, Bachelor of Arts; Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry; Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association; The reason I became an optometrist is because I enjoy working with and helping people. I have enjoyed growing up with my patients and seeing their families evolve over the years. My favorite part of helping my patients is hearing how I've helped them with their vision and especially when they said I've made a difference in their lives. In my spare time, I love to compose piano and orchestral music as well as performing and playing in community theater productions. I enjoy spending time with my adult children and my grandchildren.

Dr. Gayle Karanges is a leading optometrist in Arlington, Texas, where she has been serving the community since 1988. With over 30 years of experience in the field, her passion for optometry stems from her desire to help patients improve their vision and maintain healthy eyes, recognizing that our eyes reflect vital aspects of our overall well-being. With a Doctorate in Optometry from the University of Houston, Dr. Karanges’ dedication extends to professional development, regularly attending continuing education courses in the field of optometry. This commitment ensures she remains at the forefront of advancements in diagnosing and managing complex vision disorders, including keratoconus, diabetic eye conditions, and dry eyes. Dr. Karanges is a devoted mother of two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys fitness training, tennis, and showing cutting horses. Dr. Karanges aspires to inspire women to pursue their ambitions and believe they can achieve success in both their personal and professional lives. She encourages her daughters, as well as those around her, to strive for their best, embrace challenges, and remain passionate about their work.

Dr. Vanessa Nguyen is an optometrist practicing at MyEyeDr. in Arlington, TX. With over a decade of experience in the field, she specializes in providing comprehensive eye care services and is dedicated to enhancing her patient's eye health and vision. Dr. Nguyen's journey began as an immigrant to the United States. Born in Vietnam, she and her family fled their home country in search of a better life. After spending time in a refugee camp in the Philippines, they eventually settled in the United States. Driven by her parents' sacrifices, Dr. Nguyen embraced the opportunities before her, excelling in her education and becoming a trailblazer within her family. She earned her Doctorate in Optometry from the University of Houston in 2006 and pursued an internship focusing on pre- and post-operative surgical care, as well as primary eye care in Dallas. Dr. Nguyen holds a license as a Therapeutic Optometrist and is board-certified as an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Dr. Nguyen's professional experience encompasses a diverse range of practices, including retail, ophthalmology, and private practice. Throughout her career, she has gained knowledge in diagnosing and treating ocular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, keratoconus, and infections. What sets Dr. Nguyen apart in the industry is her holistic approach to eye care. She believes in building strong relationships with her patients, and taking the time to truly listen to their concerns and needs. By fostering a deep connection, she establishes a solid foundation of trust, ensuring her patients receive personalized and compassionate care. Dr. Nguyen draws inspiration from her mother, who exemplified the qualities of a dedicated and hardworking parent. She instilled in Dr. Nguyen the values of perseverance and kindness, which she carries into her practice and personal life. Dr. Nguyen's guiding philosophy is simple yet powerful: "Be good." By treating others with kindness and respect, she believes that greatness can be achieved in any endeavor. Dr. Nguyen grew up in Arlington, where she attended elementary school through college. She has loved practicing in her hometown for over 10 years. In her free time, she likes traveling, cooking, and eating with her husband and two children. Dr. Vanessa Nguyen is a passionate optometrist committed to delivering exceptional eye care, improving her patients' vision, and making a positive impact in their lives.

Undergraduate Education: The University of South Dakota. Optometry School: Pacific University College of Optometry.

Undergraduate Education: Indiana University Bloomington. Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? By providing personalized care to patients of all ages. Including diabetic eye exams, contact lens fitting, glaucoma evaluation, pediatric eye exams and ocular disease management. Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my husband & two young sons (Jack & Clark), home improvement projects, going on walks with our Wheaten Terrier (Oreck) and cooking.

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor’s in biology from Heidelberg University. Optometry School: The Ohio State University College of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? By performing comprehensive eye examinations, treatment of ocular disease, and fitting contact lenses. Hobbies/Interests: Playing tuba in the Monroe County Community College Band and the Deutchmeister German Band.