Sofia Ahmad, OD

About Sofia Ahmad, OD

Undergraduate education: University of Mary Washington. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, 2016. Professional Achievements/Associations: Northern Virginia Optometric Society (NVOS)- Treasurer; Virginia Optometric Association (VOA) – Keyperson; Remote Area Medical (RAM)". Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Certification for Advanced Studies in Contact Lenses Orthokeratology Certification. The reason I became an optometrist is: to make a difference in someone's life, even if it is a small difference. I have been on two mission trips to Honduras and volunteer at local vision screenings. I hope to keep using my skills to keep making these small differences locally and around the world where people are in need. My favorite part of helping my patients is: seeing the look on their faces when they appreciate how much better they feel after solving an eye problem and how much better they can see with their new glasses or contacts. In my spare time, I enjoy: doing arts and crafts, hanging out with friends and family, and traveling around the world.

Nicole Salomone, OD

About Nicole Salomone, OD

Undergraduate Education: Pennsylvania State University; Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry; What drives your passion for optometry? Receiving glasses as a preteen and my grandmother losing her sight to diabetes prompted me to enter into this profession. How are you helping patients live their best lives? I take the time to get to know my patients the best I can. Some of my patients have been with me for over 15 years. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of all patients. How are you impacting your local community? I have lived in Woodbridge since 2002. I enjoyed volunteering at my children’s school for vision screenings. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, especially at the beach/Entertaining/chauffeuring my children
Lex Barkley, OD

Lex Barkley, OD

About Lex Barkley, OD

Undergraduate Education: Lenoir-Rhyne College, BS Biology. Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry Class of 1987. Professional Achievements and Associations: Southern College of Optometry Contact Lens Society member. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: TN Therapeutically certified. The reason I became an optometrist is: I became interested when I was fitted with glasses in 6th grade and then contact lenses in 9th grade. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Showing them how much better they can see with glasses or contact lenses. In my spare time, I enjoy: Swimming, working out, music, cooking.
Meagan Avila, OD

Meagan Avila, OD

About Meagan Avila, OD

Undergraduate Education: Belhaven University & Elmhurst College: Bachelor's degree in biology. Optometry School: The Ohio State College of Optometry 2008. Professional Achievements and Associations Member of the American Optometric Association; Member of the Indiana Optometric Association; Awarded Ossip Optometry's Doctor of the Year in 2017. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: I enjoy treating glaucoma and fitting specialty contact lenses. The reason I became an optometrist is: I want to help people. I always wanted to go into the medical field, and optometry was the perfect field for me. My favorite part of helping my patients is: I love it when I can change someone's life by helping them to see better. I also enjoy getting to know my patients and developing lifelong relationships with them over the years. In my spare time, I enjoy: I love volleyball. I played in college and Optometry school. I also enjoy spending time with my 2 kids and attending their soccer games. My husband and I love taking trips, especially where we get to hike and be outdoors. Our favorite vacation spot to date is Banff, Canada.
Hannah Cater, OD

Hannah Cater, OD

About Hannah Cater, OD

Undergraduate Education: I attended Ferris State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Vision Science, Summa Cum Laude. Optometry School: I graduated in 2015 from the Michigan College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree, Summa Cum Laude. Professional Achievements and Associations: I am a member of the Indiana Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: I am licensed to practice optometry and prescribe medications in the state of Indiana. I also maintain a controlled substance regulation certificate. I enjoy practicing full scope optometry, but I have a passion for pediatrics. The reason I became an optometrist is: I believe that vision is our most important sense. Being able to preserve, protect, and enhance the way my patients see the world is an amazing experience. I was originally drawn to optometry because it is one of the few healthcare fields that really allows you to spend time with and get to know patients. Because of that extra time, I can better serve patients. My favorite part of helping my patients is: I love the connections I get to make with my patients. I have met so many wonderful and inspiring people. Every day brings new challenges and new relationships. In my spare time, I enjoy: I love to spend time with my husband, Dan, our daughter, Amelia, and our dog. Any moment I can be outside, I take full advantage. I also enjoy cooking.
Olivia Forthofer, OD

Olivia Forthofer, OD

About Olivia Forthofer, OD

Undergraduate Education: Valparaiso University, BS in Chemistry and Biology Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry, 2019. The reason I became an optometrist is: I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field, and the more I learned about eyes the more I wanted to know. I love being able to specialize in such an interesting area of health, while also helping patients improve their quality of life. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Helping improve their lives! I love seeing the reaction of kids getting a pair of glasses for the first time or finding a solution for a contact lens patient that thought they were out of options. In my spare time, I enjoy: Going to concerts, playing tennis, and spending time with my dog.
Joel Saslawsky, OD

Joel Saslawsky, OD

About Joel Saslawsky, OD

Undergraduate Education: University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry, Professional Achievements/Associations: AOA member, TAOP member, Clinical Certifications & Specialties: , What drives your passion for optometry?: I just enjoy helping people, and if that involves improving their vision I want to be their ally in eye care., How are you helping patients live their best lives?: I am making sure that my patients vision allows them to achieve all of their goals., What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you?: Ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of all patients, How are you impacting your local community?: I am an active member of the Memphis Jewish community and plan to join other associations that enhance access to eye care., Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, seeing concerts, skiing, golfing, my wife Stephanie and our goldendoodle puppy Henry
Atka Ghafoor, OD

Atka Ghafoor, OD

About Atka Ghafoor, OD

Undergraduate Education: Benedictine University; Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Primary Eye Care; What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of all patients. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, playing volleyball, and spending time with family and friends

Bogdan Grynyk, OD

About Bogdan Grynyk, OD

Undergraduate Education: SUNY Oswego Optometry School: New England College of Optometry Certifications/Awards: Clinical Honors every semester Hobbies/Interests: sports

Scott Lauer, OD

About Scott Lauer, OD

Undergraduate Education: Marshall University Bachelor of Science; Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry; Professional Achievements and Associations: Member WV Association of Optometric Physicians, Member Florida Board of Optometry, Member South Carolina Board of Optometry, Member AOA; Clinical Certifications and Specialities: Primary Optometry and Contact Lenses, TMOD; The reason I became an optometrist is to help people of all ages with their vision. As our population ages optometrists need to step up and treat both vision and medical disorders involving the eyes. My favorite part of helping my patients is seeing the same patients year after year and knowing that they trust me with their lifelong vision needs. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, movies, golf, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.