As the owner of Vision Loft, I take pride in providing a complete and thorough eye exam. I care about you and your family and will treat you like you are my family.
I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry, after completing my undergraduate degree at University of California, Irvine. Since I was young, I have always wanted to become a doctor. Now, I truly love my decision and my profession.
My external rotations while in school were the best experiences! I studied eye diseases and diagnosis at the VA Hospital in Kansas City with one of the most well respected, not to mention, toughest teachers. I learned about the optometry business, contact lenses and patient management aspects at one of the biggest practices in the Midwest. I examined servicemen and treated eye injuries at the Marine Base in Kanahoe, Hawaii. Then, working with medical doctors and ophthalmologists, I treated a variety of eye diseases at the Barnes Jewish Hospital Eye Clinic in St. Louis.
After graduating optometry school on the Dean’s Honor List, I accompanied my husband, Rob, as we moved to San Antonio, Texas, and then to Las Vegas, Nevada as he completed his service to the US Air Force. We finally settled here in the Charlotte area after his service almost 16 years ago! We love the South and can’t imagine having raised our three kids anywhere else. Being involved in our community is important to me. I have served as PTA president at both North Mecklenburg High School and Blythe Elementary, and have been the chairperson for the BBQ fundraiser for the high school. For some reason, I know quite a bit about smoking Boston butts.
I also have traveled to Mexico and Peru for medical mission trips with the Lion’s Club’s Lions for Sight. Our last trip to Lima, we brought over 9,000 pairs of glasses and examined over 2,000 people. I also volunteer for the local Lion’s Club’s vision screening program. I also enjoy playing tennis and can talk a mean game, but would really like to play like I talk! Somewhat like high school sports in which we compete against other schools, now my ladies tennis team goes out and beats up other neighborhoods.
Recently I’ve been trying to direct a very small white ball around these huge beautifully groomed green courses. We also try to keep up with our three college kids at three different ACC schools. That’s right, my husband and I are now empty nesters. I can guarantee that you will also reach the light at the end of the tunnel one day. People are always asking me where I’m from because I don’t look like I’m from around here, and that is a loaded question… Where was I born? Where did I grow up? Where did I go to school? Where did I last live? Come in, ask me and find out!
drchen@thevisionloft.com