Ophthalmologists and Optometrists Serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

At Eye Doctors of Washington, we provide comprehensive eye care services and utilize the latest technology to achieve the best possible results for our patients. Our ophthalmologists and optometrists have been providing top-quality care for the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area for more than 40 years. If you are interested in receiving treatment from some of the most highly-respected specialists in the field of ophthalmology, contact Eye Doctors of Washington today.

Ophthalmologists

• Dr. Clinch
• Dr. Gaasterland
• Dr. Kang
• Dr. O’Neill
• Dr. Vicente

Optometrists

• Dr. Barbor
• Dr. Teller
• Dr. Tran

Ophthalmologists

The physicians at Eye Doctors of Washington are regarded as some of the best in the field of ophthalmology and have earned countless recognitions and top honors from their peers. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are all fellowship trained in their subspecialty and are some of the most experienced physicians in the Washington , DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area. Learn more about our team below.

Thomas E. Clinch, M.D.

Dr. Thomas E. Clinch is an acknowledged leader in ophthalmology. He has authored over 100 scientific articles and presentations. He was recently honored with an Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has been named in the National Registry of Who’s Who and Best Doctors and Top Ophthalmologists in America. Dr. Clinch is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology as well as a member of numerous professional societies. As a LASIK surgeon, Dr. Clinch served as an investigator in the clinical studies that led to FDA approval of LASIK, PRK, and Intacs®. He is proud to be the only ophthalmologist in the Washington, DC, area selected to participate in FDA trials to correct high levels of nearsightedness with intraocular lenses. Recently, he was also the first surgeon in the region to implant an intraocular miniature telescopic lens for treatment of macular degeneration. He has appeared on television network news programs as a pioneer in refractive surgery. He was listed in Washingtonian Magazine as a “ top LASIK surgeon.” Dr. Clinch has performed over 15,000 LASIK procedures and has been selected as a VISX® STAR surgeon, ranking him among the top LASIK surgeons in the country.

Dr. Clinch graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Cornell University. His medical school training was at Jefferson Medical College, where he also graduated with high honors. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital and a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the Louisiana State University Eye Center. Dr. Clinch served in the U.S. Navy as the head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune. Afterward, he became an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Utah, where he was the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services.

Presently, Dr. Clinch is the managing partner of Eye Doctors of Washington. He serves as the president of International Society of Refractive Surgeons and Washington Metropolitan Ophthalmology Society. He was recently elected to the Scientific Program Committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He also serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at George Washington University and Washington Hospital Center.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Clinch or one of our other ophthalmologists, contact Eye Doctors of Washington in DC or Maryland today.

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Douglas E. Gaasterland, M.D.

Dr. Gaasterland is a 1965 graduate of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After an internal medicine internship in Baltimore, he completed residency training at Yale-New Haven Hospital in 1970. Following residency he moved to the National Eye Institute where he completed fellowship training in Glaucoma and Clinical Research. After service in the United States Army, he returned to the National Eye Institute in 1973 as a member of the senior clinical staff, serving as Director of the Glaucoma Research Unit. In 1984, Dr. Gaasterland joined the faculty of the Center for Sight at Georgetown University as Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Glaucoma and Laser Service. He is currently the Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at both Georgetown University and George Washington University.

With a background in engineering, Dr. Gaasterland has been active in development of lasers for ophthalmic treatment for nearly 30 years. He holds two patents for ophthalmic laser treatment devices. He is the author of more than 100 scientific papers and numerous book chapters. He is an expert in the conduct of clinical trials and serves on numerous national and international glaucoma committees, including membership in monitoring committees for multi-center clinical trials in glaucoma.

As an internationally renowned ophthalmologist and specialist in the treatment of Glaucoma and Anterior Segment disease, Dr. Douglas Gaasterland is:

• Co-Director of the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) - the largest clinical study of Glaucoma
• Principal Investigator for the Washington, DC, Center of the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS)
• A scientific reviewer for eight ophthalmic journals
• A past member of the editorial boards of Lasers and Light in Ophthalmology and Generic Ophthalmology

Dr. Gaasterland lives in the Washington area where he enjoys running, fishing, and his garden.

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Paul C. Kang, M.D.

Dr. Paul C. Kang is a rising star in the field of ophthalmology. He has authored numerous articles and presentations on corneal transplantation and refractive surgery which have been published in scientific journals. Dr. Kang serves as a scientific reviewer for the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is on the Visual Sciences Committee at the National Institute of Health. He was awarded the State Affairs Star Award by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and his clinical research has been recognized by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He has extensive experience in LASIK, PRK, Intacs®, refractive lens implantation, cataract surgery, anterior segment reconstruction, and corneal transplantation including the Boston keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea).

Dr. Paul C. Kang graduated from Harvard University, cum laude. He received his medical degree at Indiana University, where he also served as a delegate to the American Medical Association. Dr. Kang finished his ophthalmology residency at the Duke University Eye Center, and completed a prestigious fellowship in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery at the John Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. He currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University and the Washington Hospital Center.

Having grown up with a blind father, Dr. Kang brings a unique perspective to the team of ophthalmologists at our offices in Washington, DC, and Maryland. His relationship with his father was the inspiration for becoming an ophthalmologist and is reflected in his relationship with patients.

Before his career in medicine, Dr. Paul C. Kang founded and managed K&C OPTECH, Inc., a consulting company focusing on research and development of computer systems and other aides for the visually impaired. In addition, he served as an admissions officer at Phillips Exeter Academy, a prestigious college preparatory school, of which Dr. Kang is also a graduate.

Dr. Paul Kang speaks Korean and Spanish and lives in Virginia with his wife and family. He enjoys golf, guitar, and travel.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kang to discuss the best treatment for your eye care needs, or if you would like to speak with one of our other top ophthalmologists, please contact EDOW today. We welcome patients from throughout the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area.

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John F. O'Neill, M.D.

Dr. John O'Neill is a 1956 graduate of the Georgetown University School of Medicine and trained in ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati and Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver. Following military service, he spent an additional year training in pediatric ophthalmology at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and then joined the practice of Dr. Frank Costenbader, a pioneer in children's eye care and considered to be the founding father of pediatric ophthalmology.

In 1983 he joined the full-academic faculty at Georgetown University Medical Center and established their first pediatric ophthalmology service. During this period he also served as Director of the Ophthalmology Residency Training Program, was responsible for the pediatric training of residents, and started the post-residency fellowship training program in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus surgery.

Dr. O'Neill has been a member of the senior attending staff and an officer of the medical staff of the Children's National Medical Center for many years and served as Chairman of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's National Committee on Pediatric and School Eye Safety. He has participated in research projects and authored scientific papers and book chapters dealing with visual disorders and eye diseases of children. He was a charter and organizing member of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the National Children's Eye Care Foundation, and is a life member in the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

His academic credentials include appointments as Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics at the Georgetown University Medical Center and School of Medicine and also Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. His areas of special interest and expertise include ocular motility disorders in children and adults, ocular infections of the newborn and infant, and the visual disorders related to learning disabilities.

In addition to his practice as an ophthalmologist in Washington, DC, Dr. O'Neill has had a special relationship with the pediatricians of the Annapolis area and Anne Arundel County, and has a satellite office in Annapolis where he sees his pediatric and adult patients with strabismus.

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G. Vike Vicente, M.D.

Strabismus and Pediatric Eye Surgery

Following the completion of his fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the Harvard-Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Vike Vicente joined the team of ophthalmologists at EDOW and Dr. John O’Neill. Their practice is the continuation of that of Dr. Frank Costenbader, known as the founder of pediatric ophthalmology in the United States.

Dr. Vicente’s previous training included undergraduate studies at the College of William and Mary, and medical school at Thomas Jefferson Medical College from both of which he graduated with honors. Dr. Vicente completed an ophthalmology residency at George Washington University and Children’s National Medical Center. He was elected chief resident, responsible for the training of resident doctors.

Dr. Vicente is board certified in ophthalmology by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Both Dr. O’Neill and Dr. Vicente have been voted as “ Top Docs” by their colleagues and Washingtonian magazine.

As a child, Dr. Vicente lived in different countries across South America. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

While at Harvard, he received an award for teaching and developed new techniques for eye muscle and pediatric cataract surgery. He has been an invited speaker at national conferences, and has been an author in a pediatric infectious disease textbook and research papers.

Within pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, his areas of special interest include: adjustable suture strabismus surgery, congenital ptosis, eye infections, retinopathy of prematurity, obstructed nasal lacrimal ducts, pediatric cataract surgery, and BOTOX® muscle injection for strabismus.

Presently, Dr. Vicente has office hours in the Chevy Chase, Annapolis, and K St. offices. He is a clinical attending physician at Georgetown University Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center, and an assistant clinical professor at George Washington University Hospital.

Dr. Vicente lives with his wife and son in Bethesda, Maryland. He enjoys running, teaching, home renovation, and is active in environmental causes.

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Optometrists

The optometrists of Eye Doctors of Washington have the background and training to provide the most efficient and best care possible for every patient that walks through our doors. Learn more about the team of optometrists at Eye Doctors of Washington, serving the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area.

Dr. Melissa A. Barbor, O.D.

Dr. Melissa Barbor has been practicing as an optometrist in the Washington, DC, area for the past 12 years. She graduated from Juniata College after earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and history. She then attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where she completed a bachelor's degree in Visual Sciences and a doctorate in Optometry. Dr. Barbor graduated with honors and was selected to be a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. She completed an internship in ocular disease at Omni Eye Services in Atlanta. Dr. Barbor continued her training in pediatric optometry at The Pennsylvania College of Optometry's Pediatric Vision Center. Her contact lens training was completed with one of the pioneers in contact lens development, Robert Morrison, O.D. Dr. Barbor has been board certified to practice as an optometrist in the states of North Carolina and Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia ( Washington, DC). She is currently serving as a clinical examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.

For the past seven years Dr. Barbor has been involved in the pre- and post-operative care of refractive and cataract surgery patients. She has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease. Dr. Barbor also has experience in both routine and advanced contact lens fitting and evaluation.

Dr. Barbor lives in Maryland with her family. She enjoys skiing, gardening, and going to the movies with her daughter.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Barbor or to speak with any of the optometrists at our offices in Washington, DC, and Maryland, contact Eye Doctors of Washington today.

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Benjamin Teller, O. D.

Dr. Ben Teller graduated from University of Delaware with a baccalaureate degree in biology and geography. He earned an additional bachelor’s degree in visual sciences and his Doctor of Optometry degree with clinical honors from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He then interned with some of the nation's top ophthalmologists at Hopewell Valley Eye Associates in New Jersey, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Katzen Eye Group in Baltimore, Maryland and Kaiser Permanente in Washington, DC.

Dr. Teller has been practicing as an optometrist in the Washington, DC, area since 1996. Recently, he became a partner of Eye Doctors of Washington. Dr. Teller specializes in comprehensive eye care and the medical management of eye disease. He has extensive experience in contact lenses and pre- and post- operative ophthalmic surgical care including the latest laser refractive procedures. Dr. Teller is currently the president of the Optometric Society of DC. Consumers' Research Council of America recently named Dr. Teller one of " America's Top Optometrists", and he is board certified in the state of Maryland, the commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia ( Washington, DC ).

Dr. Teller serves as an adjunct professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and is a preceptor for student externs completing their ocular disease and private practice rotations. He has presented various research posters at the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Teller continues to serve the community as an optometrist with pro-bono work at the Wellness Center for women at the N street Village.

Dr. Teller is a native of the Washington, DC, area and resides in Maryland. He has lived abroad and speaks Spanish. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, skiing, windsurfing, and mountain biking.

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Ha-Phuong Tran, O.D.

Dr. Ha Tran graduated from University of Virginia, Charlottesville with a Baccalaureate degree in biology. She received academic scholarships at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where she earned a Baccalaureate degree in Visual Science and completed her Doctor of Optometry degree. She was also selected to be a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa and Gold Key Honor Societies. Dr. Tran is board certified in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

Dr. Tran has been practicing as an optometrist in the Washington, DC, area since 1998. She specializes in comprehensive eye care and the medical management of eye disease. She is a specialist in therapeutic contact lenses including keratoconic and post corneal transplant fittings. She also has extensive experience with advanced cosmetic fits such as bifocals and high prescriptions. She also possesses extensive experience in pre- and post-operative ophthalmic surgical care including the latest laser refractive procedures.

Dr. Tran is a native of the Washington, DC, area and resides in Virginia with her husband and son. In her spare time, Dr. Tran enjoys traveling, volleyball, tennis, and music.

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If you are interested in finding top- quality eye treatment in your area, contact Eye Doctors of Washington today. Among the best-trained and highly skilled ophthalmologists and optometrists in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area, you can be confident our physicians have the experience and know-how to meet all of your eye care needs.