
Dr. Pooja J. Patel
Dr. Pooja J. Patel graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Tampa in 2009. In 2013, she graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor’s in Vision Sciences and Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Patel completed additional training through a residency program in Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Services at the Eye Institute in Philadelphia.
Under the supervision of nationally recognized specialists, she obtained training in the fields of pediatric eye care, vision therapy, neuro-optometry, traumatic brain injury evaluations, emergency eye care, and primary eye care. Dr. Patel has worked in private practice for 8 years in the Raleigh area and is now fulfilling her dream of opening her own practice where she can provide excellent care in her own unique way. With over 10 years of experience under her sleeve, Dr Patel continues to strive to stay at the top of her field by committing to lifelong learning and maintaining fellowship at the American Academy of Optometry.
Dr. Patel is excited to start seeing patients at Family Eye Wellness and is currently ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.
Get to know more about Dr. Patel
Why Optometry?
The eyes have always been very intriguing to me. Although they at first appear simple, the complexity of eyes and vision is absolutely incredible. In my opinion, the most precious sense is "vision". The ability to see, analyze, and interpret everything that one sees through their eyes is simply mind blowing.
Why Pediatrics and Vision Therapy?
Many people are unaware of this but more than 75% of learning is done through vision. How incredible could it be if I could help a child right from the beginning, who is struggling with their foundational skills of learning, by evaluating their visual system and helping them through vision therapy and other treatment modalities? This is what inspired me to specialize in this area.
Languages spoken
Aside from English, I speak Gujarati and Hindi. I grew up speaking Gujarati in my household. I learned how to speak Hindi by watching Bollywood films my entire life. And over time I have also picked up some Urdu.
Family
I lived in Florida for most of my life with my parents and siblings. I got married to my childhood sweetheart, Viran Patel, in 2012, and we moved to North Carolina in August 2014. We have a beautiful daughter who serves as our inspiration and have another princess on the way!
Favorite Vacation
Traveling is my number one hobby. My favorite vacation has been a two week Mediterranean cruise that took us to Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Turkey. The scenery was stunning, the food was incredible, and the time spent with twelve family members was priceless! "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list!"
Fun fact
When I was 17, my car got struck by lightning in Florida as I was driving it! A few weeks later, my parents' house got struck by lightning. A few years later, our house in NC got struck by lightning. I guess I attract lightning!!!