Meet our Staff
Our patients come from all walks of life. We’ve treated physicians, photographers, police officers, stay-at-home moms, businessmen and sometimes even entire families.The doctors and entire staff at Virginia Beach Eye Center take great pride in the quality of care they provide. We know our patients when they come in to the Center and when we’re out in the community.
To be praised by your colleagues shows the utmost trust and respect for a professional. Dr. Garrett is known in the medical community as the “physician’s physician” for eye care. Dr. Garrett was selected by his peers as one of the top ophthalmologists in Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads Monthly magazine, June/July 2003 issue
See for yourself what our community is saying about Virginia Beach Eye Center.
"I couldn’t see at all without my glasses before LASIK. In a matter of seconds, I could see fine. I had no pain and no discomfort. I tell people there are three miracles in my life: my wife, my kids and my LASIK surgery."
- Dr. Steve Warsof, High Risk Obstetrician
"After my LASIK surgery, it was unbelievable to be able to see the ball across the court."
Wearing glasses from the age of 17, Dory Silfen’s eyesight began to deteriorate progressively. Eleven years ago, she was told her prescription was too strong to be corrected by laser surgery. The Virginia Beach Eye Center’s modern technology and state-of-the art equipment helped correct her vision so she can resume her active lifestyle without glasses.
- Dory Silfen, RN, Surgical Nurse
"After my LASIK surgery, everything is so much sharper. It’s made a world of difference."
Anjanette Cross had worn glasses since third grade and contact lenses since 8th grade. She was always hard on her glasses, and her contact lenses would get dry or fall out. By the second week after LASIK, she had 20/20 vision.
- Anjanette Cross
When I left the center after my LASIK surgery, I left my glasses behind."
Having worn glasses since the 5th grade, Dr. Johnson developed an intolerance to contact lenses and couldn’t wear them after 3 or 4 hours. Dr. Johnson wanted the physician’s physician. He chose Dr. Garrett.
- Dominic Johnson, MD, Emergency Room Physician
"Patient care, not monetary reasons, is (Dr. Garrett’s) utmost concern."
"Dr. Garrett’s exam is the most thorough that I have ever had. When we discussed LASIK correction surgery, Dr. Garrett told me surgery was an option, but I could also stay with contacts since I am so comfortable with them."
"My vision is better and the fit is unbelievable. I have no idea that I have the contacts in my eyes."
- Honey Low
.jpg)
Dr. John Alspaugh was tired of having to plan his life around where his glasses were.
"I was able to do a delicate procedure within three days. For me, wearing glasses is ancient history."
- John Alspaugh, M.D, Plastic Surgeon
Tom Bozard, a general contractor, loves water sports – scuba, water skiing and deep sea fishing. Having worn glasses for over 30 years, he went to see Dr. Garrett.
"Now, I can actually read the fine print on the blueprints at work. And, I don’t have to wake up early to put in my contacts, or worry about salt spray in the boat."
- Tom Bozard, Mechanical Contractor
Ms. Hoeben is a detailed, go-getter in her profession. So, it was only natural for her to thoroughly investigate and choose the right physician for her eye care. Sonja chose Dr. Garrett because of his experience, professionalism and the personalized care he provides his patients.
"In some of the clinics, I felt like a number. You never saw the actual doctor. But Dr. Garrett took his time with me."
- Sonja Hoeben, Special Event Decorator
For years, Dr. Richard Abriss actually wore 2 sets of glasses due to a rare eye condition. Dr. Garrett performed a reflective lens exchange to correct Dr. Abriss’ vision.
"The procedure went extremely well – quick and painless. I’ve trusted Dr. Garrett with my entire family’s vision for over fifteen years, because he is a well-respected member of the medical community."
- Dr. Richard Abriss, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist
-.jpg)
As a professional photographer who specializes in underwater photography, Chris Crumley wanted clear vision for his professional and personal lives.
"The procedure was fast, easy and painless. I got outside, started looking around and, boom, 20/20 vision with no lenses."
- Chris Crumley, Professional Photographer
Kim Thumel loves staying active with her motorcycle, tennis, weight lifting and cooking. Yet, she couldn’t see to find her glasses in the morning.
"I can’t believe the change that it’s made; everything is crystal clear. I now have 20/15 vision."
- Kim Thumel
"When it came right down to it, my eyesight was becoming a serious disability – in both my professional and personal lives. My career opportunities were limited. And, the glasses I had were extremely cumbersome for any type of sport. Hey, you can’t be a cool biker due with thick prescription glasses."
" With LASIK surgery, the change was drastic and almost immediate. I trust Dr. Garrett explicitly. Dr. Garrett is the only doctor I trust with my eyesight."
- Gary Kerffot