Next Up Columbus 2025: Dr. Natalie Nguyen
Name: Dr. Natalie Nguyen
Age: 41
Profession: Optometrist and Owner of Eye Co.
Neighborhood: Grove City
Education: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) College of Optometry, 2012; Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Medical Emphasis), Minor in Chemistry at Wichita State University, 2007; Associate of Science in Business Administration at Cowley County Community College, 2008
Community Involvement: Ohio Optometric Association (OOA) — Member, OOA Membership Team, Key OD for OOA Legislation; Ohio Optometric Foundation (OOF) iSEE Program — Volunteer & Provider; OOA RealEyes Program — Presenter & Volunteer; Prevent Blindness Ohio — Volunteer; American Optometric Association (AOA) — Member; Central Ohio Optometric Association (COOA) — Member; Optical Women’s Association (OWA) — Member; Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) — Member; Columbus Mothers of Twins Club (CMOTC) — Member; Buckeye Woods Elementary School PTA — Member; TriVillage Chamber Partnership — Member; AOA Leadership Institute — Graduate (Completed Part I & II); AOA Inaugural Independent Practice Institute — In Progress; VSP Future Leaders Academy (Inaugural Class) — In Progress. Awards and Recognition: OOA RealEyes Zone 12 MVP Award (2023); OOA RealEyes Community Impact Award (2024); Better Business Bureau (BBB) Spark Award Recipient (2024)
Motto: Create a story you’ll be proud of.
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From a young age, Dr. Natalie Nguyen knew exactly what she wanted: to become an optometrist and run her own practice. After earning her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and gaining hands-on experience across specialties ranging from low vision to pediatrics, she found her way to Columbus, where she launched Eye Co., a concierge-style optometry practice with a focus on dry eye, aesthetics, and personalized care.
A dedicated leader and advocate for her profession, Dr. Nguyen actively serves through the Ohio Optometric Association, national leadership programs, and children’s vision care initiatives. Her efforts have earned her multiple awards for impact and innovation. She’s also deeply involved in her local community, balancing a thriving practice with volunteerism, mentorship, and family life. For Dr. Nguyen, optometry is more than a profession, it’s a platform to uplift others and give back with purpose.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
Every morning, I’m driven by the opportunity to make a real difference — whether that’s helping a patient finally find relief from dry eye symptoms, educating a child who’s receiving their very first pair of glasses, mentoring a student just beginning their optometry journey, or contributing to legislation that protects and advances our profession.
I love being able to practice optometry in a way that is personal, meaningful, and community-focused. Building Eye Co. from the ground up allows me to provide care that truly feels like family, not only for my patients, but for my team and the larger Columbus community that supports us.
Knowing that my work extends beyond the exam room — through advocacy, education, mentorship, and leadership — keeps me motivated each week. At the core, I’m fueled by my passion for people, my gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given, and my commitment to building a career and a legacy that serve both my family and my profession.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
At every stage of my journey, I’ve been guided by my personal motto: “Create a story that you’re proud of.”
This mindset has shaped how I approach both my career and my life as a practice owner, clinician, leader, and mother. It reminds me to build something meaningful, serve with integrity, and stay true to my values no matter the challenges.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who modeled this same approach. From my early clinical training to opening Eye Co., to stepping into leadership roles within the Ohio Optometric Association and AOA, I’ve learned from those who lead with service, give generously of their time, and advocate for the profession with passion and purpose.
Their guidance has helped me understand that leadership isn’t about titles, but about showing up, building relationships, and investing in others. I also carry with me the example of my parents, whose sacrifices as immigrants taught me perseverance, humility, and the importance of family.
All of these experiences continue to shape my leadership, my practice, and the story I’m still creating.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
Outside of the office, I love spending time with my husband and our four kids — whether it’s exploring new places, cheering on local sports, or simply enjoying time together at home. Traveling has always been a passion of mine; discovering new places and cultures helps me recharge and keeps me grounded.
When I have some quiet time, I enjoy photography, photo editing, Pinterest scrolling, crafting, and tackling DIY projects. I find creating things with my hands is both relaxing and rewarding — it allows me to step away from the structured side of my work and simply create for fun.
Coming from a large family, I’ve learned to appreciate the simple moments spent with loved ones — they are my reset button and constant reminder of what truly matters.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
I feel lucky to call Columbus home — there’s so much to love about the area. Some of my favorite places to spend time are Grandview Heights, Scioto Mile, Franklin Park Conservatory, and the Columbus Zoo with my kids. We also enjoy exploring local shops and restaurants in Short North, German Village, and downtown Dublin.
When I need a quiet moment, I love walking through local parks or grabbing coffee at some of the many great local coffee shops. Columbus offers the perfect blend of small-town feel with big-city energy, and I’m grateful to be part of this vibrant community.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
Even as a kid, I always said I wanted to be a doctor. Over time, that dream became more specific as I discovered my interest in vision and how much I loved working with people. Optometry combined everything I was looking for — healthcare, personal connections, problem-solving, and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Looking back, it’s pretty special to realize that what I dreamed of as a child is exactly what I get to do every day now.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
I’m always looking for inspiration and ways to continue growing — both personally and professionally. Lately, I’ve been reading books on leadership, practice management, and personal development, including “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek and “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown.
For podcasts, I enjoy listening to shows that focus on leadership, business ownership, and work-life balance, like “The Ed Mylett Show,” “The EntreLeadership Podcast,” and “Women in Optometry.” I also love tuning into optometry-specific podcasts to stay current on clinical pearls, new technologies, and what’s happening within our profession.
I’ve found that even small bits of inspiration from books and podcasts can help me stay motivated, bring new ideas into my practice, and continue growing as a leader.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
Being selected for Next Up Columbus is an incredible honor, not just for me personally, but for the work and mission I’ve built through Eye Co. and within our profession. This recognition celebrates young professionals who are not only growing in their careers but also making a positive impact on the Columbus community.
For me, it represents a reflection of my passion for patient care, advocacy, leadership, and community involvement. It’s a reminder that the work we do — both inside and outside of the exam room — matters and can contribute to something bigger than ourselves. I’m grateful to be part of a community that values service, leadership, and building connections that make Columbus a better place to live, work, and care for others.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
To me, the pulse of Columbus is its sense of community and growth. It’s a city full of opportunity, but still deeply rooted in connection and collaboration. You feel it everywhere — in the way local businesses support one another, in how people show up for community events, and in the way professionals across industries are eager to share knowledge and help others succeed.
There’s a strong entrepreneurial spirit here, but it’s paired with humility and kindness. Columbus continues to grow and evolve, but it still feels personal — like you’re part of something bigger, where your contributions matter and where people genuinely want to see each other thrive.
That’s one of the reasons I love practicing here — it allows me to build meaningful relationships not only with my patients, but with the larger community that supports and inspires me every day.
The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »