Faculty Profile: Valerie L. Quan, OD, FAAO
Dr. Valerie Quan is a graduate of the State University of New York College of Optometry. She is residency-trained and fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). She is a member of American Optometric Association (AOA), California Optometric Association (COA), Inland Empire Optometric Society (IEOS), and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA). Dr. Quan is an Associate Professor at Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Optometry and serves as the Chief of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation at the Eye Care Institute. She is a Program Director for vision services and is on the Concussion Team at Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare. Her clinical focus is rehabilitation in patients with a history of traumatic brain injury or stroke. She is the Residency Supervisor for two residency programs in vision therapy and low vision, both with an emphasis in neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Her teaching interests include treatment and management of vision problems due to acquired neurologic conditions and interprofessional education. She has lectured at local and national conferences and participates in multiple committees across campus.
What is your fondest memory of WUCO professionally and/or personally?
I don’t have a favorite patient or patient memory. Every patient encounter where I see improvement in vision function and quality of life is a win for me. These changes can be big or small, and some patients have longer or shorter recovery windows. Each patient is special in their own way and recovery process.
What do you love about WUCO?
WUCO’s rehabilitation emphasis fits well with my teaching, clinical and research interests in neuro-optometric rehabilitation, visual-vestibular dysfunctions, traumatic brain injury and stroke. I have the opportunity to see patients in acute rehabilitation, ambulatory, and interprofessional settings.
Why did you choose WUCO?
Opportunity to work with students to train them in being able to attain core competencies in the treatment and management of patients with acquired neurologic conditions. Other schools reserve this training for residency education whereas the WUCO student attain these skills by the time they graduate.
Why did you choose the profession of optometry?
It is patient- centered and problem-solving profession. An optometrist can provide immediate solutions when vision is impacted.
What is your favorite thing about being an optometrist?
I enjoy taking time to listen to patients and getting to know their stories.
What’s the most interesting thing you’re working on right now?
Utilizing virtual reality headsets for patient care (i.e., visual field assessments), vision therapy, and interprofessional care (team-based care coordination).
What is your current goal for professional development?
I am currently participating on the Concussion Team at a rehabilitation hospital. It’s exciting to contribute to a model of best practices that will define a continuum of care with benchmarks for improvement and rehabilitation goals involving vision.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Developing a comprehensive neuro-optometric program that educates students and treats patients This involves both classroom/lab and clinical components. We have well-known clinical services that bring in patients near and far.
What was your favorite subject in Optometry school?
Clinical Analysis which was taught by Dr. Diane Adamczyk. This was a second-year course that trained your clinical eye to look out for clinic signs and rule in or out different conditions.
What is your favorite quote?
“Look at the company it keeps” Dr. Diane Adamczyk. Looking at the associated signs and symptoms can help to narrow down differential diagnoses.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Island of Kauai, we spend family vacations there, it has balmy air, tropical smells, good food, and outdoor activities.
What person has influenced you the most in the field of Optometry?
Dr. Irwin B. Suchoff, he mentored me in the Head Trauma clinic during my residency year at SUNY. This paved the way for my current career path.
