It’s hard to imagine, but I was asked to leave grade school…TWICE!!! My first offense was when I played hookey too many days in first grade. When questioned by my mother, I said “each day of learning is worse than the next!”. My second run in with school law was in 8th grade. I was going through my grunge phase and had dyed my hair too many colors. To avoid expulsion, I was required to have professional hair stylist to fix my wild locks.

Despite my rocky start and initial hatred of homework, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian at age three-that meant a LOT of school! As a teenager, my passion (other than animals) was art and music. That aspect of my personality has really helped me with reconstructive surgeries as I believe achieving a good aesthetic and functional surgical outcome requires artistry and creativity. After graduating high school, I was a student for twelve extra years!

My mother and father are my inspirations. My mom is a classically trained concert pianist. From her, I learned compassion, caring and kindness. My father was an orthopedic surgeon that came to this county in the 1970s with next to nothing and built a successful medical practice in Toms River, New Jersey. From my father, I learned hard work, discipline, and a love for medicine. They are the most generous people I know. They drive me every single day to be kinder, work harder, and be better.

Dr. Samuel enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She likes trying new restaurants and bars and especially likes taking cocktail making and wine classes. Dr. Samuel also loves following the latest fashions and make up trends! She is an excellent online shopper (much to her husband’s chagrin)!

Dr. Samuel and her husband, Nate, have an American Stafforshire Terrier named Chum and a West Highland White Terrier named Macho.

There are approximately 475 veterinarians that are considered a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® in the world. What I think sets our office apart is the compassionate and caring environment we promote rooted in exceptional communication and the highest standard of medical and surgical veterinary ophthalmology care.

I would describe myself as compassionate, confident, honest, personable, and caring. I think all of these qualities are key ingredients for a veterinarian you can trust and build a relationship with. I LOVE being a veterinary ophthalmologist! I am fortunate enough to be able to give the gift of vision, prevent further loss of vision, and maintain comfort in a majority of my patients. I not only adore my patients but my clients as well. The bond between a veterinarian and clients is just as important as the bond with their pets. My goal is to cultivate a positive atmosphere through promotion of education, active engagement, open communication.

Clients can also rest assure that I will partner with your veterinarian to complement the care your pet has already received. I enjoy working closely with your family veterinarian and other specialists in the area to ensure each patient is receiving outstanding care.

I have been recognized by my peers as one of the top veterinarians in Ophthalmology in Northern Virginia Magazine in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

My staff and I pride ourselves in providing superior eye care for your pet in a compassionate and comfortable environment where we treat patients and clients like friends and family!

We can’t wait to meet you and your pets!