Dr. Thao Nguyen Tran, MD

Our experience with Dr. Tran in pediatric ophthalmology was one of the most frustrating and disappointing medical encounters I have had as a parent. This was not simply a challenging visit with a toddler it was a pattern of dismissive behavior, lack of appropriate pediatric care, and poor follow-up. My two-year-old son has documented sensory challenges and is actively supported by multiple specialists. At our initial visit, it was extremely difficult for him to tolerate the exam, which is entirely expected for a child his age, especially one with sensory sensitivities. Despite this, I advocated and pushed to ensure the exam was completed so that he could receive proper care. During that visit, instead of offering developmentally appropriate strategies or demonstrating flexibility, Dr. Tran told me that I needed to “desensitize” him. This comment was both dismissive and inappropriate, as it disregarded the fact that he is already receiving ongoing, professional support for these exact… challenges. It showed a lack of understanding of pediatric sensory needs and a lack of collaboration with a child’s broader care team. After the visit, his symptoms returned and worsened, which prompted us to seek follow-up care. At that point, the experience deteriorated further. It took an entire week of repeated phone calls just to schedule a follow-up appointment, as the office failed to respond in a timely or reliable manner. For a pediatric specialty office, this level of inaccessibility is unacceptable. At the follow-up appointment, the situation was even more concerning. Because my toddler again struggled to keep his eyes open something completely developmentally normal and expected. Dr. Tran made little effort to adapt or use alternative pediatric techniques. Instead, the visit was effectively shut down without a meaningful attempt to work through the challenge. Rather than providing solutions, we were again told to “desensitize” him. Additionally, I was told that avoiding sunlight might be the solution. Suggesting that a toddler simply avoid sunlight is not a realistic, practical, or responsible recommendation. It reflects a lack of appropriate problem-solving and a failure to provide actionable, developmentally appropriate care. At no point did the interaction feel collaborative, supportive, or patient-centered. Instead, it felt dismissive of both my child’s needs and my role as a parent advocating for him. Pediatric specialists should be equipped to handle exactly these types of situations young children who are uncomfortable, uncooperative, or have sensory sensitivities. That is not an exception; it is the norm in pediatric care. Additionally, based on both my experience and what is reflected in other reviews, this does not appear to be an isolated incident but rather a pattern of behavior and communication style within this practice. Due to this experience, I have taken further steps to report my concerns to my insurance provider, the appropriate medical board, and Advocate so that this issue is documented and other families are not placed in a similar situation. Families deserve pediatric providers who demonstrate patience, flexibility, and an understanding of developmental and sensory differences. Unfortunately, this experience reflected none of those qualities. I strongly recommend that parents especially those with young children or sensory-sensitive children—consider seeking care elsewhere.

I am a patient of Dr. Tran and she is an excellent doctor! She is kind, caring, and very professional. Her staff is very good also. I am very satisfied--I highly recommend her!

My Cataract surgery was a great experience, Dr Tran and her team were wonderful and the whole procedure went smoothly.

Dr Tran is an awesome doctor. I recently had emergency with shingles in my one eye and Dr Tran was very accommodating and even met with me outside of her normal office hours to ensure that the shingles was effectively treated so that my eye would not be damaged by it. I would recommend Dr Tran to anyone who wants a doctor who takes the time necessary to provide you with the best treatment necessary. Dr Tran and her staff are a 5 star office.

Absolutely love this place  I loved it from the moment I walked in everyone there is so sweet and make you feel like family .... Dr. Tran is incredible at what she does and she even answers calls after hours!!! I never had a place that did that.... I highly recommend this place I won't go anywhere else!

Dr. Tran was very helpful. She took the time to explain everything to me and to answer all my questions. Her assistant in the back was very friendly and patient with my children. I would recommend her to family and friends.

Dr. Tran took the time to explain. She helps me get my glaucoma medications covered. When I ran out of my medications, she gave me samples between my refills. She and her staff really cares about preserving my vision.

I have been going to Dr. Tran for approximately 10 years. She is very thorough, personable, and capable. She has performed two surgeries on my eyes with great success. I have sent at least three of my friends/family to her. I have heard no complaints from them. I will continue to see her each year and will recommend her to others.

Dr. Tran took the time to evaluate my problem. She gave me great advice to treat my disease. I would definitely recommend her to my friends.