Samantha Rao, OD, FAAO, FSLS

Dr. Samantha Rao is a residency-trained optometrist and the founder of Bright Eyes Eyecare and Contact Lens Center in Milford, CT. Providing comprehensive medical eye care, Dr. Rao manages a variety of ocular conditions including dry eye, cataracts, corneal disease, eye infections, and glaucoma. Additionally, Dr. Rao has years of perioperative management experience and works collaboratively with surgeons and referring physicians to achieve optimal visual outcomes.

A Certified Light Adjustment Specialist for Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs) with VisionLOCK, Dr. Rao emphasizes seamless teamwork as the key to successful surgical collaborations. “I believe in fostering relationships built on mutual respect and trust, while providing comprehensive pre- and post-operative care that supports the surgical team’s treatment goals,” she says.

She is also inspired by the transformative power of LALs. “There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the moment a patient experiences crystal-clear vision for the first time or regains visual clarity they thought was lost forever,” she says. “Every patient represents a unique opportunity to enhance quality of life through personalized vision solutions.”

Dr. Rao earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Boston University and her Doctor of Optometry from SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan, NY. She also completed advanced residency training in corneal disease and specialty contact lenses at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, FL and worked as an attending in a group optometry and ophthalmology practice in New York before opening her practice back home in Connecticut.

An ardent eye healthcare advocate, Dr. Rao is a Connecticut Association of Optometrists board member, a member of the American Optometric Association, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society. Dr. Rao also speaks English and Spanish.