Dr. Nalan R. Oncul: Pioneering Optometry and Empowering Communities

One patient who left a review expressed, "Dr. Oncul is amazing. She is thorough, her knowledge of eye care is impressive, and you can truly see her passion in ensuring her patients' vision and eye health. She has helped me understand the importance of maintaining healthy eyes for overall well-being. I have been a patient at 20/20 Eyecare for five years, and I eagerly anticipate my yearly check-up. Simply the best!"
Dr. Nalan R. Oncul's career in optometry is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the field and her commitment to serving her community. From humble beginnings to establishing her own practice, her journey is marked by significant milestones and a profound impact on those she serves.

Dr. Oncul's journey began with a childhood curiosity sparked by her own need for glasses. This early experience ignited her passion for understanding vision and set her on the path to becoming an optometrist. “My journey to becoming an optometrist started at a young age when I received my first pair of glasses at around 9 or 10. After graduating with a bachelor's in biology from Montclair State, I began my career in the eye and optical industry in 2000. Starting as a frame stylist at a popular retail chain, I quickly gained experience in various aspects of eye care, from frame selection to pre-testing patients,” she says.
Following her passion, she pursued optometry school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. The four years spent there were enriching, both academically and personally, as she formed lasting connections with fellow students and gained invaluable knowledge and skills.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology, Dr. Oncul immersed herself in the eye and optical industry, gaining invaluable experience in various roles. Her thirst for knowledge and eagerness to learn propelled her through optometry school in Florida, where she honed her skills and developed her unique approach to patient care.

She began her career at a small private practice right out of school once she got back to NJ. She was there for about 2 years then moved onto other private practices at commercial optical stores. Dr Oncul worked for these types of practices for about 10 years and decided to open her own practice. It was important for her to work with other doctor’s and modes of practice to figure out what type of practice she wanted and which specialties she wanted to incorporate into her own practice. Plus, she was able to learn how to see patients in a busy setting, learn how to bill insurances, and manage a practice. These are all things that unfortunately are taught in optometry school. She knew she needed to learn these very important practice management techniques and skills to run a successful practice in the future.

BUILDING TRUST
As a proud Turkish-American, Dr. Oncul finds special significance in serving her community in Passaic County, New Jersey. Her ability to communicate with patients in their native language fosters trust and ensures that they feel heard and understood.

The decision to establish her own practice was not without its challenges. Starting from scratch, Dr. Oncul worked tirelessly to build her patient base and create a practice that reflected her values and vision for patient care.
Among Dr. Oncul's proudest achievements is the opening of her own private practice. This milestone, coupled with the fulfillment of her father's dream of becoming a doctor, serves as a testament to her perseverance and dedication to her craft.

When asked about her proudest achievement, Dr. Oncul responds, "The achievement I am most proud of is opening my own private practice. It took a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears to get to this point in my life. It was not an easy journey to get here, but I am grateful that I did and for that I am most grateful.”

She says she regrets not opening her office sooner. “My father always wanted me to open my own office as soon as I finished school. When I graduated, he told me that he always wanted to be a doctor but never had the opportunity to do so. I can’t believe I never knew that, until that day,” she indicates.

“Another moment is when I walked across that stage at graduation and the Dean handed me my diploma. It was a poignant moment in my life, and I won’t ever forget it. It took 8 years of undergraduate school and optometry school to get to that moment where all the hard work and dedication it took to get there was all worth it!”

PATIENT-CENTERED CARE PHILOSPHY
Dr. Oncul's approach to patient care is rooted in building long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect. She believes in providing comprehensive care and empowering her patients to prioritize their eye health.
A staunch advocate for preventive care, Dr. Oncul emphasizes the importance of annual eye exams as a crucial component of overall health maintenance. Through early detection, she helps her patients address underlying health issues and prevent future complications.

Currently certified in myopia control, Dr. Oncul is at the forefront of new advancements in optometry. Her dedication to staying abreast of emerging technologies reflects her commitment to providing her patients with the best possible care and outcomes.

Dr. Nalan R. Oncul's journey as an optometrist is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to her patients and profession. Through her dedication to excellence and innovation, she continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.

HEALT ADVIDE FOR PATIENTS IN GENERAL
“Most important piece of advice I would like to convey to patients is the importance of getting an eye exam yearly. Just like getting your dental checkups once or twice a year, it is a very important aspect of your self-care regime that needs to be done. Most patients believe they are fine and don’t need to see an eye doctor because their vision is great. Optometrists do not only check vision and give out eye glass prescriptions or contact lens prescriptions. We can detect diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and other health conditions through an eye examination. Sometimes we are the first doctor a patient may see, allowing us to address what may be an underlying issue and have them go see their primary care physician for an evaluation to get properly treated. “