Meet The Doctors
Dr. Samantha Rao, OD, FAAO, FSLS
A Connecticut native, Dr. Samantha Rao was introduced to the field of eyecare at a young age at her father’s practice in Trumbull. Fascinated by the visual system and the gift of helping people see the world more clearly, she decided to pursue a career in optometry, earning her undergraduate degree in Biology at Boston University and her doctorate from SUNY College of Optometry.
During her training at busy hospitals and a medical-surgical eyecare center in New York City, Dr. Rao developed a keen interest in fitting custom rigid contact lenses to restore sight to patients who have lost vision to corneal disease and trauma. She went on to pursue advanced training in this specialty, completing a residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses. She then worked in group practice in Manhattan, working closely with corneal surgeons and helping hundreds of patients with corneal disorders regain their vision.
In 2021, Dr. Rao moved back to her home state of CT with the dream of opening her own practice. She is thrilled to now be living that dream since the 2024 opening of Bright Eyes.
Dr. Rao sees adults and pediatrics starting at age 2. She is a confident clinician trained in ocular disease management including glaucoma, cataracts, surgical co-management and more. Her special areas of interest include corneal disease, keratoconus, soft and rigid contact lenses, and dry eye. She loves the challenge of crafting custom vision solutions for her patients to address their individual needs.
When she isn’t examining eyes, Dr. Rao likes to try new restaurants, plant far too many plants in her garden, and spend time in nature with her husband, two young daughters, and their Eskimo dog, Bowie.
Education
- Residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses (2017) - Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
- Doctorate of Optometry (2016) - State University of New York College of Optometry
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology (2011) - Boston University
Clinical Specialties
- Dry eye management
- Advanced contact lens fitting
- Soft, rigid, hybrid & scleral lenses
- Bifocal & multifocal lenses
- Contact lenses for keratoconus, corneal disease, corneal transplants & severe dry eye
- Diagnosis & management of glaucoma, cataracts, & ocular disease
- Children's vision, myopia control & amblyopia
- Orthokeratology & corneal reshaping (CRT) lenses
Academic Honors and Achievements
- Fellow, Scleral Lens Education Society
- Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
- Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society
- Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society
Professional Involvement
- Member, Connecticut Optometric Association
- Member, American Optometric Association
- Clinical educator and industry speaker on scleral lenses and corneal disease
- Volunteer clinician on medical mission trips to provide eyecare and eyeglasses to underserved communities in Mexico and Nicaragua
Dr. Jessica Deng, OD
Dr. Jessica Deng was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and has always been passionate about helping others reach their best vision. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo, NY and went on to complete her Doctor of Optometry degree at the SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan, NY. She then relocated to Connecticut, where she completed her residency in Ocular Disease and Low Vision Rehabilitation at the West Haven VA Medical Center. She now practices at Bright Eyes and is thrilled to be caring for the residents of Milford.
Dr. Deng's areas of specialty include ocular disease, contact lenses, pediatrics, and surgical co-management.
Education
- Residency in Ocular Disease and Low Vision RehabilitationVA Medical Center, West Haven, CT
- Doctorate of OptometryState University of New York College of Optometry
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical SciencesState University of New York - Buffalo
Professional Involvement
- Member, Connecticut Association of Optometrists
- Member, American Optometric Association
Dr. Anton Rao, OD
Dr. Anton Rao was born and raised in Newington, CT in a large Italian family. He earned his bachelor's degree in Biology from UConn (go Huskies!) and his doctorate from the New England College of Optometry. He completed a residency at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Newington, honing his expertise in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and more. After completing his residency training, he started his own practice in Trumbull, CT where he has provided eyecare to the community for over 30 years.
Today, Dr. Anton sees patients both at Bright Eyes in Milford and at his office in Trumbull, CT. He is the proud father of Bright Eyes founder Dr. Samantha Rao.
Dr. Anton's areas of specialty include ocular disease, contact lenses and surgical co-management. When he isn't caring for patients, he can often be found wine tasting, taking on ambitious DIY projects, and spending time with his wife, three daughters, and two granddaughters.
Education
- Residency in Ocular Disease (1991)VA Medical Center, Newington, CT
- Doctorate of Optometry (1990)New England College of Optometry
- Bachelor of Science in Biology (1986)University of Connecticut
Professional Involvement
- Member, Connecticut Optometric Association
- Member, American Optometric Association
- Member, VOSH Connecticut (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity)
- Volunteer clinician on VOSH eyecare mission trips to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua