Dr. Valerie Danford grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where she graduated from Mayfield High School and then attended John Carroll University (JCU) and earned a B.S in biology with a minor in business. She was a 4-year varsity soccer player and active in many clubs and organizations on campus. Dr. Danford continued her education at JCU and earned her Master of Business Administration before moving to Columbus, Ohio to attend The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
During her time in optometry school, Dr. Danford was active in many organizations including Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society, Epsilon Psi Epsilon, Sports Vision Club, and Private Practice Club. She was also the equipment representative for her class and an Alcon student liaison. During her third year, she traveled to Jamaica on a mission trip to provide eye care at a local clinic and nearby schools. Dr. Danford was also a member of the Fighting Iris soccer team and helped bring home the championship to the College of Optometry!
After graduating from optometry school, Dr. Danford continued her optometric education by completing an ocular disease residency at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. During her residency, she received extensive training in diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and red eyes.
Upon completing her residency, Dr. Danford practiced full-scope optometry in a variety of practice settings in California and New Jersey. She is now settled in Columbus with her husband and two young daughters. She’s thrilled to be back in Ohio and excited to establish long-term relationships with her future patients!