Our Team

Optometrist

I became interested in optometry while in college at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. I always wondered why my classmates could read the overheads and I had to squint my eyes to try to make out the words. When I put on my first pair of glasses when I was driving home, I could actually read the license plate of the car in front of me!  From that first “Wow” experience I was hooked.

I attended optometry school at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. There I learned and was trained in diagnosing and treating all disorders that affect the eye and vision, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetes, near sighted and far sighted vision, just to mention a few.  I was able to participate in three optometry mission trips to Costa Rica to help those less fortunate and was able to study and learn in places such as Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Since graduating from optometry school I have had the dream of owning my own practice dedicated to helping my patients experience that “wow” moment I had with my first pair of glasses.  A practice committed to always seeking newer and better ways to provide the best vision, best experience, and best eye health every person that entrusts us can achieve. I joined Annandale EyeCare in 2001 and purchased the practice from Dr. Michael Obremskey in 2006. We provide eye care services to Annandale, Springfield, Alexandria, Falls Church and Burke, VA. It’s still a work in progress, but we are trying every day to create the type of practice I have dreamed about since starting optometry school.

I have tried to be active in the community, both professionally and personally.  I am a member of the American Optometric Association, Virginia Optometric Association and Northern Virginia Optometric Society.  I have served as a consultant for Vistakon Contact Lenses and Allergan Pharmaceuticals. I am a Past-President of the Annandale Rotary Club and The Annandale Chamber of Commerce. I am a past member of the Holy Spirit Catholic School PTO Executive Board, and currently serve on the Holy Spirit School Advisory Board.

When asked what I like about optometry, my simple answer is I get to help my patients do the things they love to do, only better. And that is a pretty cool thing to get to do every day!

Dr. Michelle and Dr. Court met while in optometry school in Memphis, TN. They married in 2000 and have two daughters; Madeline and Lillian.  His hobbies include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, home improvement projects, and travel.

Optometrist

Dr. Michelle Thelen,’ Dr. Michelle’ is an optometrist at Annandale EyeCare providing eye care for Annandale, Springfield, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Burke, VA, and surrounding communities. She grew up as a military dependent while her father served in the United States Navy. She lived in many different areas of the United States and spent four years in Okinawa, Japan.

She attended Florida State University and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

After graduating from Florida State, Dr. Thelen went to optometry school at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating magna cum laude in 2000. While there she traveled to Costa Rica three times as part of an Optometric mission trip to help those less fortunate.

Dr. Thelen trained at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

Dr. Thelen served as clinical director for Vision Quest Laser Center until June 2007. There she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the center and assisted with LASIK surgery.

Dr. Thelen joined Annandale EyeCare in 2007.

Dr. Thelen is a member of the Virginia Optometric Association, the Northern Virginia Optometric Society, and the American Optometric Association.

As a licensed optometrist, Dr. Thelen provides comprehensive eye examinations, and diagnoses and treats all disorders that affect the eye and vision. In addition to training in eye diseases and disorders, Dr. Thelen is also trained in anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. With this background, Dr. Thelen is trained to recognize a range of health issues; such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, and hypertension. He also works hard to stay current on the latest advances in eye health and vision care and regularly attends continuing education seminars and advanced training courses. It is because of Dr. Thelen’s dedication to continuing education that our Annandale patients receive the most modern and progressive vision care available.

Dr. Michelle and Dr. Court met while in optometry school in Memphis, TN. They married in 2000 and have two daughters; Madeline and Lillian.  Her hobbies include golfing, travel, and cooking.

CPO (Certified Paraoptometric)

The wonderful life journey of our beloved technician Cylene Turner came to an end on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Cylene was a cherished member of our team for almost 20 years. Her strength, kind heart, dedication, and compassion were just some of the many traits she embodied.  She was a mother of 3 and her legacy will live on throughout her family.

She will be treasured in our hearts forever.

“If you are going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” -Maya Angelo