Tara Hardin, O.D., earned her Doctor of Optometry with honors from The University of Houston College of Optometry in 2003, where she was a distinguished member of the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. Prior to her optometric studies, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Texas Tech University in 1999.
With 20 years of experience as a therapeutic optometrist and glaucoma specialist, Dr. Hardin provides exceptional care to her patients. Her expertise encompasses the preoperative and postoperative management of cataract and refractive surgery patients, including procedures like LASIK and refractive implants. Additionally, she performs dilated eye examinations for diagnosing and treating various ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, corneal diseases, and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Hardin holds certifications in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease from the International Association of the Board of Examiners in Optometry and is certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Hardin finds joy in spending quality time with her four children, and cherishing moments with her loved ones beyond the realm of optometry.
Ashley Varakalayil, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in 2023 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign in 2010.
Dr. Varakalayil’s decision to become an optometrist was fueled by a genuine love for working with people and ensuring they feel at ease with their healthcare. What she values most about being an OD is the opportunity to build lasting connections with patients and witness the growth of their families over the years.
Since 2015, Dr. Varakalayil has made Dallas her home, along with her husband and daughter. Outside of work, she finds fulfillment in family time, travelling, and exploring new restaurants.
Dr. Suder is originally from Canada. She received her optometry degree from the University of Waterloo. She has been practicing quality optometry in the Garland area for over 25 years. She enjoys all aspects of optometry, especially contact lenses and LASIK co-management. Dr. Suder is a member of the Dallas County Optometric Society, Texas Optometric Association, and the American Optometric Association. She is married and resides in Garland. Her hobbies include reading and cycling.
Dr. Simmons is originally from Oklahoma and received her optometry degree from Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Talequah, OK. She enjoys general optometry with a special interest in contact lenses for presbyopia patients. Dr. Simmons is married and has a blended family of four children, with the eldest serving our country in the Navy. She home schools her younger two children. She enjoys playing the flute with Dallas Praise and First Baptist Dallas Orchestra. She also enjoys attending Bible Study Fellowship. Her interests are baking, gardening, handy work around the house, shooting targets using a BB gun and bow and arrow with her children, field trips and family vacations.