Doctors & Staff
Meet the experienced and friendly doctors and staff who make Modern Eyes Optometry the leading provider of vision care products and services in Virginia Beach.
We are excited to be a part of the Hampton Roads community. At Modern Eyes Optometry we are committed to offering state of the art eye care without compromising old fashion caring. That means a smiling, helpful staff, a thorough explanation of procedures, and taking the time to answer all your eye care questions.
Quality eye care is more than high tech equipment, modern facilities, and the latest eye fashions. Above all, it’s about people. We make sure that you not only receive the best care your eyes deserve, but also the personal attention most companies have forgotten about.
Rahim Kanji, O.D.
Dr. Kanji completed his Bachelor of Science Honors Specialist degree in
Biochemistry and Mathematics in 1998, followed by a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1999, both in his hometown at The University of Toronto. He accepted a position as a T.A. for Organic Chemistry and also taught Calculus, Chemistry, and Physical Education for two years. He then moved to South Florida to complete his training at Nova Southeastern University and obtained his Doctor of Optometry Degree in 2004.
After graduation, Dr. Kanji spent several months doing volunteer work in
the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, and
China. Upon returning to the United States, he relocated in the Hampton
Roads area and opened an optometry clinic in Chesapeake. Within a few
months, he expanded into several clinics to serve Portsmouth and Virginia
Beach.
Opening a full-scope optometry practice was a project Dr. Kanji had been
nurturing for some time. In 2007, along with Dr.Pham they launched Modern Eyes Optometry at Sentara Princess Anne Health Campus in Virginia Beach.
Dr. Kanji is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Virginia Optometric Association and the Tidewater Optometric Society. In his spare time, he is an active soccer player in the Virginia Beach OTSL, traveling internationally, and spending time with his family.
Kim-Chi Pham, O.D.
Dr. Pham graduated from the University of Montreal’s School of Optometry, Montreal, Canada, in 2000. She was in private practice in Montreal, Canada, for two and a half years prior to moving to Florida where she completed a Primary Care Residency program at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2003.
Dr. Pham was appointed as an Instructor of Optometry in 2003 and went on to become an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. She guest-lectured for the Physician’s Assistant program as well as for various Optometric Continuing Education events. In 2006, she was chosen by the students as the Clinical Preceptor of the Year .
She relocated to Virginia Beach in 2006 to help launch Modern Eyes
Optometry in 2007 with Dr.Kanji. Dr.Pham is currently a member of the
American Optometric Association, the Virginia Optometric Association and
the Tidewater Optometric Society.
As a native Montrealer, Dr. Pham is fluent in French. In her spare time,
she enjoys yoga, traveling and spending time with her family.
Neal Pithwa, O.D.
Dr. Neal Pithwa was born in England and moved to the United States in 1991. He earned his undergraduate degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where he served as Chief Justice of the Honor Council. He went on to complete his Doctor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2004, where he was elected class president.
Following graduation, Dr. Pithwa practiced in Knoxville, Tennessee, for nine years, during which he owned a private Vision Source practice and served as President of the local Society of Optometric Physicians. In 2014, he relocated to Virginia Beach, where he continues to practice optometry. He is an active member of both the American Optometric Association and his local optometric society.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Pithwa is an avid Liverpool FC supporter who enjoys golf and billiards. He lives in Virginia Beach with his wife, Aubrey, their two children, and the family dog, Oliver.
Elizabeth Baylor, O.D.
Dr. Elizabeth Baylor completed her bachelor of science degree at North Carolina State University in 2014 and then received her optometric doctorate from Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in 2018. She is a member of the Tidewater Optometric Association, the Virginia Optometric Association, and the American Optometric Association.
Dr. Baylor provides comprehensive eye care for all age groups and specializes in the diagnosis and management of ocular diseases such as dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. She is most passionate about fitting all types of contact lenses. She has been successfully trained in fitting specialty rigid lenses, including scleral lenses that are used to treat corneal conditions such as keratoconus. She also has experience with myopia control and has been certified to fit contact lenses designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness.
She is a native of Hampton Roads who was born and raised in Norfolk, VA. She now resides in Virginia Beach where she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She is a proud dog mom to a miniature dachshund named Iris, and a Belgian Malinois named Sclera.