About Us
A practice rooted in this community for fifty years
For more than 50 years, Fairfax Eye Associates has cared for generations of Northern Virginia families, combining advanced eye care with the personal attention and long-term relationships that have defined the practice since 1975.
Practice Story
Fairfax Eye Associates was founded in 1975 with a simple but enduring mission: the restoration and preservation of vision. For more than fifty years, the practice has served the Northern Virginia community through advances in surgical care, changes in medicine, and generations of patients who have entrusted us with something as precious as their sight.
Meet Dr. Alex Manguikian
Dr. Alex Manguikian joined Fairfax Eye Associates in July 2013, bringing with him an exceptional academic and clinical background, along with a deep commitment to caring for each patient as an individual. He values taking the time to listen, understand his patients’ concerns, and help them feel informed and confident in their care.
Dr. Manguikian earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Virginia, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, and his Doctor of Medicine from the George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his internship jointly at Georgetown University Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital, and his ophthalmology residency at the Flaum Eye Institute at the University of Rochester.
Dr. Manguikian specializes in advanced cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and eyelid plastic surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and has been recognized with numerous awards throughout his career including the John C. Forbes Award and the Sidney S. Negus Award for Excellence in Biochemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Dertad Manguikian, M.D.
A Childhood Rooted in Family and Faith
Dertad Manguikian was born in Aleppo, Syria, to Yervant and Ardemis Manguikian. Despite his parents having been displaced by the Armenian Genocide and subject to difficult circumstances, Dertad experienced happiness as a child surrounded by the love of his siblings and extended family. Love and loyalty to family was a tenet of his character and persisted throughout his life. In his early years he was known to be playful and even a bit mischievous. He loved soccer, ping pong, and backgammon.
Finding His Calling
Dertad excelled in school. He attended Aleppo College in Syria and then moved to Beirut to attend the American University of Beirut, where he made lifelong friendships and experienced his most formative years. He graduated from the AUB School of Medicine in 1966. It was during these years that he learned to apply his compassionate heart and keen intellect to alleviating human suffering. Despite being at or near the top of his class year after year, Dertad chose to pursue a residency in what was then a rather unpopular specialty: Ophthalmology. Fate would have it that it became his passion and his perfect conduit to serve his fellow man. It was also at AUB that he met his future wife Seta. They celebrated 53 years of marriage.
A Bold Leap into the Unknown
After completing residency, Dertad pursued a prestigious fellowship at the University of Iowa specializing in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma. Moving from Beirut to Iowa City in 1969 was a bold leap into the unknown. As always, Dertad flourished. He proposed to Seta during that year and they were married in Los Angeles in 1970. Together they had three children — Tina, Andre, and Alex — each loved uniquely and with all his heart.
Building a Practice, Building a Legacy
With his fellowship complete and his family growing, Dertad and Seta settled in the Washington DC area. He became Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and eventually Residency Director at the George Washington University School of Medicine. Through a colleague, he was introduced to a retiring physician, Dr. Robert Dupree, and after working alongside him in private practice, Dertad established Fairfax Eye Associates in 1975. He worked tirelessly, becoming a highly skilled and renowned cataract surgeon trusted by colleagues and beloved by patients. He was a pioneer in bringing modern phacoemulsification cataract surgery to Northern Virginia. He loved his work and he loved his patients. It gave him tremendous joy to help others, which he believed to be his mission in life. Dertad retired in March 2020 at the age of 79, while still at the top of his game. The same blessed space where he practiced for over 45 years is now carried on by his son Alex.
A Life Well Lived
Dertad deeply loved his grandchildren and received daily updates on all their activities. It gave him great pride and comfort to know that his life's work and legacy would live on through his children and grandchildren. The Armenian Church was the spiritual foundation of his life and the fabric that kept his family close and deeply connected to their community. He cherished every opportunity to give back, to advance the Armenian cause, and to honor his heritage as an Armenian and a Christian.
Dr. Manguikian passed away on November 17, 2023. His presence is deeply missed by his family, his patients, and the community at large.
"Dad, I am grateful for all you gave and taught me. Every day I go to work, your patients are there to support me in carrying on your mission. It is an honor to be your son and an honor to carry on your work. I miss you, Dad."— Dr. Alex Manguikian
Our Vision
We hold ourselves to a high level of excellence in every aspect of our practice. This includes the care we provide, the equipment we use, the health and safety protocols we follow, and the services we offer. Above all, our aim is to provide each of our patients with an optimal vision experience.