For Dr. Ajoian, the most rewarding part of being an optometrist is the ability to truly improve her patients’ quality of life—not just by helping them see better, but by helping them feel better. With over two decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to continually refining her skills to better serve her community, whether through glasses, contact lenses, advanced dry eye care, or comprehensive disease management.
For Dr. Ajoian, the most rewarding part of being an optometrist is the ability to truly improve her patients’ quality of life—not just by helping them see better, but by helping them feel better. With over two decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to continually refining her skills to better serve her community, whether through glasses, contact lenses, advanced dry eye care, or comprehensive disease management.
There is nothing more meaningful to her than the moment a patient looks through their glasses or contact lenses for the first time and their face lights up as they see details they’ve been missing—sometimes even bringing happy tears. These moments are what continue to fuel her passion and commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.
Why did you want to become an Optometrist?
Dr. Ajoian has always been drawn to medicine and caring for others. While on the pre-med track, she worked as an EMT, gaining early, hands-on experience in patient care and developing a deep appreciation for helping people in critical moments. She later spent a year working in the emergency room at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she further witnessed the profound impact of compassionate, patient-centered care.
Although she knew her future was in medicine, she was still exploring which path would allow her to make the most meaningful difference. Optometry offered the unique opportunity to combine her passion for medicine with the ability to build lasting relationships and improve patients’ daily quality of life in a tangible, immediate way.
While she began wearing glasses at age 12—a moment she still remembers as life-changing—it wasn’t the sole reason she chose this path. Instead, it was her deep-rooted passion for healthcare, paired with a desire to provide both medical expertise and meaningful patient connection, that led her to where she is today. Looking back, it’s a decision she is incredibly grateful for.
Where Did You Study Optometry?
Dr. Ajoian completed her undergraduate studies at Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts before earning her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, graduating with clinical honors.
Her clinical training took her across the country, where she worked alongside leading specialists in a variety of settings. At the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, she focused on ocular disease, low vision, and specialty contact lenses. She then trained at The Braverman Eye Center in North Miami, Florida, where she gained extensive experience in pre- and post-operative care for procedures such as cataract surgery, PRK, and LASIK.
She further expanded her expertise at the South End Community Health Center in Boston, with a focus on pediatrics and specialty contact lenses, and completed her final rotation at the University of Maryland Department of Ophthalmology in Baltimore, where she managed complex cases involving glaucoma, cornea, and neuro-ophthalmology.
Today, Dr. Ajoian continues to advance her clinical expertise through ongoing education, regularly attending national conferences, symposiums, and specialized training. She is certified in orthokeratology and scleral lenses and has developed advanced expertise in dry eye treatment and myopia management, allowing her to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge care to patients of all ages.
Outside of the office what do I like to do?
Dr. Ajoian’s parents came to the United States when she was two years old, and she was raised in a close-knit Armenian/Greek household alongside her older sister and younger brother. She met her husband, Dr. David Salibian, at the Oakley Country Club, and they have been happily married since 2009. Together, they have two children, Christian and Catalina, who are the center of her world.
Christian is a die-hard Boston Celtics fan with a deep love for basketball, while Catalina is a passionate and dedicated figure skater. Dr. Ajoian cherishes time with her family—whether it’s cheering courtside, supporting at the rink, or simply being together. Family truly is her life.
In her personal time, Dr. Ajoian enjoys running, playing golf, going on family ski trips in the winter, visiting Newport in the summer, and spending time by the ocean. She also has a strong passion for reading and enjoys puzzles of all kinds.
