Reston optometrist focuses on myopia, patient care and quality of life

by Lincoln Patience, staff writer

Dr. Mehra has found a welcoming home in Reston. Photo contributed by Dr. Mehra

When children as young as 6 are already more nearsighted than their parents, Dr. Sagar Mehra knows the problem is growing.

The Reston optometrist—who opened his practice in 2022—has made early-onset myopia a central focus of his work.

“I see 6- and 7-year-olds who have already exceeded their parents in nearsightedness,” Mehra said.

He estimates he has treated “close to a thousand” patients with myopia. To slow its progression, Mehra offers Stellest lenses for children too young for contact lenses and stresses simple habits, including the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. He also advises protecting the eyelids from sun exposure to help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Mehra said he has wanted to be a doctor since childhood, when he watched the TV show "House" with his family and tried to diagnose its fictional patients.

Unlike other members of his family, Mehra did not study abroad, but he and his wife now make travel a priority. They have visited more than a half-dozen countries, including Egypt, Jordan and Colombia. One standout trip took him to the Indian Himalayas, where he drove on one of the highest roads in the world.

Outside the office, music—especially drumming—is a constant. In high school, Mehra worked as a DJ at local weddings and Sweet 16 parties after his mother loaned him money to buy his first turntables. His collection now includes a bongo, a tongue drum and a dhol, commonly used in Indian weddings.

“Every time we travel, I try to collect an instrument that’s native to that place,” he said.

His wife shares that passion. She played in her high school drum line and still has her drum set.

Despite his travels and professional focus, Mehra said he enjoys the small surprises of everyday life in Reston, including once discovering that a man he met at Lake Audubon later sold him a boat on Facebook Marketplace.

Mehra said he views his ADHD as an asset, helping him stay engaged with patients. What keeps him in the profession, he said, is the immediate impact of helping patients see better.

In one case, he treated a woman with a retinal detachment. She later returned to the office with a crocheted floral piece in thanks.

“I love the almost immediate results in terms of improving their quality of life,” he said.

“If I had to choose, I would definitely do it all over again,” he added.