In the opinion of Dr. Garrett's patients, her considerable clinical skills are exceeded by only one thing - her caring and nurturing attitude. When asked about the source of her empathetic response to her patients, Dr. Garrett credits her optometric residency program at the Sepulveda Veterans Affairs Medical Center in California. Dr. Garrett began her career earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in biological sciences from Hanover College in Indiana. She then received her doctor of optometry degree, with honors, from the Southern California College of Optometry. This was followed by her optometric residency in Sepulveda, California. Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Garrett gained experience with refractive surgery patients at a refractive laser center in Ontario, California. After acquiring broad-based experience in optometry, Dr. Garrett chose to join the faculty of the Casey Eye Institute. Her selection was based on the Institute's dedication to research and academics.

Dr. Garrett enjoys the opportunities she has to teach ophthalmology and optometry residents and to be involved in conducting clinical research trials. Along with caring for her patients, Dr. Garrett remains dedicated to her profession, maintaining memberships in a variety of professional associations. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and has served on the society's Membership Development Task Force. In 2002, she was named the Young Optometrist of the Year by the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association. Locally, Dr. Garrett is committed to the Portland Metropolitan Optometric Society. She has held several executive positions with the organization, including president. In her free time, Dr. Garrett has a broad spectrum of personal interests. She loves the arts, reading, and traveling. She lives with her husband and twin daughters.