Dr. Nicolas Vu and Dr. Elizabeth Davis: Traveling the World and Teaching Optometry in Vietnam

What if you hit pause on your career, not because you’re burnt out, but because you feel called to do something bold, global, and meaningful?

That’s exactly what Dr. Nicolas Vu and Dr. Elizabeth Davis did.

This married optometry duo spent the better part of 18 months not just traveling the world, but living with intention, teaching optometry in Vietnam, and checking off bucket-list destinations on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Their story is not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder that the “right time” to chase your dream may actually be now.

A Journey That Started in Memphis

Nick and Elizabeth first met just before starting optometry school at the Southern College of Optometry (SCO) in Memphis. Their story started with a conversation over a glowing blue cocktail at a rooftop bar and eventually came full circle when they hosted their wedding reception at the same bar years later.

Nick, originally from Southern California, was drawn to optometry through his interest in photography. “The eye and the camera are so similar,” he explained, “and helping people see the world clearly became my passion.” Elizabeth, who grew up in North Carolina as the daughter of two optometrists, initially wanted to forge her own path but was ultimately drawn back to the profession through shadowing and firsthand inspiration.

The Seed for Something Bigger

Their passion for travel grew alongside their professional training. Elizabeth taught English in Thailand during a gap year before optometry school, while Nick traveled with family. But it was during their fourth year at SCO that they discovered something game-changing: a program through the Brien Holden Foundation that placed optometrists in emerging schools around the world.

One of those schools was in Vietnam. They applied and were accepted but then COVID hit. Funding for the program was lost, and their dreams of teaching abroad were shelved... temporarily.

The Leap of Faith

Instead of giving up, they pivoted. They worked for three years in North Carolina, living modestly and saving aggressively, “basically like residents again," with one shared 15-year-old car and no house or kids yet.

In 2023, they finally took the leap: quitting their jobs, packing their bags, and launching into a year of travel and purpose.

They front-loaded their year with several months of backpacking across Southeast Asia, then spent a semester teaching optometry in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Teaching in Vietnam: Optometry as an Emerging Profession

Vietnam only has two optometry schools. The one Nick and Elizabeth taught at admits students straight out of high school and teaches in English, thanks to language requirements.

Their roles included guest lecturing on:

• Contact lenses (including sclerals and ortho-K)

• Clinical skills (slit lamp, BIO, direct)

• Case analysis

They even brought donated scleral lens kits from the U.S. to support their students. “It was incredibly rewarding,” Elizabeth shared. “We weren’t just teaching, we were helping shape the way future optometrists in Vietnam will practice.”

They credit much of their success to mentorship from longtime expat optometrists Dr. Bob and Dr. Kim, who helped them navigate logistics, cultural expectations, and curriculum design.

28 Countries. 7 Continents. 1 Passport Mishap.

After their semester of teaching, they resumed traveling, checking off countries like:

• New Zealand – for jaw-dropping hikes and legendary hand pies

• Indonesia – for the most stunning sunsets and beaches they’ve ever seen

• Namibia – where warthogs, giraffes, and ostriches greeted them on 4x4 road trips

• Norway – a landscape of beauty and contrast

• Antarctica – “like being on another planet”

They even dealt with challenges along the way, including Nick’s passport and camera being stolen in Italy. But they pushed forward with perspective. “At the end of the day, we were healthy, together, and still on the journey,” Nick said.

Lessons from the Road

Both Nick and Elizabeth returned with new clarity:

“Things that used to ruin my day in practice don’t bother me as much anymore. I just try to move on and focus on what really matters,” Elizabeth said.

“I gained an appreciation for mentorship,” Nick added. “People are out there doing incredible things and they’re often more than willing to help you if you ask.”

Advice for Aspiring Global Adventurers

If you're thinking of doing something similar, Nick and Elizabeth say:

• Start saving now. You don’t need a fortune, just discipline and intention.

• Live below your means. Hostels, cheap flights, and basic meals make it doable.

• Talk to your employer. A sabbatical, unpaid leave, or remote work might be an option.

• Don’t wait for retirement. Life is unpredictable. You won’t regret investing in experiences early.

Follow Dr. Nicolas Vu and Dr. Elizabeth Davis' Journey

You can follow their full travel chronicle, including photos from all 28 countries, on Instagram at @nickandelle.

They’re also open to mentoring others who want to explore teaching abroad or planning an extended global adventure. Reach out to them via Instagram if you’re curious or need guidance.

Final Thoughts

Nick and Elizabeth’s story isn’t just about travel. It’s about intention. About saying “yes” to opportunities, even when it means hitting pause on life’s traditional timeline.

Their journey is a testament to the fact that optometry, and life, can take you further than you ever imagined…even to Antarctica.

To hear the full episode and more inspiring stories, subscribe to Ryan Reflects on your favorite podcast platform.