Meet the Doctor

I was born in Gyumri, Armenia, and raised right here in Pasadena, California. Ethnically I am Armenian, but I speak Fluent English, Armenian, and Spanish. I went to Webster Middle School on Washington Street and Marshall High School on Allen Street. Pasadena is home for me, the community is
near and dear to my heart.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at the University of California, Riverside, with a minor in Philosophy. I went on to receive both my Doctorate in Optometry (OD) and Master's in Science (MS) from the Southern California College of Optometry. My published my Master’s Thesis is on 3D vision and the ability of the two eyes to work well together.

I trained at the prestigious Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where I treated active-duty military personnel with eye conditions related to post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. I also trained at the Four Corners Regional Health Center in the Navajo Nation, where I treated patients with severe glaucoma, cataracts, and multiple rare corneal conditions.

I have previously served on the board of directors for California Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (CA VOSH). I currently serve as Vice President of the Pasadena Host Lions Club. I have organized and participated in over 50 free clinics, contributing more than 500 hours of volunteer service. I oversee collection and processing of donated glasses within the community and multiple free programs for underserved communities within the city. I learned to speak Spanish leading and coordinating humanitarian clinics in Mexico, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.

I enjoy watching soccer (Go Manchester City!) and playing tennis. I used to teach chess and poetry to middle school boys at a Summer Program at the Chandler School in Pasadena. I don’t take myself too seriously and I'm always up for a good laugh — feel free to share your best (or worst)
optometry joke with me!