About - Optometrists in Santa Monica CA

With over 120 years of combined experience, and an unparalleled level of education and training, our dedicated staff will provide you with the highest quality of eye care and eye wear, in an atmosphere of compassion, professionalism and enthusiasm. Thank you for choosing Ocean Park Optometry.

Our Mission
To deliver exceptional, personalized eye care in a warm and welcoming environment. We combine advanced technology with heartfelt service to help every patient see clearly, look great, and feel fully supported on their journey to lifelong eye health.

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Dr. Sarah Ito, Dipl. ABO, Board Certified Optometrist

Dr. Ito is a therapeutic licensed optometrist who is trained in the treatment and management of visual conditions and eye diseases, specialty contact lenses, orthokeratology or myopia reduction and control, and ocular pre- and post-operative care.

Orthokeratology - Myopia Management | Scleral Contact Lenses | Neuro-Visual Medicine | Dry Eye | Ocular Aesthetics | Cataract and Lasik Post Surgical Care

Dr. Ito is a therapeutically licensed optometrist who provides advanced care in the treatment and management of visual conditions and ocular diseases. With specializations in specialty contact lenses, orthokeratology (myopia control), and pre- and post-operative care, she holds the highest level of licensure in California—including the authority to treat glaucoma and other conditions with prescription medications.

She earned her Doctor of Optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1993 and her Bachelor's degree with honors from Occidental College in 1989. Her academic background also includes studies at prestigious institutions such as Caltech, UCLA, UC Irvine, Korea University, Yonsei University, and Waseda University in Japan, where she spent a year as an international student.

Board certified by the American Board of Optometry with Diplomate status, Dr. Ito remains passionate about continuing education and is an early adopter of cutting-edge technologies in eye care. She has advanced training in NeuroVisual Medicine from Dr. Debby Feinberg, specializing in the treatment of Binocular Vision Dysfunction—offering relief for patients with headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and imbalance. She also emphasizes treatment for dry eye disease and is experienced in procedures like LipiFlow.

Dr. Ito was featured in the February 2020 edition of Women in Optometry, with a follow-up feature in the July 2020 Make It Yours Monday newsletter, recognizing her dedication and contributions to the field.

Certifications & Special Training:

Board Certified, Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry
Glaucoma Certified
Diagnostic & Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agent Certified
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (TMOD Certified)
Lacrimal Dilation & Irrigation Certified
American Optometric Association Aviation Vision Course Certified
NeuroVisual Medicine Certified
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) Certified
Certified in multiple specialty lens systems: Moonlens, GOV, Orthotools, Kerasoft, Synergeyes, Zenlens, Wave, MiSight
Certified in BlephEx, Neurolens, Kamra Inlay Post-Op Care
Certificate in Vision Therapy (PAVE-SANET Course)
APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate

Professional Memberships:

American Optometric Association (AOA) & AOA Contact Lens Section
California Optometric Association
Los Angeles County Optometric Society
American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control
International Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control
Scleral Lens Education Society
Optometric Extension Program Foundation
Society of NeuroVisual Medicine
Vestibular Disorders Association

Dr. Klaus Ito, FAAO, Dipl. ABO, Residency Trained and Board Certified Optometrist

Dr. Klaus is a residency trained and board certified optometrist. He received his Bachelor's in Biology from Occidental College in 2017 before earning his Doctor of Optometry from MCPHS School of Optometry in 2021.

Orthokeratology - Myopia Management | Scleral Contact Lenses | Neuro-Visual Medicine | Dry Eye | Ocular Aesthetics | Cataract and Lasik Post Surgical Care

Dr. Klaus is a board-certified, residency-trained optometrist dedicated to providing advanced, personalized eye care. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Occidental College in 2017, followed by his Doctor of Optometry from MCPHS School of Optometry in 2021, where he was honored with the Clinical Excellence Award in anterior segment disease and contact lenses. He went on to complete a residency at the University of Virginia Department of Ophthalmology in 2022, gaining specialized training in managing complex ocular diseases with advanced contact lens solutions.

Dr. Klaus commonly treats conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, dry eye disease, high astigmatism, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-LASIK ectasia, aphakia, and anisometropia. He is also the 45th doctor in the world to be certified in Neuro-Visual Medicine, helping patients who suffer from dizziness, vertigo, headaches, and imbalance.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, Dr. Klaus is committed to clinical excellence at the highest level. Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his family, running marathons and ultramarathons, hiking, watching football, and playing with his dogs, Oni and Seika.

Steve Romero, Operations Manager, ABO & NCLE Certified Optician

Steve is a highly skilled, certified optician with over seven years of experience and credentials from both the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). In addition to his strong sense of style and passion for helping patients find frames that suit their vision and personality, Steve also brings expertise in lens manufacturing, allowing him to provide insight into eyewear's aesthetics and technical precision. He is deeply committed to exceptional customer service and takes pride in ensuring every patient leaves feeling confident, cared for, and perfectly fitted. Steve’s professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication make him a trusted expert in the optical field.

Alexis Najera, ABO Certified Optician

Since beginning his career in optical care in 2016, Alexis has developed extensive expertise in both patient care and corporate optical management. A certified and licensed optician through the American Board of Optometry (ABO), he has earned a strong reputation for providing exceptional vision care across diverse practices in Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles Area.

Driven by a commitment to expanding access to quality eye care, Alexis has collaborated with leading nonprofit organizations, including 20/20 Quest and the OneSight Foundation, reflecting his belief that everyone deserves to see their best to live their best. Recognized for his warm, patient-focused approach and dedication to excellence, Alexis delivers personalized care and expert guidance to every patient. Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with family and exploring new recipes in the kitchen, a creative outlet that mirrors his passion for improving lives through better vision.

Sofi Ghasemzadeh, Optometric Technician

Sofi is a recent graduate of UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She had the privilege of presenting ocular research at the ASCRS convention, an experience that deepened her passion for vision science and patient care. Outside the office, Sofi enjoys knitting, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Amanda Fite, Optometric Technician

Amanda is a proud first generation Mexican American and a recent UC Davis graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Physiology. With experience as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician and Registered Behavioral Technician, she combines clinical expertise with a genuine passion for patient care. Having worn glasses since the age of three, Amanda understands firsthand how important vision is to daily life, helping patients both see clearly and feel truly seen. Outside the office, she enjoys strength training, cooking, and spending time with her rescue cat, Tiggy.

Cristina Rangel, Optometric Technician

Cristina is a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) through IJCAHPO, bringing over six years of hands-on experience in the field of ophthalmology. She has developed advanced clinical skills, including assisting in LASIK, PRK, and corneal cross-linking procedures—training she received while working at USC. A lifelong Santa Monica local, Cristina is passionate about giving back to her community by working close to home and providing high-quality care to her neighbors. Outside the clinic, she enjoys volunteering at community gardens, playing chess, and running with her dog, Buddy.

Ashleigh Chatto, Client Services

Ashleigh is our virtual customer service representative, dedicated to providing friendly and efficient support to every patient. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and works remotely to help ensure a smooth, seamless experience from start to finish. With a warm approach and strong communication skills, Ashleigh is committed to making every interaction positive and helpful.

Jude Permejo, Client Services

Jude is a valued member of our Virtual Assistant team, specializing in insurance coordination and administrative support. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, he brings excellent organizational skills and a sharp attention to detail to every task. Jude ensures that patients receive their receipts and prescriptions promptly, and helps them make the most of their insurance benefits. His behind-the-scenes work plays a key role in creating a seamless, stress-free experience for every patient.