Our Team
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.
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 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. She is licensed at the highest level possible, with the ability to treat glaucoma and other eye conditions with prescription medications.
Dr. Ito is board certified by the American Board of Optometry, having met the requirements to achieve Diplomate status. She is enthusiastic about expanding her education and training and keeps abreast of all new developments in eye care science and innovations in eye care, contact lenses, frames, and lenses. She earned her Doctorate of Optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry in 1993. She received her Bachelor's degree with honors from Occidental College in 1989. She also completed accredited programs at the California Institute of Technology, UCLA, UC Irvine, Korea University, Yonsei University (Korea), and Waseda University (Japan), where she spent a year as an international student.
She is an early adopter of new technology and is eager to provide customized solutions for her patients. Dr. Ito received training from Dr. Debby Feinberg of Vision Specialists of Michigan in NeuroVisual Medicine to treat Binocular Vision Dysfunction to help patients with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, anxiety and gait imbalance. She also emphasizes treatments for dry eyes, including procedures such as Lipiflow. She has completed the Managing Myopia Course as part of the Myopia Education Program through the world renowned Brian Holden Vision Institute Academy.
Dr. Ito was honored to receive recognition in the February 2020 edition of Women in Optometry magazine, a national publication by Review of Optometry, which was republished in the July 20, 2020 edition of the Make It Yours Monday newsletter.
- Board Certified, Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry
- Board Licensed, California Board of Optometry
- National Board of Examiners Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease Certified
- Diagnostic & Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agent Certified
- Lacrimal Dilation and Irrigation Certified
- Glaucoma Certified
- American Optometric Association Aviation Vision Course Certified
- Corneal Refractive Therapy Certified
- GOV Orthokeratology Certified
- Orthotools Certified
- Moonlens Certified
- Kerasoft Certified
- Synergeyes Certified
- Zenlens Scleral Lens Certified
- MiSight Certified
- Wave Certified
- BlephEx Certified
- Neurolens Trained
- Kamra Corneal Inlay Post-Op Care Certified
- Certificate of Completion, Pave-Sanet Course in Vision Therapy
- NeuroVisual Medicine Certified for the Evaluation and Treatment of Binocular Vision Dysfunction
- American Pharmacists Association Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate of Achievement
- Member of The American Optometric Association
- Member of The American Optometric Association Contact Lens Section
- Member of The California Optometric Association
- Member of The Los Angeles County Optometric Society
- Member of The American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control
- Member of The International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control
- Member of The Scleral Lens Education Society
- Member of The Optometric Extension Program (Enhancement of Visual Performance)
- Member of The Society of NeuroVisual Medicine
- Member of The 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 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, where he was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award in anterior segment disease and contact lenses. He then completed a post-graduate residency at the University of Virginia Department of Ophthalmology in 2022, where he trained to treat a wide array of ocular diseases with specialty contact lenses. Conditions he commonly treats include keratoconus, corneal scarring, dry eyes, high astigmatism, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-LASIK ectasia, aphakia, anisometropia and many others. Dr. Klaus is the 45th doctor in the world to be trained and certified in Neuro-Visual Medicine, making him a member of the elite group of doctors helping those with dizziness, vertigo, headaches and imbalance.
Dr. Klaus is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, which shows dedication to his profession at the highest level. Outside of work, Dr. Klaus enjoys spending time with his family, running marathons/ultramarathons, hiking, watching football, and playing with his dogs, Oni and Seika.
Michelle Shili, ABO Certified Optician
Michelle is our skilled optician and fashion frame stylist.
Michelle returned to the optical profession after spending time in retail management and leadership. She previously dedicated 15 years as an optician. She is ecstatic to return to the optical industry where she can merge her expertise in optics and leadership. Her goal is to ensure that patients feel welcome and are confident when selecting their new eyewear. Michelle will always go the extra mile to ensure they are satisfied. She always provides outstanding customer service with a bright smile.
Deborah Bettencourt, Optical Manager, Optician
Deborah is our skilled optician and fashion frame stylist.
Deborah is a specialist in the optical field who takes pride in addressing patients’ needs and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and satisfied with their experience. She loves working with eyewear styles that feature clean lines and intricate details, which reflects on her attention to precision and quality. Her favorite brands include DITA and Maui Jim, known for their timeless designs and exceptional craftsmanship.
Steve Romero, ABO & NCLE Certified Optician
Steve is a highly skilled optician with excellent manufacturing skills.
Steve is a highly skilled optician with over seven years of experience. He is certified by The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and The National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE.) He has a keen eye for fashionable eyewear and is dedicated to meeting patients' needs. Steve excels in providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that each patient leaves with eyewear that not only improves their vision but enhances their style. His dedication makes him a valuable professional resource in the field of optics.
Drishti Thakur, Optometric Technician
Drishti is our optometric clinical technician.
Drishti, our optometric technician, is passionate about patient care and advanced clinical technology. She graduated with honors from Scripps College in Claremont, earning a bachelor’s degree in Organismal Biology. On the pre-medical track, Drishti is committed to furthering her healthcare career. She finds joy in interacting with patients and ensuring they have a comfortable and informative experience at the clinic. Her name, derived from Sanskrit, fittingly translates to “Vision,” symbolizing her dedication to helping others see the world more clearly.
Nicole Nguyen, Optometric Technician
Nicole is our optometric clinical technician.
Nicole is an optometric technician driven by a passion for eye care that started during childhood. A graduate from UC Irvine, she is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and developing a deeper understanding of the clinical and technical aspects of optometry. Committed to continuously learning and growing within the field of optometry, Nicole is eager to contribute to creating positive and enjoyable experiences for every patient. Outside of the practice, she enjoys cooking, going to the gym, going to cafes, and playing with her cat, Yani.
Sangeet Dhandwar, Optometric Technician
Sangeet is our optometric clinical technician.
Caress Caranguian, Client Services
Caress is our virtual customer service representative team leader.
Caress is our skilled Virtual Assistant Manager, with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, with an emphasis in Clinical Pharmacy. She has experience as a pharmacist supervisor and excels in managing patient communication and practice administration. Caress leads our Virtual Assistant team to ensure smooth clinic operations. She also manages our social media and digital marketing to enhance our services to the community.
Ashleigh Chatto, Client Services
Ashleigh is our virtual customer service representative.
Ashleigh is our virtual customer service representative. She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and works remotely to help us to serve you better.
Thea Mae Macanip, Client Services
Thea is our virtual customer service representative.
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