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ABOUT US

Meet the board!

OFFICERS

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Co-President

Vandi Patel

Year/College: 4th, Seventh

Major: Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience

Hobbies: fitness, reading, baking, and explor

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What made you interested in optometry?

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As a cognitive science major, I learned about vision and became interested in how deeply it is connected to the brain and everyday functioning. Through my experiences working in optometry clinics, I saw firsthand how impactful this field is, especially for patients who had been told their vision was “normal,” but still struggled with reading, attention, or daily tasks due to underlying visual processing issues. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in vision therapy or neuro-optometry!

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Co-President

Jocelyn Kang

Year/College: 3rd, Marshall

Major: Human Biology

Hobbies: Reading, movie nights, watching k/c-dramas, going to night markets

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What made you interested in optometry?

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I'm intrigued in the physics behind optometry and eye care. I like how something as simple as glasses and contact lenses can lead to an improved vision and quality of life.

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Vice President

Myla Chi

Year/College: 3rd, Marshall

Major: Public Health conc. Medicine Sciences

Hobbies: traveling, exploring new restaurants, billiards, & swimming at the beach!

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What made you interested in optometry?

 

Having the opportunity to detect diseases early, engaging in a patient-facing role that provides instant gratification for the patient, and building lasting patient-practitioner relationships!

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Secretary

Caitlyn Hoang

Year/College: 3rd, Marshall

Major: Human Biology

Minor: Music

Hobbies: playing piano, crocheting & knitting, walking

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What made you interested in optometry?

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The physics behind the eye and light refraction really interests me, and I think it would be fulfilling to work with others to improve or manage their vision, something a lot of people take for granted!

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Treasurer

Katelynn Chau

Year/College: 3rd, Muir

Major: Human Biology

Minor: Cognitive Science

Hobbies: Reading, scrapbooking, playing video games

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What made you interested in optometry?

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Other than prescribing and selling glasses, optometrists also help diagnose and manage both eye conditions and other health issues. What excites me most is the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life because even just one visit can help patients see and feel better right away!

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External Chair

Jade Hom

Year/College: 3rd, Marshall

Major: Public Health, Conc. in Medicine Sciences

Minor: General Biology

Hobbies: I like to journal, explore different cafes, photobooths, and the beach! 

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What made you interested in optometry?

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I chose optometry because it allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by helping them preserve and improve their vision.

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Social Chair

Kerri Khow

Year/College: 2nd, Revelle

Major: Psychology w/ Specialization in Human Health

Hobbies: Working out, baking brownies and banana bread, and napping

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What made you interested in optometry?

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I chose optometry because vision is such an important part of how we experience the world. I love that in this field we are able to help people of all ages from kids getting their first pair of glasses to older adults managing eye diseases. The idea of improving someone’s daily life by helping them see the world better is what excites me most about this career.

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Co-Publicity Chair

Andrew Nguyen

Year/College: 4th, Marshall

Major: Cognitive Science w/ Specialization in Neuroscience

Hobbies: Listening to music, playing guitar, and napping :p

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What made you interested in optometry?

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Growing up, the optometrist was the only doctor I looked forward to visiting. I loved trying on different frames after my checkups and enjoyed the calm environment. I would also love to help people see the world the way I do!

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Co-Publicity Chair

Kiele Ohashi

Year/College: 3rd, ERC

Major: Biological Anthropology

Minor: Global Health

Hobbies: Reading, playing basketball, going on walks

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What made you interested in optometry?

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I’m drawn to optometry because it allows me to build meaningful connections with patients while making a significant difference in their lives, starting with something as essential as vision.

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Co-Publicity Chair

Miranda Burgos

Year/College: 3rd, Sixth

Major: Microbiology 

Minor: Human Developmental Sciences

Hobbies: dance, playing piano, baking, trying new food/drink places with friends, playing with my dogs

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What made you interested in optometry?

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I'm choosing this path because I've always been surrounded by and interested in this field because I've had glasses since I was 5 years old. While working for an optometrist, the way this field allows one to connect to multiple people while simultaneously making their lives easier is what confirms my passion even mor.

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Fundraising Chair

Sadie Terpstra

Year/College: 4th, Seventh

Major: General Biology 

Hobbies: running, reading and baking

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What made you interested in optometry?

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My interest in optometry began when I wore glasses for the first time and was surprised by how much my vision improved. Vision affects so many areas of our lives, and I want to help others experience the same moment that I did.

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Volunteer Coordinator 

Mireya Vivar

Year/College: 2nd, Sixth

Major: Human Biology 

Hobbies: Hiking, listening to music, podcasts & watching movies

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What made you interested in optometry?

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Great work-life balance, a genuine interest in eye care, and I feel like I learn more about taking care of myself as I learn more about vision care.

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