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ABOUT US
Meet the board!
OFFICERS
President
Alexa Nares
Year/College: 4th, Warren
Major: Biochemistry, Psychology (minor)
Hobbies: traveling, going to the beach, & hanging out with friends
What made you interested in optometry?
From a young age, I always knew I wanted to enter the health or medical field. In my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with fast progressive myopia. Talking to my optometrist and observing the eye exam process has inspired me to pursue a career in optometry. After completing my undergraduate degree in biochemistry from UCSD, I would love to become an optometrist where I can use my education and personal experience to help others with similar conditions.
Vice President
Annie Trinh
Year/College: 4th, Warren
Major: Human Biology, Psychology
Hobbies: Playing badminton, cooking with friends, and binge watching TV shows.
What made you interested in optometry?
I’ve had a passion for vision science and the eye ever since middle school. When I got my first pair of glasses, it sparked my curiosity in understanding the health and science behind the eye. Over the years, my interests expanded to include visual perception and the connection between the eye and the brain. Being able to have a direct impact to someone’s life truly made me fully want to pursue a career in optometry. Optometry was a perfect middle ground, allowing me to blend all my interests and passions!
Secretary
Stella Ghevondyan
Year/College: 3rd, ERC
Major: Public Health
Hobbies: reading, working out, finding new coffee shops
What made you interested in optometry?
My interest in optometry peaked from my curiosity about my dad's condition of Coloboma as well as my brother's strabismus. Seeing the difference they make is truly something I enjoy about this field.
Treasurer
Vandi Patel
Year/College: 3rd, Seventh
Major/Minor: Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience
Hobbies: reading, yoga, and baking
What made you interested in optometry?
I’m interested in optometry because I loved learning about visual processes in the brain in my cog sci classes and I’ve always wanted to pursue a career involving patient care. I want to explore vision therapy and neuro-optometry in the future!
Publicity Chair/Historian
Chen Yu
Year/College: 4th, Marshall
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Hobbies: Reading, spending time with family and friends
What made you interested in optometry?
I have always been passionate about pursuing a career in the healthcare field. After doing research on various professions and participating in shadowing experiences in different settings, I found myself particularly drawn to the field of optometry. The intricate blend of science and patient care, and the impact of vision on quality of life resonated deeply with my personal and professional aspirations.
External Chair
Myla Chi
Year/College: 2nd, Marshall
Major: Public Health, Conc. in Medicine Sciences
Hobbies: Trying out baking recipes, exploring farmers markets, rewatching Gilmore Girls, watching sunsets.
What made you interested in optometry?
I love that optometry offers the ability to have a direct impact on one's ability to see the world, as vision is such a vital aspect of life, while being a highly interactive and social career.
Social Chair
Jocelyn Kang
Year/College: 2nd, Marshall
Major: Human Biology
Hobbies: sunsets, watching dramas, reading
What made you interested in optometry?
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.