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ABOUT US
Meet the board!
OFFICERS
Co-President
Vandi Patel
Year/College: 4th, Seventh
Major: Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience
Minor: Biology
Hobbies: reading, yoga, and baking
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.
Co-President
Jocelyn Kang
Year/College: 3rd, Marshall
Major: Human Biology
Hobbies: Reading, movie nights, watching k/c-dramas, going to night markets
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.
Vice President
Myla Chi
Year/College: 3rd, Marshal
Major: Public Health conc. Medicine Sciences
Hobbies: traveling, exploring new restaurants, billiards, & swimming at the beach!
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!
Secretary
Caitlyn Hoang
Year/College: 3rd,
Major: Human Biology
Minor: Music
Hobbies:
What made you interested in optometry?
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!
Treasurer
Katelynn Chau
Year/College: 3rd, Marshall
Major: Human Biology
Minor: Cognitive Science
Hobbies: Reading, scrapbooking, playing video games
What made you interested in optometry?
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!
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!
What made you interested in optometry?
I chose optometry because it allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by helping them preserve and improve their vision.
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
What made you interested in optometry?
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.
Co-Publicity Chair
Andrew Nguyen
Year/College: 4th
Major: Cognitive Science w/ Specialization in Neuroscience
Hobbies:
What made you interested in optometry?
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!
Co-Publicity Chair
Kiele Ohashi
Year/College: 3rd,
Major: Biological Anthropology
Minor: Global Health
Hobbies:
What made you interested in optometry?
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.
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
What made you interested in optometry?
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.
Fundraising Chair
Sadie Terpstra
Year/College: 4th
Major: General Biology
Hobbies:
What made you interested in optometry?
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.
Volunteer Coordinator
Mireya Vivar
Year/College: 2nd, Sixth
Major: Human Biology
Hobbies: Hiking, listening to music, podcasts & watching movies
What made you interested in optometry?
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.