WELCOME TO SHARPEVISION

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT WORK?

My patients! I love getting to know each patients on an individual level. Hearing about their careers, passions, and life experiences teach and inspire me so much. I love that I am able to help make their lives that much easier through better vision.

CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB?

The fifth member of Destiny’s Child. The original group had four members, not three. If you know, you know.

WORST JOB? DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING?

I was a stapler remover “intern” for my dad’s company when I was 16. Eight hours a day, five days a week, I removed staples from paper files that needed to be converted to electronic files. I was even equipped with a finger pad to flip pages, and on lucky days I was able to scan the pages into their computer system I had previously removed the staples for. From this experience, I learned that paper cuts are no joke! In all seriousness, I also learned the value of a dollar and was shocked to see half of my paycheck go to social security and taxes.

WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE INSTANTLY GOOD AT?

Cooking! I envy my mother who can whip up any dish without a recipe only using her taste buds, but cooking does not come naturally to me. It’d be nice to not have to think and prep dishes before making them. 

FAVORITE SEASON?

Nothing beats summer time CHI! 

WHAT LED YOU TO BE AN OPTOMETRIST?

When I was in college I had an eye exam in my hometown by the same optometrist I’d been seeing since elementary school. At the time, I was unsure of my plans after graduation, and he suggested optometry. After doing some shadowing, along with his encouragement, I was convinced to pursue optometry. And I’m so glad I followed his advice, because I love it!

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU OUTSIDE OF YOUR JOB?

Reading, baking, and spending time with my family

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Binging 90 day Fiancé

IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Grilled Cheese! 

WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?

My grandmother. She had macular degeneration.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

My patients! Helping them cure a visual handicap is thrilling and so rewarding.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU OUTSIDE OF YOUR JOB?

Fresh air and hiking in the beautiful Texas hill country with my family.

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Dark Chocolate. Yum!

TOP DESTINATION ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST?

New Zealand

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?

The Mandalorian: So fun to watch with the kids.

WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?

In college, I tutored a group of students in a local elementary school. One of the students was struggling in school and was diagnosed with extremely high hyperopia (farsightedness) that interfered with her ability to learn. After her vision was corrected and her visual skills improved, she excelled in her academic work. Watching her transformation and seeing that significant role that vision played inspired me to become an optometrist to help others reach their full potential by maximizing their vision and visual skills.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

I worked as a horse camp counselor in high school where I taught elementary-aged kids horseback riding and equine maintenance and care.

CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB?

Veterinarian

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU OUTSIDE OF YOUR JOB?

Spending as much time as possible with my family outdoors exploring the beautiful pacific northwest

TOP DESTINATION ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST?

Australia and scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT WORK?

Making people happy and feel at ease.

FIRST JOB?

My first job was as a banquet server/bartender in Texas.

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Sea Salt Chocolate

HAVE YOU HAD A LIFE CHANGING TRIP?

Traveling through Europe. I couldn’t have imagined the amount of food and wine you can consume in a day!

FAVORITE SEASON?

Summer is one of my favorites. I love spending time with friends on the lake.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO OWN THAT YOU DON’T?

A boat to be on the lake!

WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?

My professional career started back in 2000 with one of the primary care physician offices as a Medical Assistant. Later I joined a Mohs skin cancer facility in Seattle and was trained and certified as a Surgical Technician. After nearly 10 years assisting in the operating room, I grew my sympathy for all patients who were facing new changes and challenges.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT SHARPEVISION?

My biggest passion is to help people. I get energized serving our community with pride and providing better care than they ever expected. If I helped someone get through their surgical fears by educating them about the process, then I feel that I did my job. That alone gives me positive vibes and a smile!

WHAT ARE YOU GOOD AT?

When I was a teenager I attended an art school for three years. I am very artistic and in my spare time I create flower arrangements and paint 3D pictures, customizing for my friends and family.

TOP DESTINATION ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST?

Dubai. I am just fascinated by the ultramodern architecture and nightlife. Other must-visit places: China, Korea, Thailand, France, Italy, Portugal and Canada.

IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Of course, sushi

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST WHEN IT COMES TO HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

Steve Jobs has had a tremendous influence on my career. His mantra was always “focus and simplicity.” Simple can be harder than complex: you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple, but it’s worth it in the end. Once you get there, you can move mountains.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT SHARPEVISION?

Seeing my team coming together to make a difference in patients’ lives.

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU ARE REALLY GOOD AT?

I like to think that I’m good at golf :)

GUILTY PLEASURE(S)?

Red wine and cheesecake.

TOP DESTINATION ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST?

Galapagos Islands

FAVORITE TV SHOW?

This is a hard tie between “Lost” and “This is Us.”

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT SHARPEVISION?

Knowing that I have a great team to work with, and having the reassurance that I can go to the doctors with any question and they will take the time to answer it.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

I used to work at a pho restaurant in Issaquah and never got tired of the food.

IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Pizza!

WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE INSTANTLY GOOD AT?

Flying. I think piloting an aircraft would be really fun, and seeing the world from up there would be amazing.

GUILTY PLEASURE(S)?

Muddy Buddies, milk, and watching football

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST WHEN IT COMES TO HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

My parents have been a huge influence on my work ethic. They instilled the value of hard work from a young age and always allowed me to try new things and learn from my mistakes.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT SHARPEVISION?

I am energized at work when I hear from patients about their experience with us. From the tears of joy, pre-COVID hugs, to the reviews online. It is so satisfying to know that all the effort that we put into the details is producing a beautiful experience for a life-changing event.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK?

My daughter and son energize me outside of work. No matter how tired I am, I always have energy for them (ask me again when it’s singing/dancing to Baby Shark for the 20th time)!

IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Eggs but only because they’re so versatile. I couldn’t live without cheese!

FAVORITE TV SHOW?

Just one?! I love watching The Good Place, Grey’s Anatomy, Lucifer, Parks & Rec., Breaking Bad and of course, The Office. If I were to choose one show that I had to watch for the rest of my life, I’d pick The Office

TOP ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST? 

I would love to visit my country of Portugal again some day.

WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF THE WORK YOU DO?

When patients say how happy they are with our staff’s kindness, efficiency, and the precautions we take to keep our staff and patients healthy during our global pandemic.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT SHARPEVISION? 

Knowing I have a strong and solid team, along with amazing O.D.’s who are supportive and helpful. Also working with Dr Sharpe who is a good teacher/mentor, thorough, and so kind to his patients and staff. 

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Chocolate and Starbucks. 

IF YOU COULD ONLY EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

 Sushi hands down.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT SHARPEVISION?

I love playing competitive sports, especially beach volleyball. But anything for some friendly competition gets me fired up and excited.

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL?

I’m very competitive and have always set ambitious goals for myself. I believe that most skill sets can be learned through hard work. If you want something, you have to put in the time, work hard, and go and get it; there are no shortcuts.

HAVE YOU TAKEN A LIFE-CHANGING TRIP? 

I took a trip to Amsterdam with my best friend, and I ended up meeting my future wife, Heather.

IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE? 

I wish all questions were this easy: pizza!

FAVORITE TV SHOW?

The Office

WHO INFLUENCED HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

I have been very fortunate to work in several fields: work with and under several high caliber professionals, and I have taken the best practices from each one of them. However, raised by a migrant hardworking single mom, and witnessing her work ethic, commitment to excellence has profoundly influenced me. 

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL?

Grit: I identify it as the number one attribute to my success, followed closely by creativity and a willingness to learn.  I enjoy caring for patients because they learn from me, and I learn from them.

CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB? 

Anthropologist or Archeologist 

HAVE YOU TAKEN A LIFE-CHANGING TRIP?

Traveling is one of my guilty pleasures. The most recent trip to Istanbul, Turkey, changed my perspective on the world and human history.

 IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Chicken Wraps (& Chips)  

ESSENTIAL APPS ON YOUR PHONE?

Contacts, Facetime, and GPS

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL?

I’m a people person and attribute my success to being genuinely caring and detailed with patients.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I’m proud to hold multiple certifications in Ophthalmology.

CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB?

As a child, I wanted to be a pediatrician…until I became a pediatric medical assistant and realized I had to give immunizations to babies, and I couldn’t bring myself to do it!

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU OUTSIDE OF YOUR JOB?

I find running to be energizing, and it is one of my hobbies.

FAVORITE SEASON?

Fall

TOP DESTINATION ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST?

Cuba!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

Outback Steakhouse, started as a hostess, and moved up to server/bartender.

WORST JOB? DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING FROM IT?

Working for an urgent care call center. I learned to respect everyone, no matter what position they hold within a company.

WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE INSTANTLY GOOD AT?

Speaking french or playing the violin

CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB?

FBI agent

IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Sushi

ESSENTIAL APPS ON YOUR PHONE?

Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max 

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL?

I think my ability to speak openly and honestly helps me to identify with the patients I encounter.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

I made Rx glasses for 14 years which led me to the clinical side of the patient experience. 

WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE INSTANTLY GOOD AT?

I would want to be an expert pianist.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

When I was a kid I wanted to grow up to be like my dad. He never met a stranger. We would go to a ballgame and he could talk to a complete stranger as if they were lifelong friends. 

ESSENTIAL APPS ON YOUR PHONE?

The three apps would be Apple Music, Amazon Prime and Weather .

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO OWN THAT YOU DON’T?

Ferrari. We had a patient that came in who owns two! He said it’s possible to buy one for about $50,000! 

WHO HAS INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

My dad. Growing up, I saw the crazy work ethic that he had and, even after retirement, he still has an amazing work ethic.

FIRST JOB?

I was 14 years old when I got my first job as a busser at a breakfast restaurant.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

DREAM CHILDHOOD JOB?

An OB/GYN

TOP DESTINATION ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST?

Fiji and/or Tahiti

ESSENTIAL APPS ON YOUR SMART?

Tidal, Google, and Uber 

WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CAREER?

I researched traumatic brain injury pathways in neurons while obtaining my degree in neuroscience. After graduating, I started my journey in ophthalmology as an optometric assistant for general ophthalmic wellness exams. Becoming an ophthalmic technician at SVML was a perfect culmination of my past experience, and gave me the gratifying opportunity to work with patients.

FIRST JOB?

My first job was as a golf cart attendant at a local golf club in my hometown.

WHO DO YOU WANT TO TRADE PLACES WITH FOR A DAY? 

Cher

GUILTY PLEASURE?

The Shrek soundtrack, need I say more.

TREND THAT SHOULD MAKE A COMEBACK?

Juicy Couture sweatsuits–the 2000s–what an iconic era.

FAVORITE TV SHOW?

Schitt’s Creek. Dan Levy and Catherine O’Hara are two of my favorite people ever.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

My father. He’s the hardest working person I know and has always done whatever it takes to support his family. He is strict, street-smart, an expert negotiator, has great judge of character and holds people accountable. Most importantly, my father has always shown respect for everyone, regardless of their background or position. I try to demonstrate many of these same ideals in my work. 

WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CAREER?

I loved going to the optometrist as a young person. It was such a pleasant experience compared to other doctor’s appointments. I had bad vision and it always amazed me how clearly I could see through the phoropter. When my parents finally allowed me to try contacts, I was so excited but wasn’t able to touch my eye, so I left the vision center in tears! After a week of practice, I was able to leave wearing contacts and could not believe how different things looked once I could see every detail. It was life-changing. I want everyone to be able to enjoy these details through clear vision. 

DREAM CHILDHOOD JOB?

Initially I said I wanted to be a hotel manager then changed it to owning a chain of hotels! The university I chose had an excellent HRIM program, and although I intended on pursuing that career, I ended up choosing my major in biology to pursue a career in optometry.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? 

Spending time with my children. Everywhere we go is an “adventure” to them! It is fun and inspiring to see things through their eyes, because everything is new and interesting. 

TOP DESTINATION ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST?

I’d love to cruise the Mediterranean! A couple of weeks sailing around Spain, France, Italy and Greece would be amazing. 

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL?

I believe that of all the traits that make me successful, my personable demeanor stands out the most. As my wife likes to say, I‘ve “never met a stranger.” I love connecting with those around me and if I get them to laugh, that’s even better. 

FIRST JOB?

My first job was when I was 11-years-old. I played piano at a condominium complex in Miami Beach, Florida, where I grew up. It was my first paying gig, but little did I know I’d go on to play piano for a living for most of my life after that. 

WHAT ARE YOU GOOD AT?

It may seem silly, but I have a phenomenal memory and am really great at remembering all kinds of information. Movie quotes, album release dates, authors of books I’ve read, and even piano pieces that I haven’t played in years. It all comes in handy! 

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love to go dirt bike riding on the weekends. Yes, it’s dangerous but something I really enjoy doing, and it also keeps me fit and active! 

IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FORVER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Easy. Hamburgers! I love a good burger. 

ESSENTIAL APPS ON YOUR PHONE?

I am a pretty simple man. All I need is Facebook to stay connected with my friends from cruise line work that live around the world, my News app so that I can stay informed, and Amazon so that I can order new parts for my dirt bike! 

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

My mother owns a small diner which gave me the opportunity to start working as a waitress at 16 years old. It was a perfect first job. I felt comfortable in my workplace and learned a lot about customer service.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

My parents have both worked full time my entire life. They have each worked hard and prioritized their careers.

HAVE YOU TAKEN A LIFE-CHANGING TRIP?

My husband and I booked the same trip to Australia through a travel agency in 2016. We were both traveling solo for the first time to another country. We ended up sitting next to each other on the plane from Los Angeles to Melbourne. We quickly became good friends and the rest is history! We are now married and have a child. We have continued our love for travel by visiting 12 countries together!

CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB?

I always loved the ocean and aspired to be a marine biologist.

TOP DESTINATION ON YOUR MUST-VISIT LIST?

I would love to take a month and travel around Africa.

ESSENTIAL APPS ON YOUR PHONE?

Amazon, Spotify, Instagram 

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL?

My strong communication and people skills. I’m a people person, and I try to emulate that in all of my work. Having an understanding and personable person on the other line of the phone can make all of the difference. We never know what someone else may be dealing with on the other end! I try to be as receptive as possible.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU AT SHARPEVISION?

Positive feedback!

WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE INSTANTLY GOOD AT?

Drawing. I am so envious of anyone who can sit down and create beautiful pieces of art!

GUILTY PLEASURE(S)?

Popcorn and any type of documentary. 

IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOREVER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Homemade ooey-gooey mac & cheese.

FAVORITE SEASON?

Fall! Ohio has the most beautiful fall with amazing colors!