Aaron has worked in the optical industry for 20 years and is proud to be the eyeQ Office Manager since 2010. His favorite part of working at eyeQ is helping to deliver an exceptional patient experience at every step of your visit. Aaron enjoys looking high and low for exceptional quality eyewear made by environmentally friendly and ethically responsible, family-owned independent manufacturers. When he is not working Aaron loves hiking, cooking, and photography.
Leah is a UCSC graduate and earned her degree in intensive psychology. She is currently a grad student earning her Masters in Social Work. Leah is passionate about helping others, and believes that each patient deserves an individualized experience when having their services. In her free time, Leah enjoys road biking, hiking, beach hangs, and nurturing her blind shih tzu poodle!
A Santa Cruz local, Amber is the office chameleon who has been an optician at Eye Q Optometry for over a decade. Over the years, you may have seen her with pink, blue, or rainbow hair to accentuate her fabulous sense of style and personality. If you don't see her in the office, it might be because she's out volunteering for Operation Surf or Ride a Wave. Though she used to rock glasses on a daily basis, Amber had Lasik surgery in 2013. She is happy to answer any questions you may have if you're curious about the procedure for yourself!
Ryland has admired eyeQ's frame selection for far longer than he has been part of the team. With an eye for the curious and unique, he's always on the lookout for new and interesting frames. Ryland has a blast selecting the perfect frames for our patients.
He made his way into optics in 2015, working in a lens-manufacturing lab. He became a State licensed optician in 2016. Shortly after that, he found assisting patients face-to-face was much more satisfying and has been helping select amazing frames ever since!
Aryn has been a vibrant and integral member of EyeQ as an optometric technician since 2018. With a profound passion for healthcare and a commitment to assisting others, she takes immense pride in delivering unparalleled service to our clients. Aryn is exceptionally proud to be part of our esteemed doctors' care team. A Santa Cruz native, she delights in spending her leisure time at the beach with her loyal canine companion, Kai. Outside of work, Aryn engages in creative pursuits such as crafting resin art and woodworking.
Sam feels fortunate and proud to be part of the eyeQ staff. He has over twenty years of experience as an optician. He has another ten years experience working in the optical lab, where he learned to surface and finish prescription glasses. What he loves most about his job is interacting with patients, helping them select the best frame and lenses that suit their lifestyle, and putting smiles on their faces. He loves playing sports, cooking, painting and wood working. But most importantly, he cherishes spending time with loved ones.
Lisa first discovered EyeQ Optometry back in 2006 while attending UCSC. One day she was drawn into the door after seeing a beautiful pair of sunglasses. This was the first of many visits Lisa has made as a patient. She would always look forward to her yearly exams with the wonderful doctors, picking out beautiful frames with the fabulous staff at EyeQ and seeing the best she has ever seen. Lisa joyfully joined the EyeQ team in August 2023. She comes from a long career of customer service spanning from waiting tables, working with seniors in social services and lastly helping to run a 109-unit senior apartment complex. The need to help others flows through her veins. Bringing smiles to patients' faces and seeing people walk away happy and satisfied is her daily goal.
Valerie is a seasoned optical professional whom has spent 26+ years helping patients look their best. Beyond optical experience, she has been a yoga instructor, makeup artist, and creative jewelry designer.
Valerie enjoys many hobbies in her free time, from massage therapy to alternative land management to rockhounding. Valerie strives to embody a harmonious blend of professional accomplishment, continuous learning, and a deep connection to the people and world around her.
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Hannah is a UCSC student majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with aspirations to become an optometrist. At the front desk of eyeQ, she takes pride in making patients feel welcomed and comfortable, always greeting them with a warm smile. Her favorite part of the job is seeing patients leave happy and satisfied with their visit. When she’s not at work, you can find her on a quest to discover the best coffee and matcha spots around town!
Born and raised in So-Cal, Megan moved to Santa Cruz to study at UCSC where she obtained her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After graduating she joined the EyeQ team as an optometric technician with the aim to achieve a thorough understanding of the day-to-day operations of eye care while facilitating a meaningful experience for patients. In her free time Megan enjoys time spent in the great outdoors, indulging in activities like backpacking, gardening, and rock climbing.
Born in Germany Karin moved to Santa Cruz in the early 90s. She joined the eyeQ team as a bookkeeper in 2012 and is usually working in the business office. If you don't see her in the office, she might be out bike riding, rock climbing, gardening, or refereeing a soccer game.
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