Our Doctors

Dr. Ashlin Mikolich earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a focus on Ecology at Penn State University. After taking a year off to work as an optometric technician, she then went on to earn her Doctor of Optometry at Salus University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she specialized in primary care, contact lenses, and ocular disease, with a special interest in low vision services. While in school, Dr. Mikolich completed an externship in primary eye care in Mars Hill, which seeded her love for the mountains and western North Carolina. She then completed ocular disease rotations at both the James H. Quillen VA hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee and the Yukon-Kuskokwim hospital in Bethel, Alaska focusing on the native Yupik population. She also completed both a contact lens rotation and low vision rotation in Philadelphia. Dr. Mikolich is a member of the North Carolina Optometric Society, American Optometric Association, and local Mountain District Society of Optometrists where she is current Vice President. She works alongside her husband quarterly to bring eyecare to patients at the Black Mountain Neuro Medical Center. She formerly practiced in the Charlotte metropolitan area and is glad to bring her experience to Asheville. In her free time, you can find her hiking, camping, crafting, reading, or relaxing with her husband, cats, and turtle. Dr. Mikolich is excited to get you started with seeing and feeling your best with new glasses and contacts. She is also excited to bring special care to the practice including low vision and specialty contact services.

Undergraduate Education: BS University of Maryland. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry, 1975. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Complicated contact lens fitting, including keratoconus, and multifocal. The reason I became an optometrist is: This is my 46th year of helping people see clearly and comfortably. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Explaining what I did and how it will change their lives for the better. In my spare time, I enjoy: Exercise and golf.

Undergrad Education: Indiana University – Bloomington. Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry. How do you provide care to your community? Primary care optometry and helping patients achieve their best vision possible. I love to get to know each of my patients individually and strive to be a leader in the community. Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy golfing in my free time and spending time with my wife Erica and dog Finn. I am a fan of Indiana basketball and all Chicago sports teams, especially the Chicago Bears. I play the guitar and enjoy going to live music.

Undergraduate Education: University of Maryland, B.S. and George Mason University, Army, Medical Service Corps; Air-Force, Command and Staff College, Air War College. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry, O.D. 1983. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? Provides comprehensive eye exams, diabetic eye exams, contact lens evaluations, binocular visual dysfunctions, special eyeglass problems, and ocular disease management. Volunteer for Lions Club Vision Screenings. Hobbies/Interests: Swimming, Tropical Fish, Music Ensembles.

Undergraduate Education: West Virginia University. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. Professional Achievements and Associations: Graduated with Honors - Cum Laude; American Optometric Association, Pennsylvania Optometric Association. The reason I became an optometrist is: Optometry is a wonderful specialty in healthcare that allows me to treat, and manage, many different facets of eye health, while maintaining a healthy work/home life balance. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Hearing their excitement when they see an improvement in their vision or eye health. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my two children, husband, and our two dogs.

Undergraduate Education: The Ohio State University. Optometry School: The Ohio State University College of Optometry -1991. Professional Achievements and Associations: AOA, OOA. The reason I became an optometrist is: I have always found the intricacies of the eyes and vision to be so fascinating. And having two eye surgeries as a child, I was inspired to want to help others with their visual function. My favorite part of helping my patients is: good vision is so crucial to our work and enjoyment in life that I find it a blessing to play a role in providing quality eye care to meet my patients’ needs. In my spare time, I enjoy: Reading, walking, biking, and spending time with family.

Undergraduate Education: Otterbein University. Optometry School: Ohio State University. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? Vision is our most important sense, and I love being able to play a part in helping to ensure my patients have a higher quality of life they can enjoy. Hobbies/Interests: Motorsports, motorcycle touring, traveling, camping & hiking.

My name is Zach Miller. I was born and raised in the small town of Storm Lake, Iowa, and I developed a deep appreciation for eye care at a young age. As someone who has lived with myopia my entire life, I know firsthand the life-changing impact of clear vision. My own optometrist in my hometown opened my eyes—literally and figuratively—to the power of optometry, inspiring me to dedicate my career to helping others experience the same gift of sight. I earned my undergraduate degree from Northern Iowa University before moving to Arizona to attend Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Optometry. After spending 11 wonderful years in Arizona, I recently made the decision to move back to the Midwest to be closer to family, especially after welcoming my beautiful baby daughter. I am passionate about all aspects of optometry, with a special dedication to children's eye care. My goal is to help patients of all ages achieve their best possible vision. Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports—especially golf—and spending time outdoors hiking with my family and our Golden Retriever, Larry.

Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry, graduated 1996. The reason I became an optometrist is: The ability to provide better health and vision to my patients. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Seeing the satisfied look on their faces after receiving their eyewear. In my spare time, I enjoy: Fitness and any outdoor activities.

Undergraduate Education: Northeastern State University - Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude; Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry - cum laude; Professional Achievements and Associations: Fellow, American Academy of Optometry Diplomate, American Board of Optometry, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, American Optometric Association; Clinical Certifications and Specialities: Low Vision Rehabilitation; The reason I became an optometrist is because of the life-changing impact vision correction had for me when I got my first glasses as a child. I wanted to help others experience that "aha moment" the first time they got their glasses and their world was forever changed! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three sons, hiking, and crafts. My favorite part of helping my patients is promoting the importance of caring for their eyes and their vision. You're only given one set of eyes!! So whether it's through the proper contact lens or glasses correction or caring for an ocular health condition, I want to make sure my patients know what options they have available to have the healthiest eyes and the best vision possible!

Undergraduate Education: The Ohio State University. Optometry School: The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Professional Achievements/Associations: Past president of the Ohio State College of Optometry Alumni Association. Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Dry eye disease. What drives your passion for optometry? My passion for optometry began with my own vision problems as a teenager. I saw what a difference that glasses and contact lenses made in my life for school, sports, and daily activities. How are you helping patients live their best lives? By truly trying to treat each patient as a distinct individual with different needs and desires. I try to give outcomes that enhance their lives and solve problems so that each patient can see and function as well in their life as they can. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? It means having a patient go home and tell their family and friends that they have had the most pleasant health care experience of their life. We pride ourselves on treating each patient with kindness, respect, and creating great outcomes. How are you impacting your local community? Our office has an annual food drive at Thanksgiving time and a toy drive at Christmas. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, cooking, reading, watching Ohio State football.

Undergraduate Education: Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL) - Bachelor of Science in Biology. Optometry School: New England College of Optometry (Boston, MA) - Class of 2020. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association, Lake Region Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Primary Eye Care, Contact Lens Exams, Diabetic Eye Exams, Pediatric Eye Exams, Emergency Eye Care. The reason I became an optometrist is: I became an optometrist because I wanted to provide a practical service while connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it be prescribing glasses or contacts for clearer vision, diagnosing, and managing a vision-threatening disease, or annual monitoring of ocular health, optometry provides me the opportunity to improve my patients’ daily lives. My favorite part of helping my patients is: My favorite part of helping my patients is spending a few extra minutes educating them about their eyes. I believe that the more we understand about our body, the better we can care for it and the better our lives will be! In my spare time, I enjoy: In my spare time, I enjoy exploring Central Florida with my husband, Josh and my dog, Bear. We love traveling to new places and are always open to recommendations!

Undergraduate Education: I graduated Cum Laude from Robert Morris University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Optometry School: I attended Pennsylvania College of Optometry and graduated in 2017. Professional Achievements and Associations: I completed externships at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, Feinbloom Low Vision Center, and a contact lens specialist site. I am a member of American Optometric Association (AOA), the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA) and the Western Pennsylvania Optometric Society (WPOS). Clinical Certifications and Specialties: I completed my third-year rotation at Complete Family Vision Care and fell in love with the practice and their style of patient care. I joined Complete Family Vision Care in June 2017 (now MED) and enjoy providing comprehensive ocular care for individuals of all ages. The reason I became an optometrist is: I have always wanted to help improve others’ lives. I worked in the optical field for almost nine years prior to becoming an optometrist. I was inspired by the way a simple pair of new glasses/contact lenses can drastically change someone's life in a positive manner. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Empowering them see the world clearly and confidently! In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my family and tending to our farm. My husband and I own horses, alpacas, chickens, and many other furry friends!

Dr. Mocklis received his undergraduate degree from Hobart and William-Smith College in Geneva, NY. During his graduate studies at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA, he completed externships at the Brighton Marine Hospital in Boston, MA, the Boston VA Hospital, the New England Eye Institute in Boston, MA and Western Massachusetts State Hospital in Westfield, MA. He is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), the Cornea and Contact Lens Section of the AOA, and the New Hampshire Optometric Association. Dr. Mocklis is devoted to his family, his patients, and his staff. When he is not at work, he likes being active outdoors -- kayaking or boating with family, playing pickup basketball with friends, or participating in the Seacoast Century bike race (which he's done every year and plans to do so until he is 80). Dr. Mocklis is a native of Greece and was born on an island. He speaks the language fluently and returns to Greece every few years to visit family. Dr. Mocklis was interviewed by the Portsmouth Herald about the impacts of blue light from digital devices on the eyes.

Undergraduate Education: Ohio State University; Optometry School: Ohio State University College of Optometry; Professional Achievements/Associations: VA Residency in Ocular Disease / Board Certified - American Board of Optometry/ Member - AOA, FOA; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Primary Care, Ocular Disease, Contact Lenses; What drives your passion for optometry? Creating a relationship with patients and helping them through preventative care and/or treatment options; How are you helping patients live their best lives? Delivering individualized eyecare based on their visual and lifestyle needs. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of all patients. Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends, exploring the city and trying new restaurants.

Undergraduate Education: Gannon University. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Certifications/Awards: Primary Care Residency, Fellow American Academy of Optometry. Hobbies/Interests: Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu, Running, Biking, Walking, Flowers.

Undergraduate Education: Bradley University, Bachelor of Science. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry, class of 2012. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association and Maryland Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Doctor of Optometry, licensed to practice optometry in Maryland and Virginia. The reason I became an optometrist is: To help patients see better. Sight provides ~80% of information needed to interpret our surroundings. Sharpening visual acuity can have great, positive effects on a patient’s job, schooling, or hobbies. It makes me so happy to help a school age kid see the white board better or help an IT specialist who gets headaches at the end of a workday. My favorite part of helping my patients is: potentially improving their everyday lives because they can see better. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my three kiddos and husband. We like taking family walks and watching the kids play soccer.

Undergraduate Education: John Carroll University - Bachelor of Science in Biology. Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry Class of 2015. Professional Achievements and Associations: Graduated Magna Cum Laude; Member - American Optometric Association; Member - North Carolina Optometric Society; Member - Piedmont Optometric Society; Awarded membership into the Gold Key National Optometric Honor Society, which is the highest leadership honor society attainable by a student Doctor of Optometry. Selected as "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" - in recognition of outstanding merit and accomplishment as a student. Elected to Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. Ocular Instruments "Award of Excellence" as recognition of outstanding performance in the study of ocular disease. National State Club Liaison for Southern College of Optometry. Class Officer at SCO. Completed internships at: W.G. Hefner VAMC, Piedmont Eye Care Associates, The Eye Center at The Southern College of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry Department of Contact Lens, Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute, University of Rochester Center for Visual Sciences at Strong Memorial Hospital, and Lakeview Eye Care. Completed medical missions’ trips to Belize, Honduras, and Haiti with the association SVOSH, student volunteers in optometric services to humanity. Volunteered time and eye services at the Special Olympics, RAM (Remote Area Medical) trips, Project Homeless in Memphis, TN, and several different elementary schools for eye screenings. Research: Visual Acuities of Custom Silicone Hydrogel Toric Contact Lenses vs BVA Spectacle Rx? Moonan, J, Canton Hoins, S, Edmondson, W, Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN. Mckee, E NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry, Tahlequah, OK. Global Specialty Lens Symposium 2014. Characterization of Two-Photon Imaging with an Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope. Moonan, J, Hunter, J, Masella, B, Williams, D. Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester 2009. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Brilliant Futures MiSight Myopia Management Control Certified; Corneal Refractive Therapy Certified - Paragon Vision Sciences; National Board of Examiners in Optometry and Injection Skill Examination. The reason I became an optometrist is: I grew up in a large family in Rochester, NY. My mother is one of eleven children and thus I had the blessing of living within five minutes of twenty-nine first cousins. My grandfather was an eye doctor, a navy veteran, and had a strong faith, and he developed in all of us a sense of commitment to serving others. I always saw him as a role-model and my goal has been to make even a fraction of an impact that he made on the world. My favorite part of helping my patients is: In the past I dealt with some major health problems and throughout the countless hospitalizations and various surgical procedures I encountered a wide variety of doctors. Unfortunately, I didn't always have the best health care practitioners looking out for me, but they were overshadowed by the ones who did. That difficult time highlighted for me the importance of having a doctor who listened and who truly cared. I hope to care for my patients the same way that those doctors did for me. In my spare time, I enjoy: watching the Buffalo Bills go to the Super Bowl (at some point). I also enjoy working out, spending time with my friends, family, and fiancée, reading, playing golf, Charlotte Knights baseball games, snow, and water skiing, and traveling.