Our Doctors

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology from Clemson University. Optometry School: University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Certifications/Awards: BLS and CPR. How are you helping your patients live their best lives? By listening to my patients’ typical activities, I can help to prescribe glasses or contacts best suited for what they like to do with the clearest vision possible. Hobbies/Interests: In my free time, I enjoy hiking or walking with my dog, climbing, snowboarding, and playing video games.

Undergraduate Education: DePauw University; Bachelor of Science. Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry; Doctor of Optometry. Professional Achievements and Associations: Member of the American Optometric Association, Indiana Optometric Association, Central Indiana Optometric Society, Graduated Summa Cum Laude DePauw University, Graduated Magna Cum Laude Indiana University School of Optometry. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: TMOD; NBEO; Refractive Surgery Co-Management consultant; Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease management; Contact lens; Primary Care. The reason I became an optometrist is: I became an optometrist because I wanted to pursue a challenging medical career in which I could help people live their best lives. Providing patient care is a blessing and a privilege. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Partnering with the patient in providing comprehensive eye care solutions for their every day and long-term needs. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with Family and Friends, Traveling, Horseback riding, working with our apple orchard/agri-entertainment business.

Undergraduate Education: University of Houston; Bachelor of Science. Optometry School: University of Houston College of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? Providing comprehensive eye exams for adults and children, diabetic eye exams, and contact lens fittings. Hobbies/Interests: Travel, photography, and Hockey.

Undergraduate Education: State University of New York at Geneseo, B.S. Biochemistry. Optometry School: The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association; Virginia Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Advanced Practice Fellowship in Cornea and Contact Lenses. The reason I became an optometrist is: I enjoy helping others and have always been fascinated with the eyes and vision. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Improving vision and managing eye health to enhance quality of life. In my spare time, I enjoy: Travel; Sports.

Barbara Pittaras, O.D., F.A.A.O. has been happily practicing optometry since 2002. She earned her undergraduate degree (B.S. in Biology with a minor in Psychology) at the University of South Florida in 1998, where she graduated on the Dean's List of Scholars. Her Doctorate of Optometry degree was completed at Interamerican University in Puerto Rico, where she was awarded the Dr. Angel Romero award for her academic achievements. In 2002 she was awarded the Biocompatibles Innovative Research Award by the American Optometric Foundation. During her fourth year training rotations, she proudly served our nation's troops at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Hospital, Ophthalmology and Optometry department, in Landstuhl, Germany. She then went on to complete a Residency program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry, with a focus on Cornea and Contact Lenses. During her residency, she was involved in the project "High and Low Contrast Visual Acuity after LASIK and Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Wear: A Comparative Study", a study which was funded by Ocular Sciences. Giving back to the community and to those less fortunate is important to Dr. Pittaras. She has been on voluntary mission trips to Honduras and Peru, serving the needs of thousands of poverty stricken patients who had no other means to access eye care if it were not for organizations like VOSH who extend their kindness and generosity to help those in need. In 2004, Dr. Pittaras earned the designation of Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. The letters FAAO mean that the doctor is recognized by his or her colleagues as a knowledgeable and experienced professional who has met the high standards of professional competence in a broad range of issues related to eye care. As a fellow, Dr. Pittaras is dedicated to remaining in the forefront of eyecare developments by attending continuing education programs, symposia and lectures, particularly those presented at the Annual Meeting of Optometry, the foremost scientific and educational meeting for optometry. Dr. Pittaras was the founder and CEO of Electra Vision, LLC., located in Ranson, West Virginia, a cutting edge, full scope optometry practice and optical establishment from 2012 to 2023. She is now happy to join the team at MyEyeDr in Frederick and continue her journey in providing exceptional eye care to the Frederick community, which she has been a member of since 2003. Outside of work, she enjoys international and domestic travel, gardening, cooking and photography.

Dr. Stephen Planchet, O.D., F.A.A.O.Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Dr. Planchet is a 1996 graduate of New England College of Optometry. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. He served in the U.S. Army and was promoted to the rank of Major within eight years of service. His military awards include a Meritorious Service Medal and 3 Army Commendation Medals. Dr. Planchet and his wife, Marcela, have three children: Nicolas, John Paul, and Eva Marie. “I care about people. This profession allows me to work with people, improve their lives, and build long-lasting relationships. I have always aspired to be in a profession that gives back to the community and helps improve people's lives. I strive to be a caring, family-oriented optometrist.”

Undergraduate Education: Miami Dade College and Florida International University. Optometry School: Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. Certifications/Awards: Doctor of Optometry. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, running, going to the theme parks with my wife, and traveling.

Dr. Renee Pogrebneak earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Millersville University in 2022 in connected 3+4 program through Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), where she went to graduate with a Doctorate in Optometry in 2025. Originally from New Jersey, she has worked in an optometric office for almost 10 years since she was 16, beginning as an optical technician and receptionist before she completed optometry school. Throughout her clinical training, she completed externships in ocular disease, primary care, and contact lens clinics, including a rotation at the Lyons Veterans Affairs Medical Center in NJ. There, she developed significant expertise in the diagnosis and management of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and low vision. She received recognition of honors during her externship rotations due to her clinical excellence, passion, and commitment to providing upmost quality in optometric care. Dr. Pogrebneak is dedicated to and qualified in both medical and routine eye care. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the New Jersey Optometric Association. For three years in a row, she was a recipient of the Leslie Mintz Scholarship for exceptional talent, academic excellence, and leadership. Outside of her profession, she enjoys spending time at the beach, painting, and traveling to new places! She is excited to begin this next chapter of her life as a new resident of Delaware.

Undergraduate Education: University of Maryland College Park 1969. Optometry School: Illinois College OF Optometry 1974. Certifications/Awards: Past President of the Maryland Optometric Association. Past Chairman of the board of the Maryland Optometric Association. Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Biking, spending time with family.

Undergraduate Education: Louisiana Tech University. Optometry School: University of Alabama at Birmingham. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, snowboarding, scuba diving, spending time with my husband Nick, and our two cavaliers, Odie and Penny.

Undergraduate Education: Brigham Young University; B.S. in Business Finance. Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry; Graduated 2002. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association; Henderson County Board of Health Member. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Training in Scleral Contact Lens Fitting. The reason I became an optometrist is: I come from a family of Optometrists. We have 3 generations of family in eye care. There have been 7 Poole Optometrists and 1 Poole that is training to be an Ophthalmologist. Having good vision improves every aspect of our lives. I love what I do. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Solving vision problems to help them live better lives. In my spare time, I enjoy: Backpacking, camping, mountain biking, and traveling.

Undergraduate University: Emory University. Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry. How I am impacting my local community and helping patients live their best lives: For the past 35 years I have been providing the greater Miramar community with comprehensive eye examinations for adults and children, diabetic eye exams, contact lens evaluations, binocular vision dysfunction assessments and ocular disease management. Hobbies/Interests: Golf, pickleball, reading, travel.

Undergraduate Education: Baylor University. Optometry School: University of Houston College of Optometry. Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my dogs and husband and traveling.

Dr. Julie Poteet received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia and her Doctor of Optometry degree from The New England College of Optometry. Upon completion of her residency with the Brockton and West Rosbury VA Medical Centers in Massachusetts, she worked with one of Harvard’s top ophthalmology professors in private practice in Peabody, Massachusetts. After returning to GA, Dr. Poteet has worked in private practice in the Acworth area and completed a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Pediatric Vision care is also a passion of Dr. Poteet’s as she believes in the value of treating the whole child and removing any barriers that prevent them from achieving their fullest academic potential. Dr. Poteet is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society.

Undergraduate Education: B.A. from Alma College (Alma, MI), graduated 2000. Optometry School: Michigan College of Optometry, graduated 2006 . Professional Achievements and Associations: Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry; Fellow in the Scleral Lens Education Society; Diplomate and Ohio Ambassador for the American Board of Optometry; Member Gas Permeable Lens Institute Advisory Board; Member American Optometric Association; Member and former Governor Ohio Optometric Association; Editorial Board of the journal Optometry Today (India); Drs. Wechsler and Mertz Contact Lens Residency Award; Beta Sigma Kappa National Optometric Honor Society Silver Medal Award; Selected as an "Outstanding female leader" in Vision Monday newsmagazine 2006; Selected as one of the "Most influential women in optometry" in Vision Monday 2018; Selected as a 2018 CooperVision "Best Practices"; 2016 Toledo City Paper "Best of Toledo - Eye Doctor" finalist; Numerous professional publications including as a columnist in Contact Lens Spectrum ("GP Insights"). Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Cornea and Contact Lens Residency, with a focus in specialty contact lens fitting completed 2007; Paragon CRT/orthokeratology certification. The reason I became an optometrist is: To take a love for science and health and translate it through patient care to help improve people's lives and contribute to my community. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Helping patients understand their ocular conditions and the importance of eye health so that they can have a lifetime of good vision. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my family (two children), writing, vegan baking, playing piano.