Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Wichita State University. Optometry School: University of Houston. Certifications/Awards: Therapeutic & Glaucoma Optometrist. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? I work with many school-aged children to get the glasses they need to develop appropriate vision as they age into adulthood. My focus is also in ocular diseases, such as diabetic eye care, glaucoma, and specialty contact lens fitting. Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, baking, hiking, traveling.

Undergraduate Education: Northeastern State University 2015. Optometry School: University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry 2020. Certifications/Awards: Anterior Segment Laser. How are you impacting your local Community or helping your patients live their best lives? As an Optometrist, I strive to educate every patient thoroughly about their ocular and visual health for them to truly understand how imperative it is for them to have a yearly comprehensive eye exam. Hobbies/Interests: I love anything to do with being outside in the fresh air and the sun shining down on my face.

Dr. Gavel-Rukha is a 2018 graduate of the School of Optometry at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Worcester, MA. She received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Bay Path College (now University) in Longmeadow, MA in 2014. Dr. Gavel-Rukha has a great interest in contact lenses and advanced optometric care. She volunteers in the kid services at her local church. She enjoys spending her free outdoors with her daughter, husband, family and friends.

Undergraduate Education: Indiana University. Optometry School: Indiana University. Certifications/Awards: I am a member of the Indiana Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. I was a student Fellow during my time at Indiana University School of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community? I practice primary care optometry, and my focus is diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and contact lenses. Hobbies/Interest: My hobbies and interests outside of work include reading, travelling and baking.

Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin – Madison. Optometry School: InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry. Certifications/Awards: Ocular Disease Residency training at Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates in Havre de Grace, Maryland. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? I am in such a rewarding career, and I want to ensure every patient gets the best outcome for both their visual and ocular health. Hobbies/Interests: traveling, photography, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Rachel Baltazar (formerly Dr. Wang) graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree with honors and a Masters in Vision Science and Physiological Optics, focusing on early eye changes in prediabetes. Devoted to making a difference, Dr. Baltazar desires to cultivate enduring patient relationships in Pasadena. She prioritizes education and connection with communication in both English and Spanish. Beyond optometry, Dr. Baltazar likes to spend time with her corgi and dachshund, garden, do DIY projects, and live by her motto ‘I live to eat, not eat to live’ by exploring new recipes and dishes around the Houston area.

Undergraduate Education: Purdue University, BS in Environmental Health. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Certifications/Awards: Residency in Anterior Segment Disease and Contact Lenses, American Board of Optometry Diplomate. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? I enjoy personalizing my patients’ experience by listening to the patients and learning what is most important for them to be able to address their needs to improve their vision and their lives. I welcome patients from young children to the elderly population. Hobbies/Interests: traveling, watching my kids play baseball, spending time with friends.

Dr. Jacqueline Escobar is an optometrist devoted to helping patients achieve optimal vision and eye health in a comfortable and caring environment. She has a Doctor of Optometry degree from Midwestern University - Chicago College of Optometry, where she gained the knowledge necessary to provide patients with comprehensive eye examinations and the tools to properly diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions. During her personal time, she enjoys reading, traveling, nature trails, and spending time with family, friends, and her sweet pup.

Dr. Nyok “Alan” Lee, O.D. is a licensed Optometric Glaucoma specialist and is therapeutically certified. He graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned his Doctorate of Optometry from the New England College of Optometry. During his clinical education, he completed his externships at Veterans Affairs and Codman Square Community Health Center where he gained valuable experience in diagnosing and management of various ocular diseases including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. He also completed his primary care rotation with EyeTrends in the Woodlands and a cornea and specialty contact lens rotation with Global Vision Rehabilitation Center in Miami. Dr. Lee’s clinical interest is in the application of specialty contact lenses in the treatment of various corneal and ocular surface conditions including keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, and dry eyes. He also believes that having a healthy vision from an early age is key to success and enjoys working with the pediatric population. Dr. Lee applies a relaxed demeanor in patient encounters to foster a friendly doctor/patient interaction. Dr. Lee is recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Eye Doctors. In this free time, Dr. Lee enjoys longboarding, traveling, and spending time with his dogs. He considers Houston his home and enjoys exploring new aspects that the city continues to offer.