I was born in Gyumri, Armenia, and raised right here in Pasadena, California. Ethnically I am Armenian, but I speak fluent English, Armenian, and Spanish. I went to Webster Middle School on Washington Street and Marshall High School on Allen Street. Pasadena is home for me, the community is near and dear to my heart.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at the University of California, Riverside, with a minor in Philosophy. I went on to receive both my Doctorate in Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the Southern California College of Optometry. I published my master’s thesis on 3D vision and the ability of the two eyes to work well together.

I trained at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where I treated active-duty military personnel with eye conditions related to post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. I also trained at the Four Corners Regional Health Center in the Navajo Nation, where I treated patients with severe glaucoma, cataracts, and multiple rare genetic conditions.

I have previously served on the board of directors for California Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (CA VOSH). I currently serve as Vice President of the Pasadena Host Lions Club. I have organized and participated in over 50 free clinics, contributing more than 500 hours of volunteer service. I oversee the collection and processing of donated glasses around Pasadena and multiple free programs for underserved communities within the city. I learned to speak Spanish leading and coordinating humanitarian clinics in Mexico, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.

I enjoy watching soccer (Go Manchester City!) and playing tennis. I used to teach chess and poetry to middle school boys at the “Partnership for Success” program at the Chandler School in Pasadena. I don’t take myself too seriously and I'm always up for a good laugh — feel free to share your best (or worst) optometry joke with me!