Our Team

Dr. Michelsen was born in Guam and spent much of his childhood in the South Pacific. After attending high school in Hawaii, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2008. He then completed a residency in ocular pathology at the Fresno VA hospital, where he gained extensive experience in diagnosing and managing complex eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
 

His specialized training provided him with a deep understanding of the eye’s intricate connection to overall health and strengthened his commitment to patient education and personalized care.
 

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Michelsen is passionate about giving back. During his residency, he organized and led two philanthropic missions to the Republic of Palau, his mother’s home island. His team provided free eye exams and glasses to over 4,000 people—nearly 16% of the island’s population.
 

Dr. Michelsen has a particular interest in fitting specialty contact lenses for patients with corneal diseases, surgical complications, or injuries that make conventional eyewear ineffective. He finds it especially rewarding to help individuals regain clear vision after being told they were not candidates for contact lenses. 
 

Outside of optometry, Dr. Michelsen enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and capturing the world’s beauty through landscape and astrophotography. His passion for photography allows him to focus on the unique qualities of different locations and appreciate the rare landscapes that few get to see. 
 

He is certified by the State Board of Optometry and holds the highest level of licensure in California and Hawaii, allowing him to diagnose and medically treat a wide range of eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, eye infections, and dry eye syndrome.

Dr. Melissa Li was born and raised in Los Gatos, CA, and now calls Oakland home while staying connected to her roots in the South Bay. She completed her undergraduate studies at UC Davis before earning her Doctor of Optometry degree at UC Berkeley, where she participated in multiple clinical trials exploring new treatments for dry eye. Her clinical training included externships at the Southern Oregon VA, Crow Indian Health Services, Novato Community Clinic, and West Oakland Community Clinic, giving her the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients and conditions.
 

Dr. Li’s interest in optometry started at a young age with her own positive experience in myopia control. As a child, she wore Ortho-k lenses overnight to slow the progression of nearsightedness, and the impact it had on her vision left a lasting impression. Today, she brings that same enthusiasm to her patients, especially children and families, by educating them on the importance of early eye exams and sharing her firsthand knowledge of myopia control. She also has a special interest in treating chronic dry eye and enjoys customizing care plans that go beyond eye drops, often incorporating lifestyle changes and a variety of therapeutic options.
 

Her approach to patient care is friendly, conversational, and preventative at its core. Dr. Li takes time to connect with each patient, making sure they feel comfortable, understood, and equipped with practical steps to keep their eyes healthy for years to come.
 

Outside the office, she enjoys hiking the East Bay, exploring the Bay Area food scene, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Toto. She also loves escaping to Lake Tahoe on weekends to recharge outdoors.
 

Dr. Li’s Eye Health Tip:
“Take breaks from the screen and remember to blink—blinking is key to keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy.”

Fluent in Spanish and with seven years of experience in eye care, Jovanna plays a vital role in keeping the office running smoothly while making sure every patient feels supported. She is passionate about helping people—especially children—experience the joy of clear vision. One of her favorite moments is seeing a child’s face light up with excitement the first time they put on glasses or contact lenses. Those little moments remind her why she loves what she does.
 

Jovanna is known by both patients and staff for being approachable, professional, and dependable. She never hesitates to jump in and help wherever she’s needed, whether it’s supporting the team during a busy day or answering a patient’s question with a smile. Her patient-first philosophy shines through in every interaction.
 

As Office Manager, Jovanna helps create structure and efficiency within the practice, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly. She supports the staff by fostering teamwork and making sure they have what they need to provide the best care possible. Her leadership helps create a positive work environment, which ultimately translates into a better experience for every patient.

Outside of the office, Jovanna enjoys spending quality time with her family. She’s an enthusiastic 49ers fan and she loves the excitement of attending horse races.

Jovanna’s Eye Health Tip:
“Take a good quality Omega-3 fish oil and always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.”

With eight years of experience in optical care, Phuong brings both expertise and a personal touch to every patient interaction. She has a keen eye for helping patients select glasses that not only enhance their vision but also complement their face shapes and individual style. Her thoughtful recommendations ensure that each patient leaves happy with their eyewear choice.
 

As an optician, Phuong excels at guiding patients through lens and frame options, explaining the benefits of different technologies, and ensuring a perfect fit for comfort and function. She is attentive to each patient’s unique needs and preferences. She approaches challenges head-on, never shying away from obstacles. She is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure each patient receives the care and products they need, creating a positive, trusting environment.
 

Beyond her technical skills, Phuong is deeply committed to connecting with patients on a personal level, ensuring their needs are understood and met. Her combination of expertise, empathy, and determination makes her a valued member of the optical team and a trusted resource for patients.
 

Outside of work, Phuong loves experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes. She also cherishes every moment with her baby, enjoying the little milestones and everyday adventures together. 
 

Phuong’s Eye Health Tip:
“Maintain a healthy diet and wear sunglasses—both go a long way in protecting your vision.”

Kassie brings a thoughtful and steady presence to her role as Patient Coordinator. She enjoys supporting patients throughout their visits, ensuring each step—from check-in to check-out—is smooth and stress-free. She is also working toward a typing certificate to further strengthen her skills and contribute to the office behind the scenes. 
 

Having previously worked in an emergency veterinary hospital, she appreciates the difference in atmosphere, where patients come in looking forward to their appointments and engaging with the staff.
 

For Kassie, the most rewarding part of her role is helping patients feel comfortable and informed. She takes the time to answer questions, explain processes, and ensure each patient feels supported during their visit. Her approach helps create a calm and welcoming environment that benefits both patients and the team.
 

Outside of work, Kassie loves tending to her collection of plants, getting creative with cross-stitching, and exploring local hiking trails. She also enjoys baking fresh bread and cherishing fun, meaningful moments with her family.
 

Kassie’s Eye Health Tip:

“Wearing sunglasses daily helps protect your eyes from UV damage and can also prevent sun-related skin changes around the eyes, including pigmentation or discoloration.

Inderpreet has excelled during her years of experience in eye care, continually building her skills and knowledge to better support both patients and doctors. She takes the lead in performing optical imaging for the doctors, making sure tests are accurate, detailed, and ready to support the patient’s exam. She also enjoys assisting with contact lenses, guiding patients through insertion and removal with helpful tips to make the process easier and less intimidating.
 

With a calm and reassuring approach, Inderpreet ensures patients feel comfortable and confident that they are receiving the best care, supported by the latest technology. Patients appreciate the way she combines professionalism with compassion, helping calm any nerves they may have during imaging. Her favorite part of patient care is simply listening—allowing patients to feel heard and understood while working together to find the best solutions.
 

What Inderpreet loves most about working in eye care is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in each patient’s vision and overall eye health. She finds it especially rewarding when patients leave happier, knowing their concerns have been addressed and their vision improved. 
 

Outside of the office, she enjoys painting, drawing, and exploring new places to eat—brunch spots being her favorite. These creative and adventurous hobbies allow her to recharge and bring fresh energy back to her work with patients.
 

Inderpreet’s Eye Health Tip: 

“Remember to take regular breaks from screen time to protect your eyes and reduce strain”