Our Staff
Rebecca T., DNAP, MBA
Practice Consultant
Rebecca is the Practice Consultant at Desert Vision Center. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Management from the University of Texas and a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree from Texas Wesleyan University. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector, she brings a comprehensive background in both clinical practice and administrative leadership. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Rebecca maintains an active clinical role in the operating room, where she specializes in Regional Anesthesia with a particular focus on ophthalmic and orthopedic surgical procedures.
Selena R.
Office Administrator
As Office Administrator, Selena plays a key role in ensuring seamless operations and exceptional service at Desert Vision Center. She is an Honors Scholar graduate from the University of California, Riverside, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with focused studies in statistical analysis, computer science, business administration, and hospitality.
Selena brings both leadership experience and a strong community service ethic to her work. Prior to joining our team, she served as a Leadership Advisor for the Associated Student Program Board and volunteered with Angel View, supporting outreach initiatives for individuals with disabilities. Her combination of analytical skill, organizational excellence, and dedication to patient-centered care makes her an integral part of the Desert Vision Center experience.
Don J.
Ophthalmic Technologist
Don is an Ophthalmic Technologist and has been part of the Desert Vision Center team for over 35 years. He started as an Operating Room Surgical Technician in 1986 and was certified by JCAHPO as an Ophthalmic Assistant with a specialty in Ophthalmic Surgical Technology. He has witnessed the evolution of cataract surgery from the early days with large incisions and sutures to modern techniques with femtosecond laser. He has advanced training in Retinoscopy and Refractometry.
Laura R., CPSS, COA, OSA
Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant | Cataract Surgical Counselor
Laura is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA), Cataract Surgical Technician, and Certified Patient Service Specialist (CPSS). She holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience from Temple University and is trilingual in English, Spanish, and French. Laura brings advanced knowledge in ophthalmic surgical procedures and instrumentation, along with research experience from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, making her a skilled and compassionate part of our surgical care team.
Tom B.
Optical Manager
Tom is the Optical Manager and a Licensed Optician at Desert Vision Center, bringing over 30 years of experience to the team. As a Certified Optician by the American Board of Opticianry and a Registered Spectacle Lens Dispenser, he offers extensive expertise in eyewear selection, lens technology, and personalized fittings. Tom’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to quality ensure that every patient receives exceptional optical care.
Ekaterina M., CPSS
Lead Ophthalmic Technologist | Cataract Surgical Counselor
Ekaterina has a Master’s Degree in Photography from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, a Bachelor’s in Art History from the Université du Québec à Montréal, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Archaeology from the Université Pierre Mendès-France. She was a guest lecturer at the Galerie Rüdiger Schöttle in Munich, Germany. Prior to joining the Desert Vision Team, she had specialty training at the Leica Academy in Wetzler, Germany and worked at the Fielmann Optik GmbH in Munich, Germany as a Sr. Optics Specialist. She is fluent in English, German, French, Spanish, Turkish, Bulgarian, and Armenian language.
Frances L., RPh.
Patient Liaison | Cataract Surgery Scheduler
Frances earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Mariano Marcos State University and brings a strong clinical background to her work. Prior to joining Desert Vision Center, she served as a Clinical Pharmacist at Hizon Laboratories and as a Public Health Associate with the Department of Health in Ilocos. At DVC, Frances serves as our liaison and cataract surgery scheduler, helping guide patients through each step of their surgical journey with clarity, care, and attention to detail.
Eileen L.
Patient Liaison
Eileen studied Psychology at College of the Desert on a scholarship, where she developed a strong interest in human behavior and helping others. Before joining Desert Vision Center, she worked as an assistant manager at a local retail store and spent five years volunteering with the Ophelia Project, mentoring young women. Her background in both customer service and community outreach brings warmth, empathy, and professionalism to every patient interaction.
Alan F., CPSS
Ophthalmic Technologist | Cataract Surgical Counselor | Physician Liaison
Alan is a graduate of Gonzaga University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Physiology with a minor in Leadership Studies. His diverse background reflects a strong foundation in both healthcare and education. Before joining Desert Vision Center, Alan worked in home healthcare as a Certified Nurse Assistant, gaining valuable hands-on experience in patient care. He also served as Head Junior Varsity Baseball Coach and taught advanced placement courses—including chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and sports medicine—at a private preparatory high school. Alan’s leadership skills, clinical knowledge, and passion for mentoring others make him a dynamic and well-rounded member of the team.
Ivy S., RN
Ophthalmic Nurse and Scribe
Ivy is a skilled and experienced registered nurse with nine years of experience in ophthalmology. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Velez College and worked as a patient care specialist at Belo Medical Group for two years with direct care with patients for aesthetic consultations. Passionate about providing excellent patient care, she worked eight years as a private ophthalmologic scrub nurse at Chong Hua Hospital.
Jocelyn G., CPSS
Ophthalmic Technologist | Certified Patient Service Specialist | Surgical Counselor
Jocelyn earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Allied Health from California State University, San Bernardino. Her strong academic foundation includes extensive studies in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, which she further enriched through professional training in the Medical Assisting Program at the Milan Institute. Jocelyn brings both clinical knowledge and a compassionate approach to patient care. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is committed to making healthcare accessible and comfortable for a diverse patient community. Her dedication, attention to detail, and friendly demeanor make her a valuable asset to the team at Desert Vision Center.
John S., CPSS, COA
Ophthalmic Technologist | Certified Patient Service Specialist | Surgical Counselor
John is an Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) and Certified Patient Service Specialist (CPSS) with certification through the ASOA and BSM program for excellence in patient care. Prior to joining Desert Vision Center, he worked as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Besides being an honored Eagle Scout, which is the highest achievement of rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America, he earned the Academic Excellence Award from the French and Italian department at UCSD.
Crystal D.
Patient Liaison
As a Patient Liaison at Desert Vision Center, Crystal is dedicated to helping patients navigate the healthcare system with ease and confidence. Before joining our team, she gained hands-on clinical experience at Eisenhower Health, working as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant and Sterile Processing Technician. Her strong healthcare background and patient-focused approach make her a compassionate and dependable resource for our patients.
Deza A., RN
Ophthalmic Nurse and Scribe
Deza earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Manila Adventist Medical Center and College. She brings a rich and diverse professional background to her role, having worked in various fields that highlight her adaptability and dedication to helping others. Prior to joining Desert Vision Center, she served as an Executive Secretary, a compassionate School Nurse at Metro Korea Language Center, and an ESL Tutor. Her experience in both healthcare and education reflects her strong communication skills and genuine care for people, qualities that make her a valued member of the team.
Alycia W., CPSS, COA
Ophthalmic Technologist | Certified Patient Service Specialist | Surgical Counselor
Alycia is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) and Certified Patient Service Specialist (CPSS) with a passion for eye care. Following in the footsteps of her Grandfather, a successful optometrist, Alycia developed a strong motivation from a young age a desire to help people see their very best. Prior to joining Desert Vision Center, she attended the University of California, Irvine where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Karla V., CPSS
Ophthalmic Technologist | Certified Patient Service Specialist | Surgical Counselor
After earning her Associate’s degree in Psychology from College of the Desert, Karla went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from California State University, San Bernardino. Her academic foundation reflects a strong interest in both the human mind and the biological sciences. Prior to joining Desert Vision Center, she gained valuable experience working in a biomedical research laboratory, where she honed her attention to detail and commitment to evidence-based care. Karla is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to connect meaningfully with a diverse range of patients. Her calm demeanor, strong clinical knowledge, and compassionate approach make her an essential part of the care team.
Vienna G.
Phlebotomist | Patient Liaison
Vienna is a Patient Liaison at Desert Vision Center, where she is dedicated to ensuring each patient feels supported, informed, and at ease throughout their visit. A certified phlebotomist through the California Department of Public Health, she combines her clinical expertise with a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Vienna’s background in healthcare and her warm, approachable demeanor make her an integral part of the team. She takes pride in creating a welcoming environment and plays a key role in making every patient interaction a positive and seamless experience.
Brenda S.
Ophthalmic Technologist | Optometrist
Before joining the team at Desert Vision Center, Brenda spent several years as an optometrist in Mexicali and Los Algodones. She received her Bachelor of Optometry degree from Xochicalco University in Baja California, Mexico. She has a passion for community health programs and has volunteered in public health brigades for Azusa Pacific University, Grand Canyon University and San Diego State University outreach programs.