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.”

With more than 19 years in the medical field and 5 years dedicated to optometry, Lindsey brings a wealth of experience in various specialties. She is passionate about the way eye health connects to overall wellness, often seeing eye exams uncover conditions patients may not yet realize they have.

Lindsey is known for her empathetic approach and strong advocacy for patients, helping them navigate the often confusing world of healthcare and insurance with compassion and clarity. She feels it is important for patients to feel supported. She takes pride in being a trusted resource, listening carefully to patients’ concerns, and finding thoughtful solutions. 

In her role as Chief Operations Officer, Lindsey enjoys identifying ways to make the office run more efficiently and effectively. She believes that when workflows are streamlined, it not only enhances the patient experience but also creates a more positive, enjoyable work environment for the entire team, making the office a place where both patients and staff feel valued. 

Outside of work, Lindsey loves giving back through volunteering, traveling with her husband, spending time with her furbabies, creating delicious charcuterie boards, and continuing her education in financial services to keep growing both personally and professionally.

Lindsey’s Eye Health Tip:
“Never take your vision for granted—stay current with exams and imaging, monitor eye conditions, and practice good eye hygiene.”

With over five years of experience as a medical receptionist, Robynn brings both warmth and creativity to her role as Patient Coordinator. She is often the first friendly face patients see when they arrive, and she takes pride in making each visit welcoming and stress-free. Behind the scenes, she enjoys learning how frames, lenses, and other optical products are made.

For Robynn, the most rewarding part of her job is the relationships she builds. She believes every patient deserves to feel valued and cared for, and she takes the time to get to know each person beyond just their appointment. By creating a sense of community and tailoring each experience to individual needs, she helps ensure that patients feel like part of the practice family.

Robynn also brings a positive energy to the office each day. Her upbeat attitude and welcoming personality brighten the environment for both patients and coworkers, making visits more enjoyable and the office a happier place to be.

Outside of work, Robynn enjoys exploring her creative side through reading, writing, and drawing. She also treasures quiet time at home with her cats, whose playful antics and comforting presence never fail to brighten her days.

Robynn’s Eye Health Tip:
“Get your full night’s rest—sleep helps your eyes repair, replenish, and stay comfortable.”

With over a decade in healthcare, including senior care, Tania brings both compassion to her role as an optician. She has a gift for helping patients, especially older ones, feel comfortable and cared for, and many appreciate the thoughtful way she listens to their needs. Her compassion brings a sense of calm and reassurance to patients, making the process of choosing eyewear not only easier but also enjoyable.

One of Tania’s favorite parts of her work is helping patients find frames they truly love. She finds it rewarding to watch their confidence grow as they put on their new glasses and see themselves in a fresh light. 

As an optician, she also enjoys learning about the latest eyeglass products and lens technologies, so she can recommend the best solutions for both style and function. She knows that expanding her knowledge of eyewear allows her to better guide patients in finding the perfect fit, style, and lens options for their needs

Outside of work, Tania enjoys curling up with a good book, special moments with her husband, and soaking up the playful energy of her two French Bulldogs.

Tania’s Eye Health Tip:
“Think of sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes—wear them daily!”

Fluent in Spanish and with over 13 years in healthcare, five of those being in optical, Ashelly is passionate about learning.“She is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and teach herself new skills, such as earning various Essilor certifications. This dedication allows her to provide patients with informed recommendations that enhance both their vision and confidence. She has a special interest in the office’s Dry Eye Clinic.

She finds joy in helping patients choose eyewear that complements their style while meeting their vision needs. Her care style is open, empathetic, and understanding, always striving to connect with patients on a personal level. She enjoys educating patients about how the right glasses or contacts can enhance their vision and overall quality of life, helping them understand the benefits and value of their eyewear choices.

As Optical Manager, Ashelly is a valuable resource to her team—she loves teaching and mentoring her colleagues, offering guidance and advice that helps improve the overall patient experience. She’s certified as a CNA, medical assistant, lash technician, and is currently pursuing a nursing degree, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.

When not at work, Ashelly enjoys baking, reading a variety of genres, collecting books, and spending time with her husband, two dogs (Bentley and Santa), and her cat, Mr. Whiskers.

Ashelly’s Eye Health Tip:
“Wear your sunglasses every day—even on cloudy days—to protect your eyes from UV rays.”