SAN DIEGO CENTER FOR VISION CARE - Key Persons


Carl G. Hillier

Dr. Carl Hillier graduated from the University of California San Diego in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at Pacific University in 1980 and then graduated as a Doctor of Optometry in 1982. He received his Fellowship to COVD in 1986. Prior to graduation, he helped establish mobile clinics in rural Honduras, and upon his graduation, he was given direct appointment as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Medical Service Corps. He was stationed at Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, where he directed the Vision Therapy Clinic. He is an adjunct clinical professor at the Southern California College of Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry, Western University School of Health Sciences: College of Optometry, and the International College of Optometry in Madrid Spain. He worked with the United States Volleyball teams for 10 years and provides sports vision training with key players on the San Diego Padres Baseball Team. In 1992 Dr. Hillier helped develop the Vision Rehabilitation Clinic at the San Diego Rehabilitation Institute at Alvarado Hospital. He lectures in Spain, England, Mexico and Canada on topics related to vision and vestibular function in children and adults. He developed the Multi-Matrix an activity that nurtures physiological, perceptual and cognitive development. He has been honored by the American Optometric Association as Sports Optometrist Of The Year, and by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development by receiving the Getman Award, its highest award for clinical excellence.

Cristy Samson

Job Titles:
  • Patient Care Coordinator

Daisy Canizales

Job Titles:
  • Patient Care Coordinator

Dr. Justin S. Matsuura

Dr. Justin S. Matsuura graduated from the University of California Irvine with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. During his undergraduate work, Dr. Matsuura was a member of UCI's pre-optometry club and volunteered at local private practices during his spare time.Dr. Matsuura received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. His clinical externships were completed at the University Eye Center at Ketchum Health in Anaheim, University Eye Center Los Angeles, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson, AZ, and the San Diego Center for Vision Care.As a result of his education and clinical training, Dr. Matsuura is licensed to use and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, diagnose, treat, and manage patients with glaucoma, and perform lacrimal irrigation/dilation procedures in addition to providing comprehensive and specialty eye examinations for patients of all ages. He is also well trained and up to date with the most recent advances in myopia control, ocular disease diagnosis/management, specialty contact lenses, refractive surgery, primary care optometry, pediatric optometry, vision therapy, sports vision and neuro-rehabilitation optometry. Dr. Matsuura is also an active member in the professional optometric community as he is a member of the American Optometric Association and the California Optometric Association.

Dr. Melissa C. Hillier

Dr. Melissa C. Hillier graduated with honors from the Pacific University College of Optometry in 1983, where she also earned a Bachelor of Science in Visual Science. Her doctoral thesis was Testing Techniques to Evaluate Infant Vision. Dr. Hillier joined the San Diego Center for Vision Care in 1989. She provides comprehensive patient care, including contact lens fitting services. She has a special interest in Computer Vision Syndrome, and in helping children and adults withstand the visual demands of technology use. Dr. Melissa Hillier has been active in the professional optometric community. She is a member of the San Diego County Optometric Society, the California Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the Optometric Extension Program Foundation, and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Dr. Hillier has held board positions, including Director of Communications and Treasurer of the San Diego County Optometric Society. Dr. Melissa Hillier has earned Fellowship in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. She is Board-certified in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease. Dr. Hillier is an adjunct professor for the Marshal B. Ketchum University's Southern California College of Optometry.

Francisco "Junior" Palos

Job Titles:
  • Optometric Vision Therapist

Heather Alexander

Job Titles:
  • Certified Optometric Vision Therapist

Kristy Mae

Job Titles:
  • Staff Member

Linda Solway

Job Titles:
  • Certified Optometric Vision Therapist

San Diego Brain

Job Titles:
  • Injury Foundation - Professional Advisory Council 2017 - Present