DOUGHERTY LASER VISION - Key Persons
My name is Ara Alepoghelian, I'm the IT Manager at Dougherty Laser Vision. I started working in 2018. Currently, I'm working on improving and maintaining our Intranet System. Implementing new automation systems that will increase the efficiency of the staff in executing their job. Additionally, I maintain all the hardware equipment and systems. My goal is to digitize and automate most of the processes that are performed at Dougherty Laser Vision.
Carolina Guardado is the Marketing Manager of Dougherty Laser Vision. She graduated from California State University of Northridge with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and a minor in Economics. She joined DLV Vision in 2020 as a Marketing Coordinator, working with all departments to achieve high quality patient experience and provide captivating educational tools for patients. Within 1.5 years, Carolina's role transitioned into Marketing Manager of DLV Vision. She continues to enhance patient facing processes and implement innovative digital marketing strategies. In her spare time, you can find Carolina running on one of her favorite hiking trails or spending time with family and friends, while watching a professional sports game on T.V.
Dr. Anh Le grew up in Los Angeles and attended UCLA where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience and was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. After graduation, Dr. Le engaged in clinical research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute before attending Salus University for his second Bachelor's Degree in Visual Science and his Doctorate in Optometry.
Dr. Le completed his externship training in several different types of practice settings including management of ocular diseases at the Eye Institute of Utah, primary care Optometry at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, and Pediatric Optometry at The Eye Institute in Pennsylvania.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Le traveled to El Salvador with a group of eye doctors and volunteers to provide free eye examinations to many impoverished residents. Along with his current work, he continues his volunteering efforts providing services to underprivileged children and adults in his community.
When not at work, Dr. Le enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two young children, cycling with his friends, and watching old movies.
Clinical Director Dr. Anh Le grew up in Los Angeles and attended UCLA where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience and was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. After graduation, Dr. Le engaged in clinical research at…
Dr. Balakrishnan served as the Director of Cornea & Refractive Surgery at the University of Louisville in Kentucky and the Director of the Kentucky Lions Eye Bank. While there, she founded the laser cataract surgery and premium intraocular lens program and performed the first implantation of the newest Tecnis multifocal lenses in the region in Spring of 2015. She also trained residents and fellows in cornea, cataract, and complex anterior segment surgery.
Dr. Balakrishnan has participated in a variety of studies, with publications in journals including the Review of Ophthalmology, American Journal of Ophthalmology, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today, MillenialEYE, International Ophthalmology Clinics, and the American Heart Journal. She has presented at numerous national meetings, including the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She is an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Cornea Society.
In her spare time, Dr. Balakrishnan is an avid tennis player, fitness fan, and animal lover. She has dedicated her time to a variety of service and outreach initiatives over the years. Just a few of these efforts have included: starting the M.U.S.E. (Musicians Uniting Students & Elderly) in the state Virginia, to bring classical music to nursing homes; working with the American Red Cross in blood donations and CPR instruction; serving as the President of the American Medical Women's Association and championing Eating Disorders and Domestic Violence Awareness in St. Louis; and offering time to clinics for underserved populations.
Dr. Asha Balakrishnan ("Bala") is a cataract, cornea, and refractive surgeon and a board-certified ophthalmologist. She joins DLV after having served as the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery service and an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Louisville. She was in private practice in the Los Angeles area prior to joining the DLV team.
Dr. Balakrishnan specializes in all forms of cataract surgery, including manual & laser-assisted cataract surgery and premium intraocular lens implantation. She holds multiple certifications for a range of femtosecond laser platforms for cataract surgery. In addition to premium cataract surgery, Dr. Balakrishnan also has extensive experience in complex cataract surgery, sutured intraocular lens implantation, and intraocular lens exchanges. Dr. Balakrishnan is dedicated to providing the highest level of medical and surgical care to every patient.
Dr. Patrick J. Pham is a board-certified cataract, refractive, and cornea surgeon. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and earned a biology degree with distinction from the University of California, Berkeley. He then graduated at the top of his class at Texas Tech University School of Medicine, being inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. While a medical student, he conducted award-winning research in ophthalmology, presented at multiple national meetings, and was published in peer-reviewed journals. He then completed his medical internship with the Baylor College of Medicine and ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve University, serving as the chief surgical resident during his senior year. He went on to pursue a cornea and external disease fellowship at the renowned Doheny Eye Center at UCLA, focusing on complex anterior segment surgery and corneal transplantation. Dr. Pham joins Dougherty Laser Vision with a particular interest in surgical vision correction, utilizing both laser- and lens-based advanced technologies. He is excited for the opportunity to work alongside and learn from pioneers in the field. When not improving patient's vision, Dr. Pham enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the diverse food scene of southern California, and avidly supporting the Los Angeles Lakers and Rams.
Dr. Patrick J. Pham is a board-certified cataract, refractive, and cornea surgeon. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and earned a biology degree with distinction from the University of California, Berkeley. graduated at the top of his class at Texas Tech University School of Medicine…
Paul J. Dougherty MD is among the nation's most experienced laser and lens-based vision correction surgeons. In addition to serving as medical director of Dougherty Laser Vision (with offices in Westlake Village, Camarillo, San Luis Obispo and Beverly Hills, California) Dr. Dougherty is an assistant clinical instructor of ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine. He has served as a principal investigator for multiple FDA clinical trials including CATz topography-guided LASIK, Visian ICL for both myopia and hyperopia, Raindrop Implant for presbyopia and the Tetraflex Accommodating and Softec HD IOLs.
Dr. Dougherty graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania - the nation's oldest university. He then graduated first in his class at the UCLA School of Medicine and completed his residency at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute, where he performed award-winning research on the then nascent field of laser vision correction. He next studied corneal and refractive surgery as a fellow at the Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis where he trained under Richard Lindstrom M.D.
Dr. Dougherty was one of the few surgeons in the United States to perform laser vision correction on an investigational basis prior to FDA approval in 1995. Since then, he has personally performed more than 40,000 vision correction procedures. In 1997, he also became one of the first eye surgeons in the nation to have LASIK surgery performed on his own eyes. He was recently presented with the Staar Surgical Green Jacket Award as one of the leading implanters of the Visan ICL in the US.
An outspoken advocate and educator, Dr. Dougherty routinely lectures and teaches the latest techniques to other surgeons. He has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Refractive Surgery, and authored the recently published consumer guide titled "See For Yourself: The Eye-Opening Guide to Permanent Vision Correction." Dr. Dougherty has been featured in national news media including "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Doctors," "CBS Early Show," People Magazine, "E! Entertainment News" "The NBC Today Show" and USA Today.
Dr. Dougherty has been honored for his many philanthropic efforts including the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation - a 501c3 nonprofit organization he founded to provide pro-bono vision correction surgery. The organization targets homeless individuals in the U.S. and disadvantaged patients worldwide in regions devastated by war and natural disasters. It also trains local surgeons in those regions to carry on the Foundation's mission by teaching them the latest cataract and refractive surgery techniques. Its most recent mission was to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to provide vital cataract surgery to scores of needy patients. This ambitious effort was the subject of a story on ABC's "Nightline."
Medical Director of Dougherty Laser Vision Paul J. Dougherty MD is among the nation's most experienced laser and lens-based vision correction surgeons. In addition to serving as medical director of Dougherty Laser Vision (with offices in Westlake Village, Camarillo, San Luis Obispo and Beverly Hills, California)…
Dr. Sanket U. Shah is a board-certified Ophthalmologist with a specialization in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and the vitreous. He received his medical degree from the Seth G. S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India. He spent two years pursuing a research fellowship in ocular oncology at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA; and a second research fellowship in retina at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. His training includes an internship in internal medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Jacobi Medical Center in Bronx, NY, followed by residency in Ophthalmology at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN, where he served as the chief resident and received several awards. He then completed his fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery and medical diseases of the retina at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Shah is Board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists. He has served as a co-investigator on several national clinical trials and participated in numerous research projects spanning topics including diabetic retinopathy, vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, macular degeneration, automated retinal image analysis, optical coherence tomography, uveal melanoma, and retinoblastoma. He has received the National Eye Institute travel grant to present his research. He has over 35 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals, 1 book chapter, and several abstracts, oral, video and poster presentations to his credit. He has served as a reviewer for articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Ophthalmology and the American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Shah additionally speaks conversational Spanish, and is fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi.
Dr. Sidra Qadri, OD grew up in Houston, Texas where she attended the University of Houston and double-majored in Psychology and Biology with a minor in Health Sciences. Dr. Qadri served as the President of the Pre-Optometry Organization and also held the title of campus ambassador for Princeton Review. Post-graduation, Dr. Qadri enlisted in a rigorous summer research program at the University of Houston College of Optometry to initiate her career in optometry.
Dr. Qadri commenced Optometry school at the Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, Texas where she earned her doctorate of optometry degree.
Dr. Qadri went on to complete her externships in ocular disease at Community Eye Care Clinic in Fort Worth, Texas, primary care optometry and ocular disease management at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, and refractive surgery co-management in San Antonio. While enrolled in Optometry School, Dr. Qadri was the recipient of the 2016 faculty clinical award; an award which recognized students who excelled during their clinical rotations.
While off duty, Dr. Qadri enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and husband. In addition to family time, Dr. Qadri enjoys fitness activities, dancing, and discovering new restaurants.
Job Titles:
- Director of Virtual Operations
Hello, my name is Fabiola Soto. I currently manage our Amazing Call Center at DLV. I have been with the company for 3 exciting years, I started in Call Center with only 2 of us and now to 6 team members! Call Center has been a very rewarding yet challenging job. The thrill of seeing how our First Encounter with the patient makes the difference and being part of a patients experience is very rewarding. To be part of someone's vision journey is just amazing! Proud to say that with DLV growing and our offices extending, our call volume has also increased by a 30% rate. We currently service all of our 6 locations. I love being part of a team who enjoys their job and leading with example.
My name is Hilary Panzica and I am the Operations Manager for Simi Valley and Encino offices. I also assist with infection control for our practice. I started at Dougherty Laser Vision a little over a year ago. I am trained as a scribe, technician, front desk and also a patient counselor here at DLV. My favorite part about working here is the fact that we are changing people's lives through their vision, making them smile and making them feel part of our family.
Dr. Houman Vosoghi is an Ophthalmologist that specializes in the medical and surgical management of Glaucoma. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from U.C.L.A and received his medical degree with AOA honors from the University of Buffalo. Dr….
Jazmin Vargas is an Operations Manager of Dougherty Laser Vision. She graduated from California Lutheran University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She joined DLV Vision in November 2021 and has over 10 years of healthcare experience. She has extensive background in FQHC healthcare facilities in Family Practice, Dental, Vision, Women's Health and Mental Health services. She looks forward to growing with DLV and providing our patients the best care possible. In her spare time, you can find Jazmin enjoying a road trip to a National Park, going on scenic hikes, while listening to good audiobook or podcast.
Job Titles:
- Certified Glaucoma Specialist
Joseph Chen MD is a board-certified Glaucoma Specialist who specializes in laser assisted and premium cataract surgery as well as the medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma. He graduated from Stanford University in 2004 and went on to receive his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, one of the top 10 medical schools in the country. He then completed his Ophthalmology residency training at Baylor College of Medicine and went on to complete a glaucoma fellowship program at the renowned Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, training with the late Alan Crandall, the world-famous glaucoma and cataract surgeon. Dr. Chen has been practicing in the Ventura County area since he completed his fellowship in 2014 and is excited to join the DLV team.
Dr. Chen's specialty skills include laser assisted cataract surgery and the implantation of premium intraocular lenses. He has a particular interest in cutting edge surgical and laser management of glaucoma, including the newest minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, Xen implants, trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage implants, and cyclophotocoagulation procedures. He is happy to share his expertise in glaucoma and cataract care with the Ventura County community.
When not improving patient's vision, Dr. Chen enjoys hiking, swing dance, and improvisation piano, as well as spending time with his wife and two daughters.
My name is Melissa Lamb and I am one of the Operations Managers here at Dougherty Laser Vision. I have been managing medical offices for 13 years and have worked in Family Practice and Cardiovascular Surgery. I look forward to growing additional practices with DLV and continuing to help and change our patients lives for the better.
Renata Stone is the Chief Executive Officer of Dougherty Laser Vision. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude in Marketing, and received her Master's Degree in 2009 in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude at the University of Phoenix. In less than 4 years, Renata has expanded Dougherty Laser Vision by leaps and bounds by recruiting the greatest Ophthalmologist in San Luis Obispo County, Dr. Adam Abroms, and building the franchise company, ADV Vision, from the ground up. She has significantly improved the overall moral of the company to the extent that in 2017 Dougherty Laser Vision was awarded Best Place to Work for Ventura County East. Renata is 1 of 6 National Alcon Global Advisory Board Members, a national author, and an active Triathlon competitor with several first place victories. In her spare time, you can find Renata reading a good book while on an international flight to Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales
- Director of Sales at DLV & ADV Vision
My name is Ron Zepeda, Director of Sales at DLV & ADV Vision. I have been in the role for a little over 2 years now and manage a growing network of approximately 300 Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. In my role,...
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Accounting
Ms. Shilpa, joined DLV Vision in May '20, as a Staff Accountant, and was promoted to The Controller's Position in July '20 due to her hard work and vision to grow with the company. A CPA/ MBA by qualification, with her knowledge and dedication she has led and driven the Accounting to the next level of responsibility and accountability. With over 18 years of experience in the Financial and Management Accounting- she continues to grow her vision and horizon of work.
I am Shipra Pachori working with DLV as Director of Operations since December 2021. I have a master's degree in Business Administration with over 12 years of experience in IT industry with extensive focus on project and operations management and carries extensive experience in strategic planning, managing large cross functional teams, day-to-day business operations and process improvements.
Xiaolin (Lynn) Zhang, M.D. is a dry eye specialist, and a board-certified Ophthalmologist who is expertly trained to perform cataract, and corneal surgeries. She specializes in the medical and surgical management of anterior segment-related disorders.
Dr. Zhang earned her medical degree in 2010 from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. She then completed a Transitional Year Internship at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania and her Ophthalmology Residency at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. During her final year of residency, she served as Academic Chief Resident. She returned to the East Coast to pursue a Fellowship in the cornea, anterior segment, and refractive surgery at Albany Medical Center.
Dr. Zhang has given talks and presented posters from research projects at national Ophthalmology conferences. She has also authored multiple peer-reviewed articles regarding corneal diseases. Dr. Zhang additionally speaks both English and Mandarin.
Xiaolin (Lynn) Zhang, M.D. is a dry eye specialist, and a board-certified Ophthalmologist who is expertly trained to perform refractive, cataract, and corneal surgeries. She specializes in the medical and surgical management of anterior segment-related disorders.