Meet your local eye health experts

At Clarus, our mission is to ensure you feel confident and cared for every step of the way—especially when advanced surgical treatment is needed to protect or enhance your vision. Our doctors focus on fostering meaningful connections through compassionate, patient-centered care, which has always been at the heart of who we are and what sets Clarus apart.

Our doctors have trained at some of the most respected eye institutes in the country. Their dedication to ongoing education and the integration of advanced technologies ensures that our patients continue to benefit from the very best that modern eye care has to offer.

We are proud to combine world-class excellence with the personal, neighborly care our community can trust. Read on to learn more about our ophthalmologists and optometrists!

Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgeons

The anterior segment refers to the front-most region of the eye and includes the cornea, iris, and lens. Typically, the phrase “anterior segment surgery” refers to surgery performed on the iris and lens (including cataract surgery). Meet our anterior segment surgeons!

Grant Aaker, MD

Dr. Grant Aaker grew up in central Minnesota. He graduated summa cum laude from Lewis & Clark College with honors in philosophy. He attended Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City where he conducted extensive research on the aging population, receiving distinctions such as the Howard Olian Medical Student Scholar in Geriatric Medicine, the Henry Adelman Memorial Award for Excellence in Geriatric Medicine, and honors in research with his medical degree. Dr. Aaker interned at New York Hospital Queens Medical Center. He went on to complete his residency training at the prestigious Casey Eye Institute of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Aaker provides comprehensive eye care with special emphasis in cataract surgery and anterior segment surgery that utilizes advanced technologies such as laser-assisted cataract surgery, microincision, no-stitch cataract surgery, intraoperative wavefront aberrometry, astigmatism-correcting (toric) lens implants, and multifocal lens implants. He also performs glaucoma surgical procedures, such as glaucoma laser treatments, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, such as the iStent implant. Dr. Aaker has presented at numerous national meetings and published his research in multiple peer-reviewed journals. He has participated in many FDA clinical trials that study groundbreaking technology for cataract and glaucoma surgery and intraocular lens technology.

Before his medical career, Dr. Aaker worked as a film producer, creating documentaries that have earned international acclaim and were broadcast on popular cable television networks, such as AMC and VH1. He continues to enjoy film in his free time, photography, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Dr. Jane Myung, reside in Olympia with their daughter.

Stephen Reck, MD

Dr. Stephen Reck spent his childhood as a Michigander before moving to the East Coast. He attended the College of the Holy Cross and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s in physics. Following college, he served as a commissioned naval officer aboard a nuclear-powered attack submarine. Acknowledging him with accolades for his military service, the Navy awarded him three Navy Achievement Medals and two Meritorious Unit Commendations. Following his time in the military, Dr. Reck began his pursuit of a career in medicine. He received his medical degree from the distinguished University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and continued to complete an internship in internal medicine. Dr. Reck underwent his residency in ophthalmology at the esteemed University of Michigan’s W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, where he also completed a fellowship in glaucoma and anterior segment surgery. After fellowship, Dr. Reck moved to Chicago, Illinois and delivered care as an assistant professor in ophthalmology at the Loyola University Medical Center. Loyola’s Department of Ophthalmology bestowed upon him the residency’s Teacher of the Year Award in 2008.

Dr. Reck specializes in cataract and glaucoma surgery, employing state-of-the-art technologies, such as laser-assisted cataract surgery, microincision, no-stitch cataract surgery, intraoperative wavefront aberrometry, astigmatism-correcting (toric) lens implants, and multifocal lens implants. He also specializes in glaucoma surgery, such as glaucoma laser treatments, and glaucoma bypass procedures including trabeculectomy, tube implants, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, such as the iStent implant. Dr. Reck has published several scholarly papers in medical journals and participated in several FDA clinical trials studying new advancements in cataract and glaucoma surgery, along with intraocular lens technology.

Dr. Reck and his wife, Dr. Penny Reck, and their children live in Olympia, where they enjoy music, cooking, and water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.

Anthony Grillo, MD

Dr. Anthony Grillo’s interest in medicine stemmed from an interest in infectious diseases while living in rural Thailand after high school. Seeing diseases like polio, tuberculosis, and a lack of access to even common antibiotics and vaccinations motivated him to further study how education and poverty influence healthcare access.

He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a minor in Japanese from California State University Fresno. As a medical student at the University of California Los Angeles, Dr. Grillo became fascinated with microsurgery and the amazing results that eye surgery could provide. During his ophthalmology residency at the Casey Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon, he developed a passion for the intricacies of surgery in the anterior segment of the eye. There, he also earned the Casey Eye Institute Medical Teaching Award in 2014. Following residency, he moved to the Midwest for his Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery fellowship at the Mason Eye Institute at the University of Missouri, where he honed his skills in cataract surgery, corneal transplants, and ocular reconstruction. He stayed on as an Assistant Professor and trained residents and fellows, while also becoming the Assistant Residency Director. In 2018, Mason Eye Institute bestowed upon him the Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Grillo returned to the Pacific Northwest in 2019 and joined a private practice in Eugene, Oregon before moving to the Olympia/Lacey area in the summer of 2022.

Pursuant to his drive to deliver care in areas of prevalent need, Dr. Anthony Grillo is joining the Clarus Eye Centre team in July 2022 to fill the ever-growing need for cornea subspecialty care in the South Puget Sound region. Dr. Grillo specializes in cataract, refractive surgery, and cornea, utilizing trailblazing technology such as laser-assisted cataract surgery, microincision, no-stitch cataract surgery, intraoperative wavefront aberrometry, astigmatism-correcting (toric) lens implants, multifocal lens implants, intraocular lens (IOL) exchange, and the Light Adjustable Lens. He also uses state-of-the-art technology for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser corneal scar removal, implantation of iris prostheses, iris reconstruction, comprehensive keratoconus management including corneal cross-linking, Fuchs’ dystrophy management, external ocular tumor evaluation and treatment, limbal stem cell transplants and a variety of corneal transplant techniques including Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).

A former Division I collegiate swimmer, Dr. Grillo’s favorite pastimes include aquatic activities such as scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. In his free time, he also enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, hunting, and cooking.

SCHEDULE

The Retina Service

The Retina Service at Clarus provides compassionate, specialized care for retinal diseases and disorders of the macula and vitreous, supported by the most advanced medical and surgical treatment options available.

Dr. Jane Myung is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained retina specialist with extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of complex retinal conditions. Her training includes medical school, a medical internship, residency in ophthalmology, and an additional two-year fellowship dedicated to medical and surgical diseases of the retina.

Combining exceptional clinical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach, Dr. Myung is committed to helping patients and their families navigate retinal disease with confidence. Her dedication to excellence has helped establish The Retina Service at Clarus as a trusted destination for specialized retina care throughout the South Sound region.

Jane Myung, MD

Dr. Jane Myung is originally from Iowa. She graduated from the University of Iowa with Honors in Biology and English. She went on to complete her medical degree at the University of Iowa. Dr. Myung then moved to New York and completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center- Albert Einstein School of Medicine. She then began her Ophthalmology residency training at New York University School of Medicine-Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital where she served as chief resident during her final year. She went on to complete a two-year surgical retina fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center in June 2011. Dr. Myung is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Throughout her career, she has been an invited speaker and presented at multiple meetings including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retinal Specialists, and the Retina Society. She has also been a member of ORBIS, a nonprofit organization that teaches local partnering doctors to provide quality eye care in underserved countries.

Dr. Myung specializes in the care of all vitreoretinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration, ocular complications of diabetes, retinal vascular disorders, visually significant floaters, repair of retinal tears, and retinal detachment. In addition to surgery for retinal detachments, her surgical interests also include performing surgery for vitreomacular interface disorders (such as epiretinal membranes and macular holes) and surgical management of ocular complications (such as dislocated intraocular lens via intraocular lens removal, intraocular lens exchange, and/or scleral fixated intraocular lens). Dr. Myung joined The Retina Service at Clarus Eye Centre in 2015.

In her free time, Dr. Myung enjoys baking and spending time with friends and family. She resides in Olympia with her husband, Dr. Grant Aaker, and their daughter.

SCHEDULE

Oculoplastic Services

Oculoplastics, or oculoplastic surgery, includes a wide variety of surgical procedures that deal with the orbit (eye socket), eyelids, tear ducts, and the face. It also deals with the reconstruction of the eye and associated structures.

Jason Lewis, DO

Blake Perry, MD

Dr. Blake Perry grew up in San Diego, California before moving cross country to the East Coast to become an Ivy Leaguer. He attended Princeton University, where he also played football and accumulated several awards, including The Harland “Pink” Baker Award in 2000 for the freshman defensive player of the year; The Dr. Harry Roemer McPhee Trophy, the school’s outstanding player award, in 2003; and the prestigious All-Ivy Football Selection in both 2002 and 2003. Dr. Perry also demonstrated academic excellence during his time at Princeton, graduating with honors with a bachelor’s in political science. After earning his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine, he completed his ophthalmology residency at one of the nation’s top programs, the University of Iowa. Following residency, he received the elite opportunity to pursue training in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery via a two-year fellowship sponsored by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. After fellowship, Dr. Perry returned to Southern California to practice ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery before relocating to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He joined the Clarus Eye Centre team in 2018.

Dr. Perry specializes in aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal system. His training makes him an expert at performing facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as addressing issues (like tearing management) that require an in-depth understanding of how to care for the delicate tissues and structures that surround the eye, such as the tear ducts and orbit. Dr. Blake Perry is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a fellow of ASOPRS. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He has also served as a leader of the medical community on the Board of Trustees for Pierce County Medical Society since 2019.

For leisure, Dr. Perry enjoys spending time with his wife, Shawmonee, and their four kids, which includes coaching his children’s athletic teams, anything related to the outdoors, and sports, such as tennis, basketball, golf, and hiking.

SCHEDULE

Optometry Services

Offering routine and primary eye care, as well as glasses and contact lens services

Kristen Clark, OD

Originally an Illinoisan, Dr. Kristen Clark attended Illinois College, earning her bachelor’s degree in biology. She moved to Chicago and graduated in 2011 from the Illinois College of Optometry, where she received accolades including the Dean’s list and membership to Golden Key International Honour Society and Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. Dr. Clark’s professional pursuits focus on delivering eye care within a fast-paced environment working alongside ophthalmologists to deliver quality care to both surgical and non-surgical patients. From Champaign, Illinois to Las Vegas, Nevada, she managed pre- and post-cataract surgery and laser vision correction patients, as well as provided primary care to patients of all ages, including routine eye care such as prescribing glasses and contact lenses.

Dr. Clark moved to the Olympia/Lacey, Washington area in 2019 to join the Clarus team. Her practice encompasses primary eye care, routine eye exams, treatment and management of ocular diseases such as dry eye, and co-management of post-surgical patients. Due to her experience and expertise, she also specializes in contact lenses, including specialty contact lenses.

When not in the office, Dr. Clark loves spending time with her two kids and husband, exploring, trying new restaurants, and staying fit and healthy.

Yvette Lakkis, OD

Dr. Yvette Lakkis is from Lacey, Washington, where she spent the greater part of her childhood before moving to California to complete her schooling. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in microbiology and completed her optometric training at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry. In addition to her clinical education at UC Berkeley, Dr. Lakkis also researched gene therapy as a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. After optometry school, Dr. Lakkis furthered her clinical knowledge by completing her residency in ocular disease, traumatic brain injury, and low vision rehabilitation at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Long Beach, California. While at the VA, Dr. Lakkis had the distinction of being voted for the Veterans Choice Award two times, which exemplifies her dedication to her patients and their eye health.

Her professional interests include comprehensive eye care for all ages, complex pathologies, and post-operative co-management with Clarus’s surgical team. She is excited to be practicing in her hometown and caring for her local community.

In her spare time, Dr. Lakkis enjoys exercising, visiting new cafes to read books and drink lattes, and challenging herself with solo travel.

Emily Koziczkowski, OD, MS

Dr. Koziczkowski grew up in Southcentral Alaska before relocating to Oregon to pursue her undergraduate studies at the University of Portland. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology, and a minor in Neuroscience. She went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Ohio State University College of Optometry, also graduating magna cum laude. While at Ohio State, she earned a Master of Science in Vision Science for her research on a novel pathway of stimulation of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. Throughout her time in Ohio, Dr. Koziczkowski was deeply committed to community service through her involvement in NOSA and SVOSH, two student organizations dedicated to providing eye care to underserved communities. Through these organizations, she participated in numerous vision screenings and eye clinics. She also attended domestic and international service trips.

Dr. Koziczkowski is excited to be back in the PNW and practicing as part of the Clarus team. Her clinical interests include contact lenses, managing ocular disease, and providing comprehensive eye care.

<br>

Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, baking, and staying active through outdoor activities and playing volleyball.

Karen Watson, OD, FAAO

Dr. Karen Watson was born and raised in Southern California, but with family roots in Federal Way, she spent many school breaks in Washington and ultimately chose to make the Puget Sound area her home to be closer to loved ones.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign before completing her Doctor of Optometry degree at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. During her training, Dr. Watson broadened her experience through externships across the country—including Wyoming, Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota—fostering her love of travel and diverse patient care.

Following graduation, she returned to Pennsylvania to complete a residency in Ocular Disease and Low Vision Rehabilitation at the Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center. A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Dr. Watson is deeply committed to lifelong learning and advancing her field.

Passionate about outreach, she has participated in service trips to Guatemala and Ecuador, where she helped provide free eye care to underserved communities. In her free time, Dr. Watson enjoys hiking, working on jigsaw puzzles, exploring new foods, and spending quality time with her family.

Meet your local eye health experts

Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgeons

The Retina Service

Oculoplastic Services

Oculoplastics, or oculoplastic surgery, includes a wide variety of surgical procedures that deal with the orbit (eye socket), eyelids, tear ducts, and the face. It also deals with the reconstruction of the eye and associated structures.

Optometry Services

LACEY CLINIC

HOURS

LILLY ROAD CLINIC

HOURS

MAIN NUMBERS