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OPTHAMOLOGY SERVICES AT

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345 College St SE, Lacey, WA 98503-1014

OFFICE: 360.456.3200
BILLING: 360.923.4344
FAX: 360-456-3894

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Optometry Services

Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Ophthalmology Services

Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Opportunities
Notice of Privacy Policies
Non-Discrimination Notice

© Copyright 2020 Clarus Eye Centre. All rights reserved.

clarus-logo

345 College St SE, Lacey, WA 98503-1014

OFFICE: 360.456.3200
BILLING: 360.923.4344
FAX: 360-456-3894

CONTACT US

Optometry Services

Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Ophthalmology Services

Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Opportunities
Notice of Privacy Policies
Non-Discrimination Notice

© Copyright 2020 Clarus Eye Centre. All rights reserved.

  • Home
  • Services
    • Comprehensive Eye Services
      • Routine Eye Exams
      • Contact Lenses
      • Corneal Services
      • Glaucoma Services
      • Diabetic Eye Care
      • Macular Degeneration
      • Dry Eye
      • Blepharitis & Conjunctivitis
    • The Retina Service
      • Retinal Diseases
    • Cataract Surgery
    • Oculoplastic Surgery
    • Aurora Lasik
    • Optical
    • Clinical Research Trials
    • Telemedicine
  • About Us
    • Our Doctors
    • Community Events
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Patient Reviews
  • Patient Resources
  • Laser & Surgery Center
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • For Referring Providers

Sarah Sandhaus, O.D.
Optometrist

 

Dr. Sarah Sandhaus obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology from the UCLA and her optometry degree from UC Berkeley School of Optometry. She completed clinical rotations at Crow/Northern Cheyenne Indian Health Services, Palo Alto VA, and Highland Hospital and has volunteered her expertise in various community outreach programs, including UCSF Homeless Clinic and Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH). Following graduation from optometry school, she completed a residency in primary care and ocular disease at San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center where she provided comprehensive and peri-operative care to our veterans. Dr. Sandhaus is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is passionate about providing thorough, evidence-based care to her patients.

 

In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, practicing photography, and spending time with her husband and cute puppy.

Jane Myung, M.D.
Ophthalmologist

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 surgical retina fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center in June 2011. 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 serves to teach 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, and the repair of retinal tears and retinal detachments.

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.

Grant Aaker, M.D.
Ophthalmologist

Dr. Grant Aaker grew up in central Minnesota. He graduated summa cum laude from Lewis & Clark College with honors in philosophy. He received his medical degree with honors in research from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and 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. Dr. Aaker has presented at numerous national meetings and published his research in multiple peer reviewed journals.

Dr. Aaker provides comprehensive eye care with special emphasis in cataract and anterior segment surgery.

In his free time, Dr. Aaker enjoys photography, film, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Dr. Jane Myung, reside in Olympia with their daughter.

Penny Reck, M.D.
Ophthalmologist

Dr. Penny Reck obtained a bachelor’s degree in linguistics and her medical degree from the University of Michigan. Following graduation from medical school she interned at St. Joseph Mercy, Ann Arbor Hospital and began her residency training in ophthalmology at the University of Michigan’s renowned W.K. Kellogg Eye Center. In 2006, she was honored with the Walter R. Parker Resident Teaching Award for excellence in training medical students. Prior to joining Clarus Eye Centre, she successfully completed a surgical retina fellowship at the prestigious Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Reck specializes in treating patients with vitreoretinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, severe eye trauma and ocular complications of diabetes.

In her free time, Dr. Reck enjoys dance and swimming as well as spending time relaxing with family and friends. She and her husband, Dr. Stephen Reck, reside in Olympia with their family.

Jay Rudd, M.D.
Ophthalmologist

Dr. Jay Rudd has been in private practice in Olympia, Washington, as a fellowship-trained Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive surgeon since 2000. Meticulous and hard working, Dr. Rudd is only satisfied with “a job well done,” especially in the operating room. He is his patients’ best advocate and prides himself on providing them excellent eye care. His caring and warm personality is the foundation for strong bonds with those he cares for.

Dr. Rudd received his undergraduate degree from UCLA, followed by his Doctorate of Medicine from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He then stayed in Philadelphia for his residency at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital. He studied at the John A. Moran Eye Center for his Cornea/Refractive Surgery Fellowship.

Since arriving in the Olympia area, Dr. Rudd has participated in many FDA trials studying the latest technology with advanced intraocular lens design. He and his team are often sought after to conduct clinical research due to their attention to detail and successful surgical outcomes.

While he enjoys research, Dr. Rudd’s main passion is a commitment to providing personalized care centered on his patients’ visual needs. He continues to explore new technology, carefully evaluating and then implementing it into his practice. This cutting-edge approach has created an excitement among his clinical team and superb outcomes for his patients.

In Dr. Rudd’s time outside the office, he is committed to community philanthropy, serving on many non-profit boards, including Providence St. Peter Hospital, Saint Martin’s University and Pope John Paul II High School. He and his wife, Carla, have recently been recognized with the 2012 Archdiocese of Seattle’s Archbishop Award and as South Sound Partners in Philanthropy’s Couple of the Year in 2013. He is proud to call Olympia home with Carla and their three children – Justin, Allyson, and Lindsay.

Dr. Chikwinya

Dr. Chikwinya
Born and raised in Tacoma, Dr. Chikwinya is excited to return to the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Chikwinya, or Dr. C, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science in Massachusetts, in addition to a master’s degree in public health. Dr. Chikwinya completed clinical rotations at the Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, TX, the Insight Blind Rehabilitation center in Rhode Island, and the Quantico Naval Health Clinic. He then completed his residency training in Low Vision Rehabilitation/Geriatric Ocular Disease at the Illinois College of Optometry and Chicago Lighthouse.
Dr. Chikwinya joined Clarus to provide comprehensive eye exams, treatment and management of ocular conditions such as diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, peri-operative care, and low vision rehabilitation services.
When out of the office, Dr. Chikwinya can be found bouncing around the South Sound. He enjoys hiking, participating in recreational sports leagues, concerts, volunteering, helping others, and finding new ways to support our community.

Kristen Clark, O.D.
Optometrist

Dr. Clark joined Clarus to provide primary eye care including routine eye exams, specialty contact lens service, treatment and management of ocular diseases, and co-manage post-operative care. She is originally from Illinois where she graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago in 2011. She was on the Dean’s List and a member of Gold Key and Beta Sigma Kappa international honor societies. She has worked alongside Ophthalmologists since she graduated, and has provided quality care in both surgical and non-surgical patients. 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.

dr perry

Dr. Blake Perry
Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Blake Perry is our Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He specializes in aesthetic plastic, and reconstructive surgery of the face, eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal system.

Dr. Perry is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Perry graduated with honors from Princeton University. After receiving his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine, he completed his ophthalmology residency at one of the nation’s top programs, at the University of Iowa. He pursued further training through a two-year ASOPRS sponsored fellowship in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland Oregon.

Dr. Perry is a San Diego native, who now lives in Olympia with his wife Shawmonee and their four children.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Thank you for trusting Clarus Eye Centre with your vision needs. Please complete the form below and we will be in contact with you to confirm your appointment.

Gary Scholes, M.D.
Ophthalmologist

Dr. Gary Scholes, Thurston County’s first fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, is a native of Washington state. He was raised in Renton and graduated cum laude from Washington State University. He received his medical degree in 1986 from the Medical College of Wisconsin (formerly Marquette Medical School), graduating in the top third of his class. He interned and completed his residency at the University of Utah in 1990. For his specialty training in Glaucoma, Dr. Scholes attended the prestigious Eye and Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Scholes was the first specialist in Thurston County to perform a sutureless cataract surgery, implant a foldable lens in cataract surgery and perform glaucoma shunt surgery. He has participated in numerous clinical research trials. Dr. Scholes has been a clinical instructor and director of the Family Practice Residency program at Providence St. Peter Hospital since 1994. Dr. Scholes has a special interest in cataract and glaucoma surgery, as well as general ophthalmology.

Dr. Scholes resides in Olympia, WA

Stephen Reck, M.D.
Ophthalmologist

Dr. Stephen Reck graduated cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross. He was commissioned as a naval officer and served aboard a nuclear-powered attack submarine. During this time he was awarded three Navy Achievement Medals and two Meritorious Unit Commendations. Dr. Reck is a graduate of the prestigious University of Michigan Medical school, where he also completed an internship in internal medicine, residency in ophthalmology, and fellowship in glaucoma and anterior segment surgery.

Dr. Reck specializes in cataract and glaucoma surgery, employing state-of-the-art technologies, such as laser-assisted cataract surgery, micro-incision, no-stitch cataract surgery, astigmatism correcting 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. Dr. Reck has previously served as assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, IL, and currently serves as a clinical instructor of family medicine residents at Providence St. Peter Hospital.

Dr. Reck and his wife, Dr. Penny Reck and their children live in Olympia where they enjoy skiing, golfing, and hiking.

CLINICAL RESEARCH


Clarus Eye Centre participates in clinical research trials. To learn more, or if you’re interested in signing up for a trial, please fill out the form.

For Referring Providers: Our Commitment to You

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your patients. Our goal is to deliver to your patients excellent retina care as soon as possible. We also believe that the best care for a patient is through a collaborative effort. After we see your patient, we will communicate with you our findings and recommendations. Additionally, we will convey the importance of integrating our retina care with yours, in order to optimize the overall visual health of your patient. From start to finish, we will work with you, and reinforce to your patient your role as their continued provider.

We are happy to speak with you over the phone and welcome your comments.

How to Refer a Patient:

You may refer to us by phone or by facsimile. Time-sensitive referrals (urgent/emergent) are best initiated over the phone. Refer by phone: Please call our main clinic number at (360) 456-3200. The operator will transfer you to our Retina Service Coordinator. We will ask for the following information to begin scheduling the patient in our system:

  • Patient’s name
  • Patient’s date of birth
  • Patient’s contact information: phone number and mailing address
  • Patient’s insurance(s)
  • Reason for appointment

Our coordinator will request the following information be faxed to (360) 456-3894, following your phone call:

  • On the cover page, please note: “Attention: Retina Service Coordinator”
  • A copy of your patient’s demographics form that includes name, date of birth, insurance information, mailing address, phone number
  • A copy of the patient’s recent visit with you, including the patient’s past medical and surgical history
  • A current list of the patient’s medications and allergies

Refer by fax:

Please fax your referral request to (360) 456-3894 and the following information:

  • On the cover page, please note: “Attention: Retina Service Coordinator”
  • A copy of your patient’s demographics form that includes name, date of birth, insurance information, mailing address, phone number
  • Reason for the referral
  • A copy of the patient’s recent visit with you, including the patient’s past medical and surgical history
  • A current list of the patient’s medications and allergies

WHY HAVE I BEEN SENT TO A RETINA SPECIALIST?

A retina specialist has unique skills to evaluate, diagnose and treat a very specific portion of the human visual system. Some people describe the area that retina specialists deal with as “the back part of the eye”. The retina is a thin tissue that lines the back of the eye. It is made up of light-sensitive cells called photoreceptors. The macula is the central part of the retina where there is the highest congregation of photoreceptors. Because of this, the macula is the area of the retina that provides us with sharp and detailed vision. Light rays travel through the eye and enter the back of the eye. These light rays are focused onto the macula and stimulate the photoreceptors. This leads to conversion of the light into electrical signals, which are sent to the brain. The brain processes that information as sight.

Another part of the back of the eye is the vitreous body, or more commonly referred to as “the vitreous”. The vitreous is a clear gel that fills the space between the retina and the lens. A variety of diseases conditions may affect the retina, macula, and vitreous. Commonly treated conditions include, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, retinal detachments, macular holes or macular puckers. The range of medical conditions may result in decreased vision or lead to blindness. A retina specialist can help you take care of these problems.

Retina specialists perform medical treatments and surgical procedures which are extremely exacting. Retina surgeries performed in the operating room require a microscope, and are referred to as “microsurgery”. Special lenses are used in addition to the microscope to visualize the back of the eye. Retina surgeons operate on very delicate tissues in an incredibly tiny space. Laser is an important tool used by retina specialists to treat eye conditions in the office and also in the operating room.

In order to diagnose retinal and/or vitreous disease, a detailed comprehensive dilated eye exam is required. Testing that requires highly technical equipment may also be necessary. Included in this folder are an assortment of sheets for various types of testing and procedures performed in our clinic or the operating room. If this is your first visit with The Retina Service, please understand that the information for procedures is included for educational purposes and that you are not automatically going to undergo each procedure upon your arrival. We find that it is helpful to understand the process behind the different modalities we may enlist to deliver high quality care to you. Please use these sheets as detailed references. For a general overview of your visit prior to arrival, please see the form: “What to Expect at your Retina Appointment”. Any of the procedures listed on the other sheets will be discussed with you prior to undergoing the procedure, if it is recommended. Please be assured that you will be informed and aware of each step of your care.

WHAT IS A RETINA SPECIALIST?

A retina specialist is a highly trained medical doctor. These doctors have graduated from medical school and completed medical internships and specialized ophthalmology residency training with additional fellowships in diseases of the retina and vitreous body of the eye. Sometimes the specialist is referred to as a “vitreoretinal specialist” or “retinologist”. Fellowship training for retina specialists varies. One-year fellowships are available for extra training in vitreoretinal diseases without additional surgical training; these physicians’ specialities are referred to as “medical retina”. One- or two-year fellowship programs include retina surgical training, in addition to training of medical management of vitreoretinal diseases. Another term for these types of retina specialists are “retina surgeons”.

Chad Waggoner, O.D.
Optometrist

Dr. Waggoner attended the University of Utah where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He earned his optometry degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, School of Optometry. His training included an internship at the American Lake Veterans Hospital in Tacoma.

With extensive training in contact lenses and clinical research with Bausch & Lomb and Wesley Jessen, Dr. Waggoner specializes in the fitting of challenging contact lenses such as bifocal contacts, keratoconus and post-surgical contacts. In addition to contact lens management, he is also available for comprehensive eye examinations, refractive surgery evaluations and medical management of ocular disease.

Dr. Waggoner and his wife, Marla, have five children and live in Olympia.

Heather Muehler, O.D.
Optometrist

Dr. Muehler received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Moorhead State University in Minnesota and earned her optometry degree and a second bachelor’s degree in visual science from the Illinois College of Optometry. She completed clinical rotations at the Illinois Eye Institute, White River Junction Veterans Hospital, Mercy Hospital and with honors at Johns Hopkins Eye Institute.

Her training included rehabilitative care for low vision patients and emphasized the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy and treatment of ocular emergencies. Dr. Muehler previously had an independent practice in Lacey where she performed comprehensive, pediatric, and contact lens examinations, pre-operative and post-operative cataract examinations and co-managed refractive surgery patients.

Dr. Muehler is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Optometric Physicians of Washington. In her spare time she enjoys scuba, kayaking, hiking, biking and gardening. Dr. Muehler lives in Olympia with her husband, Kirk, and their son.

Brian Finley, O.D.
Optometrist

Dr. Finley graduated from Brigham Young University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then continued his education at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He specialized in pediatrics and ocular disease management while completing his internships.

After receiving his optometry degree, Dr. Finley served honorably in the United States Army as a medical officer. During his time at Fort Carson, Dr. Finley created a vision rehabilitation clinic for wounded soldiers returning from war with traumatic brain injury ocular disorders.

Dr. Finley specializes in pediatrics, keratoconus and other contact lens fittings, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy management. He is also available for complete eye examinations and medical walk-ins.

Dr. Finley resides in Olympia with his wife, Melissa, and their four children.

David Pratt, M.D.
Oculoplastic Surgeon

Dr. Pratt specializes in eyelid and facial plastic surgery and also manages disorders of the tear ducts and orbit. He has spoken nationally on subjects ranging from orbital diseases and oncology to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the facial region. He has published extensively on these topics in medical textbooks and journals.

Dr. Pratt grew up in the Northwest. He graduated magna cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, a Minor in Chemistry and pursued a degree in Art. Dr. Pratt obtained his medical degree from the University of Southern California, during which time he was given numerous awards for his research and scholastic achievements. This included being elected to Alpha-Omega, the prestigious national medical honor society.

After a general surgery internship, Dr. Pratt served for three years as a Navy Medical Officer. He then completed an ophthalmology residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Pratt’s extensive training concluded with a two year fellowship in Oculoplastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgery at the University of Utah where he was given the Heed Fellowship. This honor is given to only 25 physicians annually. Dr. Pratt currently lives in Gig Harbor with his wife, Cheryl, and their eight children.