Our Team
With over 120 years of combined experience, and an unparalleled level of education and training, our dedicated staff will provide you with the highest quality of eye care and eye wear, in an atmosphere of compassion, professionalism and enthusiasm. Thank you for choosing Ocean Park Optometry.
Dr. Sarah Ito, Dipl. ABO, Board Certified Optometrist
Dr. Ito is a therapeutic licensed optometrist who is trained in the treatment and management of visual conditions and eye diseases, specialty contact lenses, orthokeratology or myopia reduction and control, and ocular pre- and post-operative care.
Orthokeratology - Myopia Management | Scleral Contact Lenses | Neuro-Visual Medicine | Dry Eye | Ocular Aesthetics | Cataract and Lasik Post Surgical Care
Dr. Ito is a therapeutically licensed optometrist who provides advanced care in the treatment and management of visual conditions and ocular diseases. With specializations in specialty contact lenses, orthokeratology (myopia control), and pre- and post-operative care, she holds the highest level of licensure in California—including the authority to treat glaucoma and other conditions with prescription medications.
She earned her Doctor of Optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1993 and her Bachelor's degree with honors from Occidental College in 1989. Her academic background also includes studies at prestigious institutions such as Caltech, UCLA, UC Irvine, Korea University, Yonsei University, and Waseda University in Japan, where she spent a year as an international student.
Board certified by the American Board of Optometry with Diplomate status, Dr. Ito remains passionate about continuing education and is an early adopter of cutting-edge technologies in eye care. She has advanced training in NeuroVisual Medicine from Dr. Debby Feinberg, specializing in the treatment of Binocular Vision Dysfunction—offering relief for patients with headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and imbalance. She also emphasizes treatment for dry eye disease and is experienced in procedures like LipiFlow.
Dr. Ito was featured in the February 2020 edition of Women in Optometry, with a follow-up feature in the July 2020 Make It Yours Monday newsletter, recognizing her dedication and contributions to the field.
Certifications & Special Training:
Board Certified, Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry
Glaucoma Certified
Diagnostic & Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agent Certified
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (TMOD Certified)
Lacrimal Dilation & Irrigation Certified
American Optometric Association Aviation Vision Course Certified
NeuroVisual Medicine Certified
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) Certified
Certified in multiple specialty lens systems: Moonlens, GOV, Orthotools, Kerasoft, Synergeyes, Zenlens, Wave, MiSight
Certified in BlephEx, Neurolens, Kamra Inlay Post-Op Care
Certificate in Vision Therapy (PAVE-SANET Course)
APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate
Professional Memberships:
American Optometric Association (AOA) & AOA Contact Lens Section
California Optometric Association
Los Angeles County Optometric Society
American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control
International Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control
Scleral Lens Education Society
Optometric Extension Program Foundation
Society of NeuroVisual Medicine
Vestibular Disorders Association
Dr. Klaus Ito, FAAO, Dipl. ABO, Residency Trained and Board Certified Optometrist
Dr. Klaus is a residency trained and board certified optometrist. He received his Bachelor's in Biology from Occidental College in 2017 before earning his Doctor of Optometry from MCPHS School of Optometry in 2021.
Orthokeratology - Myopia Management | Scleral Contact Lenses | Neuro-Visual Medicine | Dry Eye | Ocular Aesthetics | Cataract and Lasik Post Surgical Care
Dr. Klaus is a board-certified, residency-trained optometrist dedicated to providing advanced, personalized eye care. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Occidental College in 2017, followed by his Doctor of Optometry from MCPHS School of Optometry in 2021, where he was honored with the Clinical Excellence Award in anterior segment disease and contact lenses. He went on to complete a residency at the University of Virginia Department of Ophthalmology in 2022, gaining specialized training in managing complex ocular diseases with advanced contact lens solutions.
Dr. Klaus commonly treats conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, dry eye disease, high astigmatism, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-LASIK ectasia, aphakia, and anisometropia. He is also the 45th doctor in the world to be certified in Neuro-Visual Medicine, helping patients who suffer from dizziness, vertigo, headaches, and imbalance.
A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, Dr. Klaus is committed to clinical excellence at the highest level. Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his family, running marathons and ultramarathons, hiking, watching football, and playing with his dogs, Oni and Seika.
Michelle Shili, ABO Certified Optician
Michelle is our skilled optician and fashion frame stylist.
Michelle brings a wealth of experience to our team, combining over 15 years as an optician with a strong background in retail management and leadership. After some time away from the optical field, she’s thrilled to return to the industry she loves—where she can blend her expertise in eyewear and customer service. Michelle is passionate about helping patients feel welcome, confident, and excited about their new eyewear choices. Her friendly demeanor, attention to detail, and dedication to going the extra mile make her an invaluable part of our practice.
Deborah Bettencourt, Optical Manager, Optician
Deborah is our skilled optician and fashion frame stylist.
Deborah is a seasoned optical professional who takes great pride in making every patient feel comfortable, heard, and cared for. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision, she thrives on helping patients find eyewear that not only fits perfectly but also reflects their personal style. She has a special love for frames with clean lines and intricate design elements—qualities that speak to her appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. Deborah’s favorite brands include DITA and Maui Jim, both celebrated for their timeless aesthetics and exceptional build.
Steve Romero, ABO & NCLE Certified Optician
Steve is a highly skilled optician with excellent manufacturing skills.
Steve is a certified optician with over seven years of experience and credentials from both the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Known for his sharp eye for fashionable eyewear, Steve is passionate about helping patients find frames that elevate both their vision and their personal style. He is deeply committed to exceptional customer service and takes pride in making sure every patient leaves feeling confident and cared for. His professionalism and dedication make him a trusted expert in the optical field.
Nicole Nguyen, Optometric Technician
Nicole is our optometric clinical technician.
Nicole is an optometric technician whose passion for eye care began in childhood and continues to grow each day. A proud UC Irvine graduate, she is deeply committed to expanding her clinical and technical knowledge in the field of optometry. Nicole is driven by a desire to create positive, welcoming experiences for every patient she encounters. Her curiosity and dedication make her a valuable part of the team. Outside the office, Nicole enjoys cooking, visiting cafes, working out, and spending time with her playful cat, Yani.
Cierra La Marchina, Optometric Technician
Cierra is our optometric clinical technician.
Cristina Rangel, Optometric Technician
Cristina is our optometric clinical technician.
Caress Caranguian, Client Services
Caress is our virtual customer service representative team leader.
Caress is our experienced Virtual Assistant Manager, bringing a strong background in healthcare and leadership to the team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with a focus in Clinical Pharmacy and has previously served as a pharmacist supervisor. Caress excels in overseeing patient communications and supporting the administrative side of our practice, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. In addition to leading our Virtual Assistant team, she manages our social media and digital marketing efforts—helping us connect with and better serve our community.
Ashleigh Chatto, Client Services
Ashleigh is our virtual customer service representative.
Ashleigh is our virtual customer service representative. She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and works remotely to help us to serve you better.
Jude Permejo, Client Services
Jude is our virtual customer service representative.
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