Aaron

Aaron has worked in the optical industry for 20 years and is proud to be the eyeQ Office Manager since 2010.  His favorite part of working at eyeQ is helping to deliver an exceptional patient experience at every step of your visit.  Aaron enjoys looking high and low for exceptional quality eyewear made by environmentally friendly and ethically responsible, family-owned independent manufacturers.  When he is not working Aaron loves hiking, cooking, and photography.

Amber

A Santa Cruz local, Amber is the office chameleon who has been an optician at Eye Q Optometry for over a decade. Over the years, you may have seen her with pink, blue, or rainbow hair to accentuate her fabulous sense of style and personality. If you don't see her in the office, it might be because she's out volunteering for Operation Surf or Ride a Wave. Though she used to rock glasses on a daily basis, Amber had Lasik surgery in 2013. She is happy to answer any questions you may have if you're curious about the procedure for yourself!

Aryn

Aryn has been a vibrant and integral member of EyeQ as an optometric technician since 2018. With a profound passion for healthcare and a commitment to assisting others, she takes immense pride in delivering unparalleled service to our clients. Aryn is exceptionally proud to be part of our esteemed doctors' care team. A Santa Cruz native, she delights in spending her leisure time at the beach with her loyal canine companion, Kai. Outside of work, Aryn engages in creative pursuits such as crafting resin art and woodworking.

Ryland

Ryland has admired eyeQ's frame selection for far longer than he has been part of the team. With an eye for the curious and unique, he's always on the lookout for new and interesting frames. Ryland has a blast selecting the perfect frames for our patients.

He made his way into optics in 2015, working in a lens-manufacturing lab. He became a State licensed optician in 2016. Shortly after that, he found assisting patients face-to-face was much more satisfying and has been helping select amazing frames ever since!

Sam

Sam feels fortunate and proud to be part of the eyeQ staff. He has over twenty years of experience as an optician. He has another ten years experience working in the optical lab, where he learned to surface and finish prescription glasses. What he loves most about his job is interacting with patients, helping them select the best frame and lenses that suit their lifestyle, and putting smiles on their faces. He loves playing sports, cooking, painting and wood working. But most importantly, he cherishes spending time with loved ones.

Lisa

Lisa first discovered EyeQ Optometry back in 2006 while attending UCSC. One day she was drawn into the door after seeing a beautiful pair of sunglasses. This was the first of many visits Lisa has made as a patient. She would always look forward to her yearly exams with the wonderful doctors, picking out beautiful frames with the fabulous staff at EyeQ and seeing the best she has ever seen. Lisa joyfully joined the EyeQ team in August 2023. She comes from a long career of customer service spanning from waiting tables, working with seniors in social services and lastly helping to run a 109-unit senior apartment complex. The need to help others flows through her veins. Bringing smiles to patients' faces and seeing people walk away happy and satisfied is her daily goal.

Valerie

Valerie is a seasoned optical professional whom has spent 26+ years helping patients look their best. Beyond optical experience, she has been a yoga instructor, makeup artist, and creative jewelry designer.

Valerie enjoys many hobbies in her free time, from massage therapy to alternative land management to rockhounding. Valerie strives to embody a harmonious blend of professional accomplishment, continuous learning, and a deep connection to the people and world around her.

Jacob

Jacob began his journey in the field of opticianry in Visalia California, where he discovered a passion for helping people see clearly and feel confident in their eyewear. During a vacation to Santa Cruz, he came across Eye Q Optometry and instantly connected with the welcoming environment and high-quality care. That visit inspired a big move, and in April of 2025, Jacob made Santa Cruz his new home.

Since relocating, he’s fallen in love with the town's vibrant charm and the calming presence of the ocean. Now proud to be part of the Eye Q team, Jacob brings dedication, warmth, and a fresh perspective to every patient interaction.

Rachel

Rachel has been helping people see (and look) their best since 1999. She loves working directly with patients and helping them find frames that make them feel confident and beautiful—especially with the fun and varied styles we carry at EyeQ.
Fun fact: If you think you’ve seen Rachel drawing blood at Quest, that was probably her identical twin!

Lamiae

Born and raised in Morocco, Lamiae grew up with a fascination with languages that led her to learning English and moving to Santa Cruz in 2012. Lamiae's pride and joy in life is helping others; she takes great care to provide excellent customer service to Eye Q's lovely patients from the moment they enter our practice. Lamiae's commitment to facilitating wonderful and memorable experiences makes her a joy to have in the office, as well as part of our wonderful Eye Q team.

Jordyn

Born in San Antonio and raised all around the West Coast, she spent eight fulfilling years grooming dogs before happily transitioning into her current role as a patient coordinator. Her passion for animals—especially dogs—runs deep, and she is as equally enthusiastic about all things horror. She loves working for this amazing company, contributing to a team that feels like home and morals she is proud to support.

Linnaea

Coming to EyeQ with a background in costume design, Linnaea finds her career change to optician full of delightful parallels and contrasts. Her passion for design and function is put to regular use in helping clients select eyewear. Whether a client wants glasses for a stylish every-day look or a fabulous fashion statement, she always finds great enjoyment in collaborating with them to find that "aha!" moment with a frame. Her love of aesthetics is well balanced with a love of technical skill, and she has relished the dive into the technical aspects of optometry with the excellent staff here at EyeQ.

Summer

With 25 years of experience in the optical industry, our Lab & Inventory Guru (Coordinator) plays a vital role in maintaining the precision and quality that our patients rely on every day. Starting at just 19 years old with our very own local Bucci Sunglasses, she built a career grounded in craftsmanship, consistency, and care.

Specializing in lab inspections and quality control, she helps to ensure every pair of glasses meets the highest standards. She is cross-trained in multiple departments, also meaning you may spot her on the sales floor, where she enjoys assisting with frame styling and adjustments; bringing both technical expertise and a personal touch to every interaction.

Originally from Boulder Creek, she is proud to serve the community we call home. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her son, who is truly the light of their life, or she is cross stitching a project for a loved one. What she loves the most about her work at EyeQ is simple: helping people see better and feel confident with what they will wear.

Sheila

With over two decades of experience in the optical world, Sheila has worn many hats—from scrub nurse in surgery centers to practice manager and lab technician. Born and raised in West San Jose, and now belonging to Santa Cruz, she brings a deep commitment to caring for her community. Nothing makes her happier than helping a patient find that perfect frame.

Her motivation comes from her children, who keep her striving for excellence. Guided by faith and the fruits of the spirit—love, joy, peace, and kindness—she am dedicated to providing compassionate, top-tier care to everyone who walks through our doors.

Annie

Annie is a creative individual with a love for baking, oddities, and her three cats—Mavis, Poppy, and Odo—who each bring their own charm to her home. She has been an optician for over a year, developing a sharp eye for style and a deep appreciation for the confidence that the right pair of glasses can inspire. On her free time, she loves to experiment with dessert recipes, watch spooky documentaries, and spend time with her older and younger siblings. With her artistic flair and edgy sense of self, Annie brings a distinctive individuality to everything she does.

Hannah

Hannah is a UCSC student majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with aspirations to become an optometrist. At the front desk of eyeQ, she takes pride in making patients feel welcomed and comfortable, always greeting them with a warm smile. Her favorite part of the job is seeing patients leave happy and satisfied with their visit. When she’s not at work, you can find her on a quest to discover the best coffee and matcha spots around town!

Eve

Eve is grateful to be part of the eyeQ team and is excited to contribute to the positive atmosphere and exceptional patient care at eyeQ. She brings with her a background from working at a community health center, where she first discovered the fulfillment and importance of serving the community.

Outside of work, Eve enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new recipes or exploring the outdoors. She is an avid hiker, with a particular fondness for Castle Rock State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Recently, she has developed a passion for making homemade kimchi. 

Vanessa

Karin

Born in Germany Karin moved to Santa Cruz in the early 90s. She joined the eyeQ team as a bookkeeper in 2012 and is usually working in the business office. If you don't see her in the office, she might be out bike riding, rock climbing, gardening, or refereeing a soccer game.