Sharnelle Kamibayashi, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University’s College of Optometry, graduating with distinction, and was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society each year. Furthermore, Dr. Kamibayashi earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Neuroscience, from the University of Portland.
Dr. Kamibayashi completed an optometric residency at Georgia Eye Partners, specializing in ocular disease with an emphasis in cornea and contact lenses, and refractive and ocular surgery. She is also a proud member of the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Optometry, and the Colorado Optometric Association.
Inspired by her father, who has been legally blind from a young age, Dr. Kamibayashi is very passionate about clear vision and feels there is nothing more important than serving others by providing quality eyecare.
Dr. Stacy Hieb completed her undergraduate schooling at the University of South Dakota where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry. She furthered her education obtaining a Doctorate of Optometry from the Ohio State University College of Optometry. She has been practicing optometry for 23 years and has been with One Hour Optical the whole time!
Dr. Hieb became an optometrist because she had such a good optometrist growing up. “I love being an eye doctor! The best part of my job is forming relationships with patients, many of them lasting a couple of decades.”
Bio coming soon.
Dr. Michael Kruglet is seasoned Optiometrist with more than 10 years of experience caring for eyes of all ages.
He is certified in scleral, corneal scleral and orthokeratology lenses as well as diagnosing and treating dry eye. Dr. Kruglet in his own words: “We all have to work and what better way to spend your day then by helping others. We all know someone, or have had a family member lose vision and it can be debilitating. .
Growing up I remember watching my grandmother struggle while playing her favorite card game due to macular degeneration and that’s when I knew I wanted to go into the eye field. Helping someone see clearer today than what he or she saw yesterday is what I enjoy most. Watching someone light up with excitement when they put on their glasses or contacts for the first time makes me proud to be an optometrist. Also, the wonderful relationships I’ve formed with my patients over the years is a close second.”
Dr. Kruglet is a graduate of Creighton University.
Dr. Danny VanDan completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego where he earned a Bachelor of Science in General Biology. He furthered his education by obtaining a Doctorate of Optometry Degree from Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. VanDan started his career by working as an optician, technician, and office manager right after high school. With a great passion for the optometry industry, he decided to go back to school to be an optometrist to further his patient care abilities.
Dr. VanDan has been practicing optometry since 2013. He believes that “optometry holds a unique place in healthcare. Numerous patients will not see their primary care doctor or dentist regularly if they are feeling healthy. However, if their vision changes even slightly, they’ll go to an optometrist. Optometrists are trained to evaluate a patient’s health for various conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other diseases.” Outside of work Dr. VanDan enjoys spending time with his wife and little girls!
Dr. Aaron LaHoud completed his undergraduate education at Minnesota State University Mankato where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Chemistry. He continued his education obtaining a Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. He has been practicing for 6 years and has been with One Hour Optical since June 2015. Dr. LaHoud enjoys helping others see their fullest potential and educating patients on ways to preserve their vision.
Emily Smith, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2020, where she concurrently completed her Master of Science in Low Vision Rehabilitation at Salus University. She continued her specialty training through a residency at the West Haven Veterans’ Affairs Hospital in Connecticut, which focused on ocular disease and low vision care. Dr. Smith earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Delaware Valley University, where she was also a student athlete who competed in collegiate horseback riding.
Dr. Smith considers the eyes to be a special and unique part of the body because they can provide a glimpse into the complexity of the brain as well as detect systemic disease in the body. Dr. Smith’s favorite part of being an optometrist is interacting with her patients every day and getting to know them on a personal level so she can provide them with the specialized eyecare they require. It also gives her the opportunity to be a vital part of the community.
Dr. Smith is passionate about managing ocular diseases, such as diabetes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, as well as providing low vision care to the visually impaired. She is also a proud member of the American Optometric Association and the Colorado Optometric Association.
In her time away from the office, Dr. Smith enjoys being in the great outdoors by participating in horseback riding, rock climbing, and hiking activities.
Carol Lipton, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2001, and graduated with distinction from Washington University majoring in Asian Studies and Comparative Arts. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Colorado Optometric Association, where she served on the Low Vision Committee.
Dr. Lipton says being an optometrist provides her with many opportunities to be able to make a positive impact in her community. In practice since 2001, she has also participated in the Vision Van Program, the Migrant Workers Vision Care Program, and the Gift of Sight Program caring for disadvantaged neighbors. Dr. Lipton believes helping people see their best is one of the best parts of her day.
Dr. Lipton offers comprehensive eyecare for the entire family, and fits all types of contact lenses, including rigid gas permeable, post-surgical, toric, and bifocal lenses. She also has longstanding experience in the detection, management, and co management of ocular pathology, including cataracts, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and retinal disorders.
In her spare time, Dr. Lipton enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and traveling.
Dr. Gene Johnson received his undergraduate degree from Ferris State College and went on to further his education obtaining his Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. Dr. Johnson has an interest in optometric humanitarian work and has been on many clinic trips to Mexico, Panama, and Peru. Outside of the office he enjoys spending time with his two grown children, cooking, camping, and outdoor activities.