Our Practice in San Diego

Dr. Emily Thai is a graduate of UC Irvine where she graduated with a B.S. in Public Health. She spent her undergraduate years cultivating her interest in healthcare which eventually brought her to the world of optometry. She attended Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Pomona, CA where she received her doctorate. She had the opportunity to complete her clinical externships at various locations across the U.S. including Veterans Affairs hospitals in Columbia, South Carolina and Orlando, Florida and private practices in Honolulu, HI and Cincinnati, OH. It was during these rotations that she learned extensively about ocular disease management (including diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration), refractive and cataract surgery co-management, contact lenses, and primary care.

Dr. Thai is an active member of the San Diego County Optometric Association. While she is a native of Los Angeles, CA, she has found a home she loves in San Diego with her husband and rescue pup. They all enjoy spending time outdoors in the sunshine. Her favorite part of being an optometrist is meeting patients from all walks of life and nurturing these relationships year after year.

We are pleased to announce the new addition of Dr. Elesha Starkey. She graduated from the University of Arizona, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science in physiological sciences. She earned her doctorate in optometry from the New England College of Optometry where she graduated with honors. After graduation, she extended her training by completing a one-year residency program in community health optometry at the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center in Boston, MA. Dr. Starkey provides quality comprehensive eye care with compassion for the whole family. Her areas of interest include contact lenses and treating disease.

Dr. Starkey is licensed to practice in California. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She speaks English fluently and some Spanish. In her free time, Dr. Starkey can be found at the beach with her two children and husband. She also enjoys watching sports, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. We are delighted to have her available to provide comprehensive eye care. She strives for excellence in patient care and satisfaction.