Our Doctors

Dr. Peters specializes in eye care for the entire family including contact lenses, ocular disease and sports vision. He graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (Salus) in 1988 and completed his undergraduate work at West Virginia University. He is the author of the book, “See To Play: The Eyes of Elite Athletes” and co-author of the “See To Play Vision Concussion Protocol”. He is the team eye doctor for the NC Football Club, the NC Courage and Carolina Mudcats. He has also been the team eye doctor for the NHL Carolina Hurricanes (and has a Stanley Cup ring to prove it!), the Durham Bulls, the USA Baseball team, the Carolina Cobras arena football team, the NC State Wolfpack teams and several local high school teams. His work has been published in many professional journals and he has lectured nationally. Dr. Peters plays guitar and is in a contemporary service band at his church.

Undergraduate Education: University of Texas at Dallas. Optometry School: University of Houston College of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? I enjoy developing long lasting relationships with my patients and their families while providing excellent comprehensive eye care. Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my wife and 4 children (22,19,16,10). We spend most weekends supporting our youngest children at the hockey rink and volleyball court. We love the outdoors and enjoy cycling when weather permits.

Undergraduate Education: University of Maine, Orono, ME- Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology. Optometry School: MCPHS Optometry School. Professional Achievements/Associations: Master’s in public health from MCPHS. Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Board Certified Optometrist- NBEO, NBEO ISO Certified, Licensed Optometrist in the State of Massachusetts, BLS/CPR Certified. What drives your passion for optometry? To help people achieve their optimal ocular and visual health. How are you helping patients live their best lives? Tailoring patient care and treatment based on patient's individual needs to optimize their visual and ocular potential. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of all patients. How are you impacting your local community? I serve on the board of the Memorial Foundation for the Blind, a private charitable foundation that provides funding to those organizations in Worcester County that serve the needs of persons with visual impairments. Hobbies/Interests: working on my family farm, spending time with my family.

Undergraduate Education: Loyola University Chicago; Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Contact Lenses, Primary Care; What drives your passion for optometry? I love that instant gratification of a patient putting on their first pair of glasses and seeing the difference. How are you helping patients live their best lives? By helping them achieve clear vision and comfort, so they can focus on their everyday tasks with ease. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Having a connection with my patients that translates into being their lifelong doctor. How are you impacting your local community? By living and working in the same town, it allows me to connect with my patients outside of work. Hobbies/Interests: History, Travel, Argentinian Tango, Historical Fiction, Indie Films

Undergraduate Education: Saint Xavier University. Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry (2013). The reason I became an optometrist is: It always seemed like a profession in which I would be able to have a meaningful impact on a patient's day to day life. So much of what we do in life is impacted by how well we see. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Finding a solution to a problem that they are having with their eyes or vision. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my children and family. Outdoor fun, crafts, amusement park and museum visits.

Dr. Ellen Petrilla graduated from Ohio University with degrees in Psychology and Biology and University of Houston, College of Optometry. During Optometry school, Dr. Petrilla worked in a Neuro-Ophthalmology practice, where she assisted in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. Her patient care experiences at this neuro-ophthalmology clinic led to an article being published in the Review of Optometry and a new-found dedication to supporting patients with Multiple Sclerosis. In addition, Dr. Petrilla did an internship at the Queen Victoria Hospital in England. During her rotation, she assisted in the pre and postoperative care of corneal transplant patients and had the opportunity to treat other corneal anomalies. Her training in England allowed her the chance to see and be a part of a medical care system outside the U.S. Dr. Petrilla dedicates her spare time to the National MS Society and the Tennyson Center as a Child’s Advocate against child abuse and neglect. She also has donated her time and medical services in 3rd world countries, such as Nicaragua. Her other hobbies include hiking, skiing, painting, and art collecting.

Undergraduate Education: Florida State University; Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry; Professional Achievements/Associations: American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Primary Care, contact lenses, Specialty Contact lenses; What drives your passion for optometry? Helping people see their best!

Dr. Richardson "Rich" Pham received his Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Houston. He continued at the University of Houston College of Optometry where he earned his Doctor of Optometry in May of 2021. He completed his externship training at The Community Eye Center in Fort Worth treating the underserved areas of downtown and the Cherokee Nation Indian Health Services through Northeastern State University College of Optometry. He is licensed as a Therapeutic Optometrist and as an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Dr. Pham enjoys all types of family practice including pediatric, adult, geriatric, specialty contact lens, and ocular disease management. He’s a member of the Texas Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Houston Sports, Working out, Hiking, and Reading

Undergraduate Education: University of Houston, Bachelor of Science with a Minor in Chemistry; Optometry School: University of Houston College of Optometry, magna cum laude Honors; Professional Achievements/Associations: Master of Science in Physiological Optics in the combined OD/MS program: Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Licensed Therapeutic Optometrist and a certified Optometric Glaucoma Specialist; What drives your passion for optometry? Her passion comes from being able to equip patients with the knowledge to protect their eyesight and overall health. How are you helping patients live their best lives? Her goal is to ensure that each patient has a thorough understanding of their ocular health. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring that every patient has a solution tailored to meet their needs. How are you impacting your local community? She finds joy in treating and building relationships with patients within the community that she grew up in. Hobbies/Interests: Dr. Pham loves watching movies and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.

Undergraduate Education: University of Denver. Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry. Professional Achievements/Associations: Fellowship, American Academy of Optometry. Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Residency in Ocular Disease and Low Vision.

Undergraduate Education: Indiana University, B. S. Biology; Optometry School: Indiana University, School of Optometry; In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, playing guitar, golfing and wine with friends. My favorite part of helping my patients is trying to give better than expected vision for them.

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology from Clemson University. Optometry School: University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Certifications/Awards: BLS and CPR. How are you helping your patients live their best lives? By listening to my patients’ typical activities, I can help to prescribe glasses or contacts best suited for what they like to do with the clearest vision possible. Hobbies/Interests: In my free time, I enjoy hiking or walking with my dog, climbing, snowboarding, and playing video games.

Undergraduate Education: Carthage College. Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry. Professional Achievements/Associations: American Association of Public Health Student of the Year, Association of the United States of the Army Honor Award. Clinical Certifications & Specialties: General Optometry and LASIK. What drives your passion for optometry? Caring for the patient's vision as well as their whole being. How are you helping patients live their best lives? Providing a quality eye exam while also assessing their health needs. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Not only providing an eye exam for glasses and or contact lenses but explaining the total exam experience to the patient as it relates to their overall health. How are you impacting your local community? Staying involved in local associations which provide charitable services. Hobbies/Interests: Grandchildren, Golf and long walks.

Undergraduate Education: Birmingham-Southern College; University of Alabama at Birmingham-B.S. in Physiological Optics. Optometry School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry-1988. Professional Achievements and Associations: 2018-2019: President, American Optometric Association; 2001-2002: President, Alabama Optometric Association; 1997-1998: Clinical Examiner, National Board of Examiners in Optometry; 1996-1997: President, Birmingham Area Optometric Society. Awards and Honors; 2012: Alabama Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year; 2010: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry Alumnus of the Year. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: General family eye care and co-management of various ophthalmic surgeries. The reason I became an optometrist is: The world is a beautiful place and I want to do all I can to help people see it. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Making a positive impact in their lives. In my spare time, I enjoy: Traveling and trying new cuisines that I have never had before.

Undergraduate Education: DePauw University; Bachelor of Science. Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry; Doctor of Optometry. Professional Achievements and Associations: Member of the American Optometric Association, Indiana Optometric Association, Central Indiana Optometric Society, Graduated Summa Cum Laude DePauw University, Graduated Magna Cum Laude Indiana University School of Optometry. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: TMOD; NBEO; Refractive Surgery Co-Management consultant; Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease management; Contact lens; Primary Care. The reason I became an optometrist is: I became an optometrist because I wanted to pursue a challenging medical career in which I could help people live their best lives. Providing patient care is a blessing and a privilege. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Partnering with the patient in providing comprehensive eye care solutions for their every day and long-term needs. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with Family and Friends, Traveling, Horseback riding, working with our apple orchard/agri-entertainment business.

Undergraduate Education: University of Houston; Bachelor of Science. Optometry School: University of Houston College of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? Providing comprehensive eye exams for adults and children, diabetic eye exams, and contact lens fittings. Hobbies/Interests: Travel, photography, and Hockey.

Undergraduate Education: State University of New York at Geneseo, B.S. Biochemistry. Optometry School: The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association; Virginia Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Advanced Practice Fellowship in Cornea and Contact Lenses. The reason I became an optometrist is: I enjoy helping others and have always been fascinated with the eyes and vision. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Improving vision and managing eye health to enhance quality of life. In my spare time, I enjoy: Travel; Sports.