2025 MBKU Distinguished Alumni Awards

2025 MBKU Distinguished Alumni Award

Paul Barney, OD, ’84 

Paul M. Barney, OD, SCCO class of 1984, is a distinguished leader in optometry. In 2017, Paul played a pivotal role in the passage of Alaska's H.B. 103, a landmark legislation granting the state's optometry board the authority to regulate optometric education and practice. In recognition of his contributions, he was named as the 2017 Optometrist of the Year by both the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Alaska Optometric Association. His dedication to advancing optometry extends globally through his involvement in developing the optometry program at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok, Thailand. Paul lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and serves on the American Optometric Association (AOA) Board of Trustees. He has testified before Congress on behalf of the optometric profession. 

Jeffrey Garcia, OD, ’93  
Jeff Garcia, OD, ’93, is an accomplished optometrist and community leader in the San Joaquin Valley where he provides eye and vision care through three optometric practices. His dedication to the profession extends through his mentorship of SCCO alumni and externs, offering fourth-year students immersive, hands-on clinical experiences rooted in private practice principles. As an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at SCCO/MBKU, he is known for his student-centered, comprehensive clinical approach.  Dr. Garcia served in the United States Navy achieving the rank of Captain (O-6) as a Medical Service Corps Optometrist. He currently serves as President of the California State Board of Optometry and is an active voice in the California Optometric Association Legislative Committee, working to advance and protect the scope of optometric practice. 

Timothy Giles, OD, ’85 
Since graduating from SCCO in 1985, Timothy Giles, OD, has worked in both the clinical and industry sectors of the optometric profession. This blend of experience has enabled him to contribute across multiple domains, including refractive surgery, specialty contact lenses, ophthalmologic surgical technologies, and pharmaceutical treatments. A committed educator, Timothy regularly shares clinical insights, and guidance in patient care and practice management through presentations and professional engagements. He maintains active professional affiliations with the California Optometric Association, Georgia Optometric Association, Greater Atlanta Optometric Association, and the American Optometric Association. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the British Contact Lens Association. 
 

Lina Lin, OD, ’98 
Dr. Lina Lin, O.D., SCCO Class of ’98, has been a dedicated volunteer optometrist with the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation for over 20 years. In 2024, she was appointed the Foundation’s director of Vision Mobile, a fully equipped mobile clinic that provides free eye care services including comprehensive eye exams, frame fittings, and on-site lens fabrication to underserved and uninsured communities across Southern California. Dr. Lin and her team were among the first disaster relief volunteers to assist survivors of the Los Angeles area wildfires, giving free eye exams and prescription eyeglasses to those in need. Dr. Lin has also provided eye care to communities in Tijuana, Mexico. Her compassionate service and leadership have significantly improved the lives of many individuals in Southern California and beyond. 
 

Mariah Smith, OD, ’12 
Mariah Smith, OD, ’12, is the current president of the Nevada State Board of Optometry, a member of the American Optometric Association and the Nevada Optometric Association. Mariah was named Young Optometrist of the Year in 2018 and received the prestigious John B. Robinson Founder's Award in 2019. She has participated in international VOSH missions and led local eyewear donation drives in partnership with the Lions Club of Reno. Mariah has represented the profession nationally through her work with the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry. She became the co-owner of Reno Family Eye Care, in 2024, where she expanded optometric services and enhanced patient care. 
 

2025 Professional Achievement Alumni Award

Martin Carroll, OD, ’81 
Martin “Marty” Carroll, OD, SCCO Class of 1981, has dedicated his career to advancing the field of optometry through clinical excellence, education, and leadership. He holds active licenses in Wyoming, California, and Colorado in multiple ophthalmic procedures and therapeutics. Dr. Carroll's contributions to the profession have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Optometric Recognition Award, the Wyoming Optometric Association’s Optometrist of the Year, and Distinguished Alumni Awards from both Laramie County Community College and Southern California College of Optometry. Beyond his clinical and educational roles, He has been a leader in optometric governance on the state and national level. Dr. Carroll is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is board-certified by the American Board of Optometry. 
 

Christi Closson, OD, ’97  
Dr. Christi Closson, ’97 is a nationally recognized leader in optometric education, low vision rehabilitation, and professional development. As Associate Director of Professional Education at Johnson & Johnson Vision, she leads a team of 35 optometrists and has transformed educational engagement through innovative programs, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. She spent over 15 years at Pacific University College of Optometry, where she served as Chief of Low Vision Services and founded a mobile low vision clinic that has brought critical care to visually impaired children across Washington state. Her dedication has extended globally through eye care missions in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an acclaimed national speaker, Dr. Closson is known for her clinical excellence, advocacy, and compassionate service. She embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and elevates every community she touches. 
 

May Isbell, OD, ’97  
May Y. Isbell, O.D, SCCO class of 1997, plays a pivotal role at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Care Foundation, where she transformed a modest three-room eye care unit into a comprehensive vision clinic collaboratively staffed by optometrists, ophthalmologists, and student interns. Dr. Isbell oversees clinical quality performance across both ophthalmology and optometry along with physician recruitment, business development, and other responsibilities. She is a member of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Directors and has received the Cedars-Sinai Circle of Friends award, the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognition as one of Los Angeles’ Top Doctors in Optometry each of the past three years. She is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry Marshall B. Ketchum University.  
 

Rachelle Lin, OD, ’13 
Rachelle Lin, O.D., M.S., FAAO, SCCO Class of 2013, is an Associate Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry, specializing in Low Vision Rehabilitation and Acquired Brain Injury at the University Eye Center, Ketchum Health. A dedicated optometrist and educator, she has lectured internationally on topics such as traumatic brain injury, vision rehabilitation, genetic testing, and gene therapy. In addition, Rachelle conducts genetic testing for inherited eye conditions. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and has held leadership roles in the California Optometric Association (COA). Dr. Lin was awarded the COA Young Optometrist of the Year in 2019 and the COA Educator of the Year in 2023.  
 

Lisa Wahl, OD, ’13 
Lisa Wahl, OD, FAAO provides leadership at MBKU through her role as the clinic director and coordinator of Cornea and Contact Lens Services at University Eye Center Los Angeles. Dr. Wahl received her doctorate at Southern California College of Optometry, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and completed residency training in ocular disease at VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center. She started her career in private practice at a prominent ophthalmology practice in Los Angeles, providing pre-and-postoperative care for patients undergoing refractive, cataract and corneal surgery.  She returned to academia full time to work at University Eye Center Los Angeles. Her areas of interest are medically necessary contact lenses, dry eye and ocular pathology.  She enjoys teaching students in a clinical setting and helping underserved populations. 
 

Patrick Yoshinaga, OD, ’83   
Patrick Yoshinaga, O.D., M.P.H., SCCO Class of 1983, is a dedicated educator, clinician and innovator at the Southern California College of Optometry. As Chief of Ketchum Health’s Low Vision Rehabilitation Service, he has forged vital referral partnerships and overseen the longstanding DOE/Las Vegas Low Vision training program. He has spearheaded the development of international curriculum collaborations, most notably for the Executive Certificate program with Tokyo Optometric College. A pioneer in Interprofessional Education, Dr. Yoshinaga integrated collaborative public health training across optometry, pharmacy, and PA programs, and initiated low vision observational rotations alongside Occupational Therapists. A Diplomate of the Academy’s Public Health Section, he continues to present at national meetings and inspire future leaders through his multidisciplinary, student-focused approach. 
 

2025 Recent Graduate Alumni Award

Devon Kennedy, OD, ’19 
A 2019 graduate of SCCO, Devon Kennedy applies her clinical expertise to advancing optometric representation within the broader field of ophthalmology. As the Senior Manager of Optometric Co-Management and sole optometrist on the ZEISS US commercial team at ZEISS Medical Technology, she leads national education initiatives, collaborates with practicing optometrists, and conducts workshops on refractive surgery co-management strategies. Beyond her corporate role, she is an educator and mentor, establishing an externship rotation site for MBKU during the COVID-19 pandemic and serving as a preceptor for both MBKU and Western University. She is active in the American Academy of Optometry and the Los Angeles County Optometric Society. Dr. Kennedy is a recipient of the prestigious Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) Fellowship, a year-long program honoring emerging leaders in ophthalmology. 
 

Brenda Lopez Blake, PA-C, ’22  
Brenda Lopez Blake, SPAS, ’22 is a certified Physician Assistant with over two years of clinical experience in Family and Street Medicine, including her work at Family Health Matters, a Federally Qualified Health Center. There, she delivers collaborative, patient-centered care alongside professionals in optometry, pharmacy, and behavioral health—exemplifying the principles of interprofessional education and teamwork. Brenda also serves as the lead provider for the mobile outreach team serving unsheltered individuals in the city of Anaheim.  She is currently completing the UCI Addiction Medicine Fellowship. She is dedicated to eliminating health care barriers and fostering strong relationships in the community based on empathy and an understanding of their unique needs and challenges. 
 

Vivianna Martin, PharmD, ’21 
Dr. Vivianna Martin, COP, ’21 is a clinical pharmacist and healthcare leader recognized for her expertise in patient care, pharmacy operations, and healthcare innovation. Currently a clinical pharmacist for Red Lake Indian Health Services Hospital in Minnesota, she is committed to enhancing clinical services and improving medication management for diverse and underserved populations. Dr. Martin has also served as an outpatient pharmacy manager for Kaiser Permanente and CVS Health. Dr. Martin holds multiple clinical certifications and has presented widely on medication therapy management and emerging therapeutics. Passionate about service, Dr. Martin has held leadership roles in the Orange County Pharmacists Association and continues to volunteer in community health outreach. 
 

Hannah Nandor, PA-C, ’23  
Hannah Nandor, PA-C, ’23, serves as a Family Medicine Physician Assistant at Family Healthcare Network in Hanford, California. She is committed to improving rural healthcare and in her role provides high-volume, comprehensive care in family medicine, women’s health, urgent care, internal medicine, and pediatrics. In addition to her daily PA-C responsibilities she also manages acute walk-in cases and serves on the organization’s mobile clinic. Hannah has a commitment to expanding women’s health services and increasing access for patients who prefer female providers. She has taken the initiative to improve her Spanish fluency to reduce communication barriers and enhance the patient experience. Her collaborative spirit and compassion reflect the values instilled by MBKU and have made her a trusted colleague.