Doctors & Team

Question: Are your optometrists licensed?

Yes, all of our optometrists are licensed and qualified to practice in the state of California. We maintain the highest standards of professionalism and follow all state regulations to ensure our patients receive top-quality eye care services. You can rest assured that when you visit our practice, you'll be seen by experienced, licensed optometrists dedicated to preserving and protecting your vision health.

Question: Who is on your team?

Our team of optometrists includes Optometrist/Owner, Dr. Gary A. Klein, O.D. and his Associate Optometrists: Dr. Wilson Phu, O.D., Dr. Amanda Thai, O.D., and Dr. Ananya Jalsingh, O.D. Our optical team consists of our Managing Optician, Kristy Cambone, along with Opticians Patti Castillo and Serina Miller. Kari Gridley is our Office Administration. Together, they form a dedicated team committed to providing excellent eye care and personalized service to our patients.

Question: Who are your doctors?

Question: Who are your optometrists?

Question: Who is on your optical staff?

Our optical team consists of our Managing Optician, Kristy Cambone, along with Opticians Patti Castillo and Serina Miller. Kari Gridley is our Office Administration. Together, they form a dedicated team committed to providing excellent eye care and personalized service to our patients.

Question: What are the qualifications of your doctors and team?

Our optometry team boasts highly qualified professionals. All our optometrists hold doctoral degrees from accredited optometry schools and pursue ongoing education to remain at the forefront of eye care. They possess years of invaluable clinical experience, ensuring personalized attention and tailored treatment plans. Our skilled support staff, including highly-trained and licensed opticians, work seamlessly with our doctors to deliver exceptional patient care. With their impressive qualifications and commitment to excellence, you can trust your vision to our capable team.

Question: What is the difference between an optometrist and ophthalmologist?

An optometrist is an O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) who provides primary vision care, eye exams, prescriptions for glasses/contacts, and treatment for many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist is an M.D. (Medical Doctor) who can diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and provide full medical and surgical eye car..

Question: What is an optician?

An optician is a trained professional who specializes in the fitting, dispensing, and customization of eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. Opticians play a crucial role in helping patients choose the right frames, lenses, and lens coatings to meet their visual needs and preferences. They ensure that eyewear fits properly, provides optimal vision correction, and is comfortable for the wearer. Additionally, opticians may also assist with repairs, adjustments, and educating patients on proper eyewear care.

Question: What is a licensed optician?

A licensed optician is a professional who has completed specific education and training requirements and holds a valid license to practice in the field of eyewear dispensing and fitting. They are skilled in interpreting and filling prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists, ensuring that patients receive accurate and appropriate eyewear solutions. Licensed opticians also have expertise in frame selection, lens customization, adjustments, repairs, and providing guidance on eyewear care and maintenance. Their licensure signifies their competence and adherence to industry standards for delivering quality eye care services.

Question: What is a managing optician?

A managing optician is an experienced and skilled optician who takes on additional responsibilities related to managing the operations of an optical dispensary or eyewear store. This role typically involves overseeing staff, ensuring efficient workflow, managing inventory, coordinating patient appointments, handling customer service inquiries, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Managing opticians may also be involved in training new staff members, implementing sales and marketing strategies, and collaborating with optometrists or ophthalmologists to provide comprehensive eye care services to patients. They play a key role in ensuring the smooth and effective functioning of the optical practice or store.

Question: Do you have optomologists at your office?

We have skilled optometrists who specialize in providing comprehensive routine eye care services. While we don't have ophthalmologists on-site, we maintain close partnerships with trusted ophthalmologists and eye surgeons. When our patients require specialized care, such as surgical procedures or advanced treatments, we refer them to these specialists.

Urban Optiks Optometry Team

Dr. Gary A. Klein, O.D. - Optometrist/Owner

Dr. Klein is originally from the Washington, D.C. area and has been a San Diego “native” since 1989. He received his Bachelor of Science from Emory University in Atlanta and Doctor of Optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia where he completed his internship at The Eye Institute in Philadelphia. With over 40 years of experience in various clinical settings including multi-specialty group practices, Dr. Klein has remained a clinical investigator and professional consultant for various companies in the ophthalmic industry responsible for bringing new eyecare technologies to fruition. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the California Optometric Association. Dr. Klein’s care extends well beyond the exam room. He is active in the community and supports an array of charitable organizations. He is very honored to have been recognized for his philanthropy, both locally and at the national level, but for him it’s always been a part of his commitment to “give back.”

Dr. Wilson Phu, O.D. - Associate Optometrist

Dr. Phu, is a San Diego native and is extremely excited to be back in his hometown. He received his Doctorate of Optometry from UC Berkeley School of Optometry and graduated with Beta Kappa Optometry Society honors. He has completed various internships in many different environments including the Miami VA, OMNI Eye Services in New Jersey, and UC Santa Cruz. Since graduating, Dr. Phu has worked for a variety of practices including private practice, corporate, and even in a federal prison system. Being a glasses wearer for the majority of his life, he understands the importance of vision and how it impacts one’s daily lifestyle. Fun fact, while Dr. Phu was attending UC San Diego for his undergraduate degree, he was an intern at Urban Optiks while he was applying to optometry school. He is honored to be able to come back full-circle at the place that started him on his eye care journey! Dr. Phu enjoys spending time with his partner and their newly adopted puppy Olive. You can also find him on the mountains snowboarding during the winter or playing some golf with his friends during his free time.

Dr. Amanda Thai, O.D. - Associate Optometrist

Dr. Thai is originally from Orange County and made her move to San Diego in 2021. She received her Bachelor's degree in Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley and earned her Doctorate of Optometry at UC Berkeley School of Optometry, where she graduated with honors from the Beta Kappa Optometry Society. Her professional journey includes valuable experiences at clinical settings including the Casa Grande VA, UCSF’s Berkeley Outpatient Clinic, and Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University. Her passion for optometry started at age 12 after her first eye exam. Inspired by the easy rapport with her optometrist, her annual exams became anticipated events. Beyond delivering exceptional eye care, Dr. Thai is committed to recreating the same enjoyable patient experiences she had. When not at work, Dr. Thai enjoys spending her time with her husband Wilson, and their dog Olive. They're often found taking long walks, bike riding, or exploring new restaurants.

Dr. Ananya Jalsingh, O.D. - Associate Optometrist

Dr. Nani is a longtime resident of San Diego, and believes in the importance of establishing a long-term relationship with patients and providing our community with quality healthcare. While in school for her doctorate, Dr. Nani completed many externships focusing on ocular disease, low vision management and co-management with peri-operative surgical procedures. Her education also consisted of a post-graduate clinical fellowship in Anterior Segment Eye Disease, and she has since been practicing full-scope optometry in multiple private practice settings. Outside or work, Dr. Nani is passionately dedicated to community service work and active in global initiatives to bring essential and transformative eye care to underserved, uninsured populations. Along with volunteering weekly at the Lions Optometric Vision Clinic, her more recent international mission included traveling to the remote villages of Fiji.

Kristy Cambone, A.B.O.C. - Managing Optician

Kristy began her optical career in New York in 1995 as an Optical Lab Technician for a large optical chain. She enjoyed the technical aspects of this position and decided to further her knowledge by training to become an Optician. After an apprenticeship with a Master Optician for several years, she successfully passed the New York State Board as a Licensed Optician. She quickly proved to have the aptitude for all aspects of the optical business and was promoted to Store Manager and eventually served as district trainer for the company. In 2001, she relocated to San Diego and decided to shift her focus from the retail chain environment to private practice. She joined Dr. Klein as Managing Optician in 2008, a year after he opened Urban Optiks Optometry. The combination of her technical knowledge, management expertise and appreciation for quality frame lines has been instrumental in helping to build the emerging and growing practice that Urban Optiks is today. Kristy devotes much of her free time volunteering at Project Wildlife as a Wildlife Rehabilitator and at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Her compassion for care and service is also reflected in the attention she shows to each patient and customer at Urban Optiks.

Patti Castillo, A.B.O.C. - Optician

Patti has worked in the optical industry since 2004. She has been employed in both Optometry and Ophthalmology practices which have provided her the opportunity to master her skills in solving a wide variety of visual conditions and patient needs. Patti has experience curating and buying frames and has even worked for a major optical lab where she gained unique technical insight into the lens-making process. Patti’s favorite thing to do is finding that “perfect” pair of glasses for her patient. Over her years of working one-on-one with the entire spectrum of optical wearers, she has learned one crucial truth – the right pair of glasses can add or subtract ten years from a face. She has spent her career “subtracting.” Outside of Urban Optiks, Patti can be found in her art studio where she paints, sculpts, sews, creates 3D renderings & prints, and even does woodworking. She also enjoys visits to Balboa Park and Liberty Station with her husband and two dogs – Zeppelin and Domo.

Serina Miller - Optician

Serina was born and raised in Virginia but recently made the move to sunny San Diego. Since she was young, she knew she wanted to work in the medical field, and in 2021, she discovered her passion for optics. Having worn glasses herself since the age of 8, Serina understands the importance of finding the perfect pair of frames and lenses tailored to each individual's needs. She finds immense joy in helping patients find unique glasses to match their personalities and premium lenses to improve their vision. Serina holds a certificate in medical coding and billing from Penn Foster College. Outside of work, Serina loves traveling with her family, with Puerto Rico being her favorite destination so far. She's also an avid cook and baker, and in her free time, she enjoys playing the violin.

Kari Gridley - Office Administrator

Kari has been a part of the luxury optical industry since 2005. She initially joined Urban Optiks as an optician in 2013, where she further refined her opticianry skills and played a significant role in developing many of the systems and operational processes still in use today. Her passion for design and fashion led her to take some time away to pursue a degree in design. In 2022, Kari returned to Urban Optiks in a new role as an Office Administrator. Her optical expertise and meticulous attention to detail have proven to be invaluable in supporting our core operational functions. Outside of work, Kari enjoys attending live shows and concerts, exploring art exhibitions, and attending cosplay conventions - costumes and all.

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Doctors & Team

Urban Optiks Optometry Team