Optical Concepts

Bios

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  Ahmad A. Amir, M.D.

  Ophthalmologist

  Ahmad A. Amir, MD, is a highly qualified ophthalmologist and one of the founding members and managing partners at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Amir treats patients at the practice’s offices in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo. In Dr. Amir’s own words, “one of the things I enjoy most about being an ophthalmologist is the long-term relationships I’ve developed with my patients. Improving vision makes such an immediate and profound difference in the quality of a person’s life.” Dr. Amir graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, and earned his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. He then performed his residency in ophthalmology at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and completed an internship in internal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, also in Philadelphia. Dr. Amir is currently a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. At Pacific Eye, Dr. Amir specializes in cataract surgery, refractive surgery, conductive keratoplasty, and general ophthalmology. He also maintains a focus on LASIK surgery and glaucoma treatment. Outside of work, Dr. Amir volunteers his time as a Health Services Cluster member for the San Luis Obispo County Economic Vitality Corporation and serves as a board member and was the past president of the San Luis Obispo County Medical Association, as well as a delegate to the California Medical Association. He loves to cook, hike, and spend time with his children. He’s also an avid movie lover and current president of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.

  Link: Ahmad A. Amir, M.D.

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  Maziar Bidar, M.D.

  Ophthalmologist | ASOPRS Fellowship Trained

  Pacific eye has added Facial Plastic and Oculoplastic Surgery provider, Maziar Bidar, MD to their practice location in San Luis Obispo. Dr. Bidar grew up in the Central Valley and attended U. C. Davis where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Genetics. He finished his medical degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine with honors. Dr. Bidar completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Colorado in Denver. He received an approved two-year fellowship in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Vanderbilt University, St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, and the University of Tennessee. Dr. Bidar has extensive training in eyelid and facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. In addition to spending time with his family, Dr. Bidar enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and tennis. Dr. Bidar is one of the only 600 surgeons in the country who is certified by the prestigious American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and the only one in the Central Valley as well as a member of the board of directors for the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons. Dr. Bidar has performed over 12,000 surgeries and laser treatments and over 17,000 facial filler and Botox injections. Dr. Bidar is proud to say that he takes a caring and conservative approach to patients’ facial improvements. It is Dr. Bidar’s goal to customize a treatment plan that is unique to his patients’ specific needs. Dr. Bidar is specialized in many facial procedures and treatments including Laser-Assisted Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, Botox, Dermal Fillers, Obagi Skin Care, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Perlane-L, Facial Rejuvenation, Restylane, Brow and Forehead Lift, Under Eye Puffiness, Juvederm and Latisse. Call (805) 545-8100 to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr Bidar.

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Maziar Bidar, M.D.

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  Robert Dirksen, O.D.

  Optometrist

  Robert Dirksen, OD, practices at Pacific Eye, an optometry and ophthalmology practice with offices in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Pacific Eye is proud to welcome Dr. Dirksen to the practice, where he specializes in general optometry and glaucoma treatment. Dr. Dirksen treats patients at the offices in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, as well as at Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Dirksen received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. He then earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Dirksen is a member of the American Academy of Optometry. Committed to providing top-level eye care to patients throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, Dr. Dirksen is an expert in his field and can help create customized treatment plans for each of his patients. His thorough knowledge of glaucoma care enables him the ability to provide his patients with excellent care.

  Services:

  Link: Robert Dirksen, O.D.

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  Robert Higginbotham, M.D.

  Ophthalmologist

  Robert W. Higginbotham, MD, is a talented and empathetic ophthalmologist who treats patients at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Higginbotham sees patients at the offices in San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. In Dr. Higginbotham’s own words, “as a doctor in Vietnam, I saw what the ravages of war can do to people’s lives. That experience led me to form a nonprofit corporation to build free eye care clinics in Vietnam. It’s incredibly gratifying to help these people see a new world.” After graduating from the University of Arizona in Tucson with a Bachelor of Science in zoology, Dr. Higginbotham earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco and his internship at Brooke Army Medical Center in Houston. Dr. Higginbotham is currently a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Higginbotham served as a surgeon in war-torn Vietnam, which inspired him to help the underprivileged through eye care. He formed a nonprofit corporation to build free eye care clinics in Vietnam to help the men, woman, and children of that country through improved vision. This enthusiasm for improving people’s vision continues today with his patients from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. At Pacific Eye, Dr. Higginbotham specializes in cataract surgery, refractive surgery, oculoplastics, and general ophthalmology. His experience as a clinical instructor in eye surgery has allowed him to develop a particularly communicative and compassionate bedside manner, which goes a long way in helping his patients to understand and be at ease about their care, even when surgery is necessary.

  Services:

  Link: Robert Higginbotham, M.D.

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  Christopher S. Hulburd, M.D.

  Ophthalmologist

  Christopher S. Hulburd, MD, is an accomplished and caring ophthalmologist who provides eye care to patients at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Hulburd practices at the offices in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. In Dr. Hulburd’s own words, “I particularly enjoy the practice of ophthalmology because we provide both medical and surgical care for the patient. Surgery has its rewards in being challenging and providing very gratifying results. I also love the opportunity to have long-term relationships with patients.” Dr. Hulburd graduated from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Uniformed Services University National Capital Consortium in Bethesda, Maryland, and did an internship in internal medicine at Naval Hospital Oakland in Oakland, California. He’s currently a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. At Pacific Eye, Dr. Hulburd specializes in treating glaucoma, performing refractive and cataract surgery, and practicing general medical ophthalmology. His commitment to his patients and to providing outstanding care make him a valuable addition to the Pacific Eye team.

  Services:

  Link: Christopher S. Hulburd, M.D.

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  William McRee, M.D.

  Ophthalmologist

  William E. McRee, MD, is a skilled and trailblazing ophthalmologist who sees patients at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. McRee sees patients at the offices in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, and Santa Maria. In Dr. McRee’s own words, “being an active outdoor person, I appreciate the importance of good vision to the quality of our lives. It’s especially gratifying to help my patients achieve their individual goals, regardless of age.” After graduating from Occidental College in Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry, Dr. McRee earned his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.He then completed his internship in Internal Medicine at UCLA/San Fernando Valley Program. at the Sepulveda VA Ambulatory Care Center in North Hills, California, and a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Dr. McRee is currently a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and California Association of Ophthalmology. Dr. McRee came to the Central Coast in 1990 after completing his training and passing the ophthalmology board exam with one of the highest scores in the country. In 1996, he became among the first doctors in the country to perform LASIK surgery. At Pacific Eye, Dr. McRee continues to focus his practice on laser vision correction, and also specializes in cataract and lens implant surgery.

  Services:

  Link: William McRee, M.D.

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  Craig A. Merrill, M.D.

  Ophthalmologist

  Craig A. Merrill, MD, is an ophthalmologist at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Merrill practices at the offices in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, specializes in cataract surgery, refractive surgery, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology. In Dr. Merrill’s own words, “Vision is the most precious of all senses, and nothing is more gratifying than improving someone's eyesight. My skills as an ophthalmologist have given me the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on my patient's lives.” Although a native of California's Central Coast, Dr. Merrill traveled to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, for his undergraduate studies. He then earned his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Merrill returned to Utah for his internship at the University of Utah Health, and completed his residency at the school’s Moran Eye Center, both in Salt Lake City. An expert in the fields of glaucoma, cataract, and refractive lens and laser surgery, Dr. Merrill has performed thousands of major eye surgeries since he started practicing comprehensive and refractive surgical ophthalmology on the Central Coast in 1995. Among his patients are doctors, nurses, lawyers, civic leaders, several NBA players, and even exotic animals such as white tigers. Dr. Merrill is a diplomate with the American Board of Ophthalmology, as well as a member of the National Board of Medical Examiners. He has previously served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, volunteer missionary in Italy, and as a domestic and international disaster relief worker. Today, he regularly performs medical and surgical volunteer work, and volunteers with several local charitable organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America.

  Services:

  Link: Craig A. Merrill, M.D.

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  Brent Oldenburg, M.D.

  Ophthalmologist

  Brent Oldenburg, MD, specializes in laser, refractive, cataract surgery, and glaucoma management at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Oldenburg practices at the offices in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. In. Dr. Oldenburg’s own words, “Ophthalmology is the perfect profession for me. It combines my love of science, technology, and thrill for improving my patient's lives. It's very visual — looking into a patient's optic nerve tells us much about their overall health.” Considered one of the area's top LASIK surgeons, Dr. Oldenburg relocated to the Central Coast in 1998 specifically to establish the region's first LASIK eye center. He has performed thousands of eye surgeries, including more than 2,000 LASIK procedures. After receiving his undergraduate degree at Emory University in Atlanta, Dr. Oldenburg earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. He then performed his internship and a pediatrics residency at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, and also completed another residency at the Doheny Eye Institute in Los Angeles. Dr. Oldenburg is a diplomate with the American Board of Ophthalmology, as well as a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and International Society.of Refractive Surgery.

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Brent Oldenburg, M.D.

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  Mark D. Sherman, M.D.

  Cornea Specialist, Ophthalmologist

  Mark D. Sherman, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Sherman practices at the offices in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. In Dr. Sherman’s own words, “As a musician, I learned that it's all about technique and performance. The same applies to my practice as an ophthalmologist. It's a privilege to teach in Loma Linda's School of Medicine, and donate eye care for global communities in need.” Dr. Sherman received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. He remained in New York to complete his internship at St. Luke’s Hospital and then did his fellowship training at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson. Dr. Sherman is a diplomate with the American Board of Ophthalmology, as well as a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and American Uveitis Society. At Pacific Eye, Dr. Sherman’s specialties include cataract surgery, refractive surgery, general ophthalmology, corneal transplants, uveitis, dry eye disorders, intacs for keratoconus, and glaucoma. In addition to the vital role he plays at the practice, Dr. Sherman has been published extensively on various topics in ophthalmology, earning numerous honors and awards along the way.

  Services:

  Link: Mark D. Sherman, M.D.

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  Jen Spiegel, M.D.

  Retina Specialist, Ophthalmologist

  Jen Spiegel, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in vitreoretinal surgeries at Pacific Eye, an eye care practice with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Pacific Eye is proud to welcome Dr. Spiegel to the practice. She sees patients at the offices in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Santa Maria. Dr. Spiegel earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, and her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City. She continued her education at the University of Kansas, performing an internship in internal medicine and residency in ophthalmology. Dr. Spiegel then completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery and medicine at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Spiegel is also a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and California Medical Association.

  Services:

  Link: Jen Spiegel, M.D.

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  Scot A. Class, O.D.

  Optometrist

  Scot A. Class, OD, is an optometrist at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Class sees patients at the offices in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, as well as at Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Pacific Eye is proud to welcome Dr. Class to the practice, and he’s committed to giving each of his patients in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties comprehensive eye care. Dr. Class attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in creative studies with an emphasis on biology. He then continued his education at the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, California. Dr. Class is a member of Beta Sigma Kappa, an international optometric honor society. Offering state-of-the-art eye care to his patients, Dr. Class finds customized treatment plans tailored to each specific person. He’s a member of both the American Optometric Association and Arizona Optometric Association.

  Services:

  Link: Scot A. Class, O.D.

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  Joe Horne, O.D.

  Optometrist

  Joe Horne, OD, has been practicing optometry for 30 years and has been providing eye care for 25 years on the central coast. He cares for patients in both the Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo offices. He loves being able to help patients see their best and takes pride in answering all patient questions in an easy to understand way. Dr Horne graduated with honors from the University of Nevada-Reno with a bachelor of science in Pre-medicine, and then earned his doctorate of optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton California. To pursue the highest quality standards he attained further training in ocular therapeutics and glaucoma. Family life is important to Dr Horne and together with his wife of over 30 years have raised four children. All three of his sons attended West Point Military Academy and serve in the army. His daughter is a financial analyst in New York City. When not in the office Dr Horne can be found playing softball, working out at the gym, attending church, or walking his semi-obedient labradoodle named Teddy.

  Services:

  Link: Joe Horne, O.D.