About Our Eye Clinic in Pasadena

Dr. Van Woerkom is known for his patient, thorough approach to eye care. He takes time to listen, explain findings clearly, and ensure every question is answered so patients leave feeling cared for and never rushed. He is genuinely committed to follow-up care, including coordinating with specialists when needed, which helps patients feel supported through every step of their eye health journey.

After earning his Doctor of Optometry degree, Dr. Van Woerkom completed a residency in primary eye care at the Sepulveda VA from 2001 to 2002, where he gained extensive experience in managing glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal disease, and dry eye. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and received the Award for Excellence in Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses from the RGP Institute in 2001.

Dr. Van Woerkom enjoys all aspects of optometry, with particular expertise in contact lens fittings, complex or specialty lenses, and dry eye management. He finds great fulfillment in helping patients see and live better, whether through creative solutions for specific vision needs or by educating them about their eye health.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Van Woerkom enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 children, caring for his father, and staying active through sports, both playing and watching.

Dr. Gee provides compassionate, comprehensive care with a special focus on Primary Care Optometry. For her, the most rewarding part of her work is connecting with patients to help them achieve clear, comfortable vision and maintain lifelong eye health.

She takes the time to understand each patient’s needs, offering clear explanations and personalized recommendations so you can make confident, informed decisions about your care. Dr. Gee earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1991.

When she’s not seeing patients, Dr. Gee enjoys travelling and staying active through fitness activities like Zumba, yoga, tai chi, and meditation.

Dr. Snowden believes great vision begins with meaningful connection. She’s dedicated to helping people improve their quality of life by creating a positive, professional, and friendly experience for every patient.

When you see Dr. Snowden, you can expect her to listen carefully to your concerns and take a thoughtful, thorough approach to your care. She takes pride in building genuine relationships and ensuring each patient’s visual needs are met with precision and compassion.

Dr. Snowden earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the UC Berkeley School of Optometry (1996), where she was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society. She also holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley (1999) and a B.A. in Chemistry with Phi Beta Kappa honours and Distinction from Swarthmore College (1985).

Outside the clinic, Dr. Snowden enjoys playing the cello, singing in a choral group, reading, exploring genealogy, and participating in social justice initiatives. She also loves spending time with her family and cooking.

Jezebel’s goal is to deliver a positive experience for every patient and help them feel confident in their choices. As a certified optometric technician and optician, she works to make each visit welcoming and comfortable, listening closely to patients’ needs and paying attention to details such as fit, comfort, and style.

What Jezebel enjoys most about her work is the variety. She loves meeting new people every day and helping them find frames that reflect their personality and lifestyle, turning what can sometimes feel stressful into a fun, enjoyable experience.

Jezebel has been in the optical field for three years and joined the Pasadena Optometry Center team 11 months ago. She completed Certified Optometric Technician levels I and II and uses her training to provide thoughtful, attentive care to every patient.

With 15 years of experience in the optical industry, Melisa brings expertise, professionalism, and compassion to her role. She takes a patient-first approach in everything she does, always ready to answer questions, lend a hand, and make every visit a positive experience.

Melisa enjoys the variety her job offers, from helping patients select eyewear to managing billing and supporting the clinic team. She loves that every day brings something new to learn and new people to connect with.

Melisa joined Pasadena Optometry Center 4 years ago and holds a diploma in Optical Technology along with ABO Certification from American Career College (2010).

When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and listening to music.

Leslie plays a key role at Pasadena Optometry Center as both contact lens manager and receptionist. She finds it most rewarding to help patients throughout their visit and ensure their needs are met with care and attention. For Leslie, the best part of her work is the strong sense of teamwork that defines the practice.

She has been part of the Pasadena Optometry Center family for more than 4 years and continues to bring warmth, organization, and energy to every interaction.

Outside of work, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and taking her little one to the park.

Jasmine is one of the first smiling faces to greet you when you arrive at Pasadena Optometry Center. She takes pride in making patients feel welcome and enjoys being part of a supportive, collaborative team.

With 4 years of experience in the field, Jasmine brings both warmth and efficiency to the front desk. Jasmine earned her MA Certificate from American Career College in 2019.

In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her family.

Rosie helps keep the clinic running smoothly by assisting with appointment scheduling and insurance verification. Her goal is to make every visit seamless and stress-free. She brings 3 years of experience in the optical industry and joined the Pasadena Optometry Center team less than a year ago.

Outside of the office, Rosie loves spending time with her family and friends, catching up on a good book, or relaxing with a movie.