Derrick E. Woo, OD
Derrick E. Woo, OD, graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 2001. He has worked in numerous optometric disciplines, including a large group practice, high end boutique practice and a contact lens specialty practice. In addition, he has provided care for a vast spectrum of patients, including at a military hospital, at an Indian Health Service center and at a Veteran’s Affairs service unit.
He has administered vision care to the under served both domestically and internationally. His travels have taken him to Guatemala City, Guatemala and Ensenada, Mexico, where he has partnered with health care teams to treat eye disease and dispense glasses to those in need. Naturally, he speaks Spanish. Locally, he is part of the Los Angeles Mission health care team providing services to the disadvantaged in downtown Los Angeles.
As a practitioner certified to perform the fullest scope of optometry under California state law, he is licensed to treat glaucoma perform procedures associated with wet and dry eye prescribe oral and topical antibiotics remove foreign objects from the cornea and treat red eyes. He brings this wealth of experience with a caring and creative touch to the office. Having been an optometry patient since the age of 5, long before he became an eye doctor, he knows that every patient deserves a patient, clear and easy to understand explanation of their visual and eye health. He feels that every concern that you may have should be attended to carefully and addressed in a manner that exceeds your expectations.
Dr. Woo is certified to fit Paragon CRT, a contact lens that is worn at night so that correction does not need to be worn during the day. He is also authorized to treat patients with keratoconus with Kerasoft IC, a soft contact lens that improves vision on an irregular cornea. He utilizes ICD FlexFit scleral lenses to improve comfort for patients that need rigid contact lenses. Lastly, he is accredited with MiSight and Naturalvue, soft contacts that have been shown to lower significantly nearsighted progression.
You can be assured that you and your family will receive this type of personal care at Pacific Vision Care, Optometric Services, Inc. Welcome to our office.
Meet Our Friendly Staff
Christina Castorena, Optician
Christina has been with Pacific Vision Care, Optometric Services, Inc. since early 2015 and has personally needed many types of corrective eyewear.
She is able to make recommendations to suit your exact needs and solve your visual concerns. Her thorough knowledge about frame brands,helps her find just the right fit and style to have you walking out confident with your eyeglasses decision. She will ensure that any insurance related questions, whether they be vision or medical, can be answered in a prompt timely manner and be explained to your best understanding.
Christina is currently studying biology and plans to apply to optometry school after completing her undergraduate work.
Mia Ruiz, Optician
Mia joined Pacific Vision Care, Optometric Services Inc. in 2023, she is a detail oriented optician who is very passionate in helping patients achieve clear vision and comfortable eyewear. Mia is fluent in English and Spanish and will always welcome everyone with a smile! Dedicated to providing a positive and informative experience for each patient, Mia will always ensure the patient is satisfied with their new eyewear!
Yazmine Soto, Optician
Yazmine Soto is a dedicated optician with a keen eye for both vision and style. She always had a passion for fashion, now she enjoys guiding patients through the process of selecting frames and lenses that best suits their vision needs, lifestyle, and appearance. Yazmine brings patience, attention to detail, and a warm welcoming approach to every interaction.
Janet Zepeda, Optician
Optician Technician Practitioner who graduated and received her Certificate of Completion for Medical Administrative Assistant/Front Desk at SCROC, Southern California Regional Occupational Center in the city of Torrance, CA in June 2016. Has over 10 years of experience in Customer Service and comes highly recommended. Janet also took courses for Computer Essential Typing skills and has received knowledge in not just typing but in Microsoft Word and Excel. Janet has been with Pacific Vision Care a little over 5 years and can assist with questions, concerns, and frame selection. Also, she is currently working on receiving a Broker’s License, as well as plans to return to school for a Degree in the near future. She’s looking forward to serving you!
Jason Massey, Optometric Intern
Born in Ohio and raised in the Northern California town of Pleasant Hill, Jason pursued his passion for movement at California State University, Long Beach, where he majored in Kinesiology. Now a graduate, he is diligently completing the final prerequisites necessary to apply for optometry school. Eager to delve into the field, Jason connected with Dr. Woo, who generously welcomed him for a shadowing experience. This opportunity to shadow Dr. Woo has been profoundly enriching. Dr. Woo's open sharing of his experiences, not only as a skilled optometrist but also as a business owner, has significantly deepened Jason's understanding of the profession and ignited his inspiration. Dr. Woo's supportive nature and commitment to guiding aspiring professionals have left a lasting positive impression on Jason. As August approaches, Jason is focused on preparing for the OAT, his enthusiasm for his chosen path unwavering. This valuable shadowing experience has solidified his passion for optometry, and he looks forward with anticipation to the fulfilling career that lies ahead.
Jenny Thai, Optometric Intern
Jenny Thai graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, class of 2016. She is a former research assistant for Dr. Reznick’s Guppy Lab, and secretary for UCR’s pre-optometry club, Precision for Vision. She has traveled to Tecate, Mexico to volunteer at a clinic with PFV;participated at vision screenings; and volunteered with clubs such as Student Homeless Aid Relief Project and Lions Club International. Jenny has volunteered and shadowed many hours at an optometry office in Fountain Valley, as well as a medical office in Long Beach, giving her the opportunity to practice speaking Vietnamese. In her free time she likes to explore Southern California to try foods that are trending on social media. Jenny plans to apply to Optometry school and become a candidate for the class of 2022.
Hector Carillo, Optometric Intern
Hector is a student intern at Pacific Vision Care Optometric Services, Inc.,who has been providing patients with quality health care since he jumped on board.
He is currently an undergraduate student at California State University, Fullerton and is pursuing a career in optometry. He was first introduced into optometry as an adolescent who needed refractive vision correction and has been interested in eye health and vision science ever since. This interest has led him to Pacific Vision Care, Optometric Services, Inc., where Dr. Woo has been very keen on sharing his knowledge about the eye to Hector and his patients. Striving to be a future health care leader, Hector wants to make sure that every patient gets a great patient experience. You can approach him for any questions or concerns that you may have.If you have any questions in Spanish, also, he can help you.
