Dr. Catherine Park, Optometrist
University of Texas at Austin (Dedman Distinguished Scholar, Plan II Honors Program)
University of Houston (Doctor of Optometry)

My favorite city is... This is a given: Austin. I've lived here over 20 years. My favorite city to vacation is Maui, but I could never live full-time on an island. I'm a Texan, through and through.

Are you a morning or a night person? I am definitely a morning person. I try to get up an hour before my husband and kids so I can have some peace to myself.

I am best known to my family for... My son Blake commented the other day that dad makes yummy food. When asked what mom does, he replied I buy yummy food. So I guess I’m known for being a horrible cook and guilty of too many takeout dinners!

Favorite smell? The smell of Autumn in the air.

What's the last tv show or movie that made you cry? I’m a K-drama junkie. It’s impossible to watch any Korean drama without a box of kleenex.

Favorite foods? Dumplings. And donuts! My parents owned a donut shop in Dallas for 20 years. I still love donuts.

Did you always want to be an optometrist? It never crossed my mind growing up because I wanted to be a dermatologist. I was going to attend medical school right out of high school. I changed my mind at the last minute when UT offered me a full scholarship. I received an amazing liberal arts education at UT and went into banking after I graduated. I wasn't happy in the financial world so I made the switch to optometry at the suggestion of my husband because of the flexible work-family schedule.

What are your hobbies? My schedule doesn't allow for too many hobbies, but I enjoy baking as well as experimenting with flower arrangements. For my 40th birthday, I spent a week taking classes with a well known florist in Seoul.

 

Dr. Michelle Kim Le, Optometrist
Brown University (Bachelor of Arts in Biology)
State University of New York College of Optometry (Doctor of Optometry)
Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Residency in Primary Care & Ocular Disease)

Where did you live before Austin? I came to Austin via Albuquerque, NM. I miss the beautiful sunsets, mystical landscape, and charming coffee shops.

Are you a morning or a night person? Every night I look forward to my morning cup of cold brew. I like to wake up early enough to have some peaceful coffee time before the day starts.

I am best known to my family for... tripping over air and being quirky.

I am best known to my friends for... being encouraging and funny.

What's your favorite movie? My recent favorite is Knives Out. It’s hilarious and brilliant.

What's the last joke someone told you?
 What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between you and me, something smells.

Favorite Austin restaurants? Tuk Tuk Thai, Bun Belly, and Bird Bird Biscuit

Favorite foods? banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), a nice cold grapefruit, and tiramisu

Did you always want to be an optometrist? I also considered teaching and medical illustration but chose optometry to work one-on-one with people and to help them see better.

 

Dr. Jessica Tran, Optometrist
University of Houston (Bachelor of Science)
Illinois College of Optometry (Doctor of Optometry)
More info coming soon!