Meet Our Team
Pediatric Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Executive & Director Team
PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
Robert A King, MD, Retired, Founding Partner
Dr. King graduated Magna Cum Laude from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He obtained a Master’s Degree in history from Indiana University and his Medical Degree from the University of Colorado. There he was elected to membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his residency in 1985 at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and his Pediatric Ophthalmology / Adult Strabismus Fellowship at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. King is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Colorado Ophthalmological Society, the Colorado Medical Society, the Arapahoe-Douglas-Elbert Medical Society, and the Denver Medical Society.
Diana M. DeSantis, MD, Founding Partner
Dr. DeSantis graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Christian University’s Honors Program. She was elected to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She then went on to earn her Medical Degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. After completing her Ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, she fulfilled her fellowship training in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. DeSantis is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Colorado Ophthalmological Society, the Colorado Medical Society, the Arapahoe-Douglas-Elbert Medical Society, and the Denver Medical Society.
Christopher M. Bardorf, MD
Dr. Bardorf’s undergraduate degree is from Fairfield University, in Fairfield, Connecticut. He obtained a Masters Degree in biophysics from Georgetown University in Washington DC and his Medical Degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology at the Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, Michigan. He did his fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at Washington University’s St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Dr. Bardorf is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Colorado Ophthalmological Society, the Colorado Medical Society, the Arapahoe-Douglas-Elbert Medical Society, and the Denver Medical Society.
Anna L. Steele, MD
Dr. Steele’s undergraduate degree is from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She obtained her Medical Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine where she was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She completed her residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and completed her fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Steele is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Colorado Ophthalmological Society, the Colorado Medical Society, the Arapahoe-Douglas-Elbert Medical Society, and the Denver Medical Society.
Adrienne L. Ruth, MD
Dr. Ruth graduated with distinction from Stanford University. She was elected to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. She obtained her Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School. She completed her residency in Ophthalmology at Emory Eye Center and a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the Jules Stein Eye Institute in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Ruth has enjoyed being involved in medical missionary work in such places as Ecuador and Costa Rica and is fluent in Spanish. Dr. Ruth is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Colorado Ophthalmological Society, the Colorado Medical Society, the Arapahoe-Douglas-Elbert Medical Society, and the Denver Medical Society.
Justin H. Arbuckle, MD
Dr. Arbuckle received his undergraduate degree in Global Economics from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University Strich School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois where he obtained his Medical Degree and was elected to membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. After completing his ophthalmology residency at the Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, he then went on to complete a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Arbuckle is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, a member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus as well as the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Rachel Reem, MD
Dr. Reem completed her medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio, and Ophthalmology residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Reem is an esteemed member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, as well as the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group.
OPTOMETRISTS
Amanda Huston, OD, FAAO
Dr. Huston has an undergraduate degree from Houghton College in New York. She obtained her Doctorate of Optometry and Master’s degree in vision science from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where she graduated summa cum laude. She was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society and the Gold Key International Honor Society during her time at Ohio State. Dr. Huston completed a Pediatric Optometry residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 2013 and received the Terrence N. Ingraham Pediatric Residency Award for clinical excellence in pediatric patient care. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry.
Jessie Vassau, OD, FAAO
Dr. Vassau obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology & Health Promotion, with a Minor in Chemistry from University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. She obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, California, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In August 2010, Dr. Vassau was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society, Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Vassau completed a Pediatric Optometry residency at University of Alabama School of Optometry & Eye Care in Birmingham, Alabama, and received the Terrence N. Ingraham Pediatric Residency Award for clinical excellence in pediatric patient care. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, Colorado Optometric Association and the Alabama Optometric Association.
Paul McHenry, OD
We are very happy to welcome Dr. McHenry to our practice, joining our Family Optometry team in May 2020. Dr. McHenry earned his undergraduate BS degree in Economics from Seton Hall University in New Jersey, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He completed Post-Graduate studies in Biology from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. Dr. McHenry’s Doctorate of Optometry degree comes from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Optometry and the Colorado Optometric Association. Dr. McHenry and his family relocated to Colorado in late April 2020 and we are very pleased to have him join our Family Optometry team.
Dr. McHenry’s family Optometry patient care interests span a variety of adult ocular diseases, vision health and contact lens technology.
Lauren Bobick, OD, FAAO
We are very happy to welcome Dr. Lauren Bobick to our practice. She will be joining our Optometry team in early January 2024. Dr. Bobick obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the University of Ohio. She obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from the Ohio State University in 2011. Dr. Bobick completed a Ocular Disease and Primary Care Residency at the Albuquerque VA. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry. She presented and wrote the ‘Longitudinal Impact of Diabetes Mellitus And Prostaglandin Analogue Use On Central Corneal Thickness ‘ at the American Academy meeting, Phoenix 2012. Dr. Bobick relocated to Colorado in December of 2023 and we are very pleased to have her join our Medical Team . Beyond her professional qualifications, Dr. Bobick is a dynamic optometrist, combining her expertise in ocular disease with a vibrant personality and compassion for helping people. Fueled by a deep love for animals she is also known for her volunteer work in sheltering and fostering puppies , kittens and special needs animals.
Rebecca Phung, OD, FAAO
We are very happy to welcome Dr. Phung to our practice , joining our Pediatric Optometry team in November 2023. Dr. Phung obtained her bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from University of California. She obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern California College of Optometry , graduating Summa Cum Laude in May 2022. Dr. Phung completed a Pediatric Residency at Ketchum Health in Anaheim Hills, CA providing primary care eye exams for children of all ages. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry and was enrolled and examined patients to contribute to clinical research In eye disorders that effect children. She presented and wrote the ‘Assessment of Cortical Visual Impairment in a Toddler’ at the American Academy of Optometry meeting, San Diego 2022. Dr. Phung relocated to Colorado in October of 2023 and we are very pleased to have her join our Pediatric Optometry Team . Beyond her professional qualifications, Dr. Phung is known for her compassionate approach and dedication to patient well-being. She prioritizes building strong doctor- family and patient relationships, ensuring each individual feels heard and understood.
Lynette Bridges
Chief Executive Officer
Lynette Bridges, a Colorado Native, started her healthcare career working for Health One as an Accounts Payable Clerk. Her career developed into overseeing the operations of two ambulatory surgery centers. In 2000, Lynette joined Children’s Eye Physicians as its Practice Administrator and is now its Chief Executive Officer. Lynette graduated Summa Cum Laude from Regis University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting. Since 2000, Lynette has been instrumental in growing the practice from three physicians and two locations to four, soon to be five location and 12 providers. Lynette happily characterizes her long standing relationship helping the practice serve its patients and families as being one of the most personally rewarding experiences of her life. She looks forward to continuing to be a part of a first class specialty medical practice for many years to come.
DIRECTOR TEAM
Tessa Gaona
Director of Patient Services
Tessa Gaona joined Children’s Eye Physicians in 2014 and serves as the practice’s Director of Patient Services. She brings over ten years of team management experience offering excellent oversight and leadership to the Children’s Eye Physicians’ patient services team. Tessa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science, with a Minor in Social Work from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Tessa is an active member of the Denver Medical Study Group and volunteers with the Stout Street Healthcare Coalition for the Homeless. Tessa is a Colorado native and a busy mom of two children.
Briana Pierce
Director of Patient Financial Services
Briana Pierce serves as the practice’s Director of Patient Financial Services and has been working with Children’s Eye Physicians since 2004. Briana holds a BS degree in Health/Health Care Administration Management from Colorado State University. She is a very skilled and accomplished professional offering expert guidance for the practice’s patients as they navigate their insurance benefits. Briana is a trusted and experienced leader supporting the valuable services Children’s Eye Physicians offers its patient and families.
Irais Lucero
Director of Human Resources
Irais Lucero joined Children’s Eye Physicians in 2012 and now serves as the practice’s Director of Human Resources. Her career with Children’s Eye Physicians exposed Irais to various key functions within the practice such as Customer Service, Operations, Staff Training and Development. She brings to her role as the Director of Human Resources over a decade of experience in process improvement, training, team management experience and leadership. Irais is an involved member of Colorado’s Mile High Society for Human Resource Management. She is actively pursuing the Associate Professional in Human Resources certification.
Irais’ organizational philosophy is founded on the belief that positioning your career serving others can be immensely rewarding. She serves an integral role in everything the practice does to help support Children’s Eye Physicians caring for its patients and their families.
Irais is a Colorado native, having enjoyed all of the wonderful things this beautiful state has to offer. She is a busy mom of two boys and a big fan of Colorado’s sports teams, no matter how they’re doing season to season.
Alex Getlan, CPA
Director of Finance
Alex Getlan joined Children’s Eye Physicians in 2017. Alex received a Masters in Accountancy from the University of Denver in 2011. He created a well balanced foundation for his professional career through holding accounting positions in both the public and private accounting sector. Alex received his CPA license from the state of Colorado in 2012 and is driven by the commitment to continuous education.
He believes that an organization is only truly successful when they are a socially responsible contributing member of the community.
When not focusing on providing relevant and reliable financial information, Alex enjoys spending time exploring the Rocky Mountains and traveling.