Get to know our Optometrist and Owner, Dr. Jennifer Castillo (formerly Dr. Khem).
Where are you from originally?
A small town outside of Fort Worth, TX — I am a native Texan but have since made Los Angeles my home as I love the people, weather, beach, activities and so much more!
Where did you go to school?
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, graduating a year early with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and then attended optometry school at the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry. Afterward, I chose to complete an optional residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hudson Valley in New York.
Where have you lived?
I was fortunate to experience short periods of time living in various parts of the U.S. due to my externships during optometry school. I’ve lived in Austin, Texas, SF Bay Area, Portland, Oregon, Washington D.C., and Westchester, New York.
What languages do you speak?
I can understand Cambodian very well.
Are you a morning or night person?
Night owl.
What’s your favorite time of day?
Nighttime.
Beach or Mountains?
Both.
What is the sound you love the most?
The sound of rain.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee and boba.
Sweet or Savory?
Sweet — I have a huge sweet tooth!
What three words best describe you?
Kind, empathetic, generous.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Visiting the bioluminescent ocean in Maldives.
What do you find funny?
Reading the comments section of any video or post.
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
Kauai and Kualoa Ranch on Oahu.
Favorite Artist?
Lana del Rey and Billie Eilish for their ethereal vocals and Unlike Pluto.
Favorite Movie?
Meet Joe Black.
Favorite Quote?
“Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity.”
Favorite board game?
Othello.
What is something that amazes you?
The ingenuity of children and their ability to learn in such a short period of time. They are little geniuses!
Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?
I can fulfill my passion of helping my patients improve their quality of life through vision.
What is the best part of your career?
Meeting new people everyday and making a positive impact.
What is the most memorable part of your career?
Every time I see a huge smile from someone who is seeing clearly for the first time and seeing their genuine reaction. It warms my heart.
What is something that you take pride in?
I take pride in the commitment I have to my patients and provide them with the time, energy, resources and comprehensive care they deserve. I treat all my patients like they are my family — they are someone’s parent, sibling, friend, etc. So it is an honor for someone to choose me to care for their eyes and in return I will do my best to ensure they are taken care of. It brings me joy to see my patients’ vision improve, which is why I have taken a great interest in scleral lenses since these lenses can bring patients to seeing 20/20 who have never seen that well before their entire lives — that is truly a rewarding experience and always a highlight of my career.
What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen?
People helping other people or animals.
Who inspires you to be better?
Children. They are pure examples of those who do not discriminate and see past race and beliefs, are curious and maintain a zest for learning.
What is something you will NEVER do again?
Ride Shotgun Falls at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor or any tall water slide.
What bends your mind every time you think about it?
That our eyes see everything upside down — so how is the world really like if we see everything inverted?
What is the best purchase you’ve ever made?
My PopSocket.
Wow, this piece of writing is fastidious, my sister is analyzing such things, therefore I am going to let know
her.