Doctors
Doctors
Doctors
6/10/2024
Dearest Patients,
It is with a mix of emotions that I write to announce my retirement from optometry, effective August 30, 2024. For the past 37 years, I've had the privilege of caring for your vision.
Seeing many of you become patients as children, then parents, and even grandparents yourselves has been incredibly rewarding. The trust you've placed in me to ensure your eye health has been a true honor. I've cherished our conversations, from discussing the latest advancements in lens technology to catching up on family, life, and all our vacations.
While I'm excited to embark on this new chapter of retirement, I will certainly miss our regular visits. However, I'm confident you'll be in good hands. Dr. Alex Pham, who bought my practice three years ago, is excellent. His wife, Dr. Samantha Bautista is my doctor now. Dr. Vanessa Avery has been with the practice for over eight years and is very loved by all her patients. It's easy to see why with her being so amazing at her job.
To ensure a smooth transition, your medical records will be readily available to your new doctor. Please schedule your next appointment with the office to discuss your individual needs.
Thank you for your loyalty and friendship over the years and for proving to me that I found the perfect vocation. I wish you all continued good health and happiness.
With a heavy heart,
Dr. Joe Torres
After many years of owning Eye Carumba Optometry Dr. Joseph Torres has happily transitioned ownership to his associate Dr. Alexander Pham.
Eye Carumba Optometry was established in 2004 by Dr. Torres specifically to provide high quality optometric services to the residents and employees of San Francisco’s financial district.
Dr. Pham, his associate doctors and his exceptional staff strive to provide personalized assistance in selecting and customizing eyewear, and offer detailed attention to our patients' eye health and visual needs.
ALEXANDER PHAM, O.D.
Dr. Pham received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) where he majored in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Prior to attending optometry school he worked as a pretesting assistant at a local optometry office in San Diego where he became interested in the field. He then moved to New York City and earned his Doctorate of Optometry at the State University of New York College of Optometry (SUNY). After graduation he moved back to his southern California hometown of Alhambra where he worked at a couple private practices.
Dr. Pham is a big fan of baseball and basketball but growing up in southern California he loves the Lakers and Dodgers especially. Since beginning work in the Bay Area he has had many fun and “spirited” dialogue with patients regarding the Giants and Warriors. Feel free to chime in! He enjoys a good sports talk or debate with patients.
One of the things on Dr. Pham’s bucket list is to attend a game at every professional basketball and baseball stadium in the States. He also enjoys good food and trying new restaurants in the Bay Area so he is very open to recommendations from patients about their favorite restaurants. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the Bay Area, traveling, and cooking. He is excited to be part of Eye Carumba Optometry and providing patients with exceptional eye care.
SAMANTHA BAUTISTA, O.D.
Dr. Samantha Bautista's number one priority is creating a friendly environment where her patients can learn about their eyes and receive expertise-level vision care. Dr. Bautista helps patients see and feel their best by personalizing their treatment in glasses and contacts. While Dr. Bautista values high quality eyewear, she is also proficient in diagnosing common eye disorders such as strabismus, amblyopia, cataract, and glaucoma in both children and adults.
Dr. Bautista was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area as a first generation Filipina-American. She earned her bachelor's degree in Health Sciences at University of California, Santa Cruz. She knew from a young age that her passion was serving and building relationships with people, and she discovered Optometry to be the perfect career. Dr. Bautista obtained her Doctorate degree at State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry. She returned to the Bay Area where she continued providing compassionate care to patients of all ages and diverse backgrounds at various optometry and ophthalmology private practice settings.
Dr. Samantha Bautista is an active board member of the San Mateo County Optometric Society and California Optometric Association. Outside of the office, Dr. Bautista is a major foodie. She loves trying new entrees at local restaurants and food trucks, watching recipe videos, and recreating meals at home. She also enjoys playing with her family's dogs, Cocoa and Toby, and spending time with her loved ones.
JOE TORRES, O.D.
A third generation Mexican-American, Dr. Torres is fluent in Spanish. He is an active volunteer in the Bay Area, having served on the Board of Directors of Maitri, and specifically supporting the gay community by volunteering for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation for many years, and most recently expanding his volunteer efforts to include G4G: Gay 4 Good. He is a firm believer in education and an ardent supporter of the arts.
Dr. Torres graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 1982 receiving a Bachelor's degree with a major in animal physiology and minors in psychology and studio art. He then earned a second Bachelor of Science degree in physiological optics (1985) and a Doctorate in Optometry (1987) from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry.
O. VANESSA AVERY, O.D.
Dr. Avery is an optometrist whose focus is on comprehensive eye care and ocular disease diagnosis and management. She earned her doctor of optometry degree from the University of Missouri St. Louis. She then completed a residency in Ocular Disease and Low Vision Rehabilitation through the Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago Lighthouse, and Spectrios Institute. Dr. Avery is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and member of the National Optometric Association.
Dr. Avery is passionate about improving patient’s quality of life through meeting their unique visual needs, especially underserved populations. She also values connecting with patients and students while finding grounds of commonality. During her free time, she enjoys reading a variety of books and spending time with her family and friends.
