Merey Hannalla
Irvine,United States
Summary
Fourth year Doctor of Optometry candidate with hands on experience in ocular disease management, glaucoma care, post-operative co-management, and specialty contact lens fitting. Trained across corporate, private practice, ophthalmology/optometry specialty clinics, and VA hospital settings. Brings strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills developed through business ownership. Dedicated to delivering high quality, patient centered care, and ongoing professional growth in optometry.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Externship Training
Harpers Eye Associates
Cincinnati, Ohio
11.2025 - 02.2026
- Focused on diagnosis, management, and treatment of glaucoma.
- Gained experience in a fast paced, patient centered corporate practice, emphasizing clinical decision making, workflow efficiency, and professional communication.
- Learned to use new technologies, including RETeval, to enhance glaucoma monitoring and diagnostic accuracy.
Clinical Externship Training
Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital
Manchester, New Hampshire
08.2025 - 11.2025
- Diagnosed and managed advanced ocular pathology, including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, AMD, CNVM, and neuro-ophthalmic disorders.
- Performed medical optometry evaluations using Spectralis OCT, HVF, corneal imaging, and retinal diagnostics.
- Participated in surgical co-management for cataract, glaucoma, and retinal procedures.
- Integrated multidisciplinary care planning with ophthalmology and medical teams.
Clinical Externship Training
Tayani Eye Institute
Laguna Hills, California
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Performed comprehensive eye exams, ocular disease evaluations, and specialty lens fittings.
- Managed post-operative follow-up care for a wide range of oculoplastic and ocular surgeries, including: blepharoplasties, chalazion/lesion removal, eyelid reconstruction, eyelid malposition correction (entropion/ectropion), dacryocystorhinostomies, and orbital fracture repair monitoring and post-trauma care.
- Managed cataract extractions (pre- and post-operative care), retinal repair post-ops, and glaucoma surgery post-ops.
- Conducted post-operative management, including monitoring healing, medication management, suture removal, and follow-up care coordination.
Optometric Intern
FLOE Optometry
Irvine, United States
09.2021 - 09.2023
- Participated in early clinical training within a patient care environment.
- Trained in the use and operation of optometric diagnostic equipment.
- Observed comprehensive exams and ocular disease management.
- Developed foundational skills in patient communication and professional interaction.
- Learned clinic operations, workflow efficiency, and team based care models.
Event / Picnic Set-Up and Planning, Owner/ Founder
Hop Gala
Irvine, CA
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Founded and operated a client centered service business, requiring professionalism, leadership, and accountability.
- Conducted professional consultations and needs assessments to deliver personalized services.
- Managed scheduling, operations, logistics, and service delivery with organization and precision.
- Developed strong interpersonal communication and relationship building skills.
- Demonstrated adaptability, time management, and problem solving in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained high standards of service quality, reliability, and professionalism.
Education
Doctor of Optometry -
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, CA05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Cellular and Developmental Biology
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05.2022
Skills
- Glaucoma evaluation and management
- Dry eye management
- Binocular vision testing
- Diabetic eye disease evaluation and management
- Emergency eye care
- Myopia control management
- Specialty contact lens fitting
- EHR systems
- Disease management and diagnostic technology
- Professional communication and interpersonal skills
- Time management and workflow efficiency
- Coding & documentation accuracy
- Patient retention strategies
Licensure And Board Status
- NBEO Part I — Passed
- NBEO Part II — Passed
- NBEO Part III — Passed
- State Licensure — In Progress
Accomplishments
Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society (01/01/22 - Present)
Affiliations
- American Optometric Association (AOA) – Student Member
- American Academy of Optometry (AAO) – Student Member
- California Optometric Association (COA)- Student Member
Certification
CPR certified (01/01/24)
Leadership And Community Involvement
Youth Leader Volunteer at Archangel Michael Church (02/2017 - 09/2022)
- Led and mentored youth through structured programming focused on leadership, accountability, and community service.
- Organized events, coordinated volunteers, and managed scheduling and logistics.
- Developed communication, conflict resolution, and mentorship skills.
Languages
- English, native
- Arabic, conversational
Timeline
Clinical Externship Training
Harpers Eye Associates
11.2025 - 02.2026
Clinical Externship Training
Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital
08.2025 - 11.2025
Clinical Externship Training
Tayani Eye Institute
06.2025 - 08.2025
Optometric Intern
FLOE Optometry
09.2021 - 09.2023
Event / Picnic Set-Up and Planning, Owner/ Founder
Hop Gala
07.2021 - 08.2022
Doctor of Optometry -
Western University of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science - Cellular and Developmental Biology
California State University Fullerton