Meet Our Professionals
Dr. Alissa Wald
optometrist
Born and raised in a small town in Michigan, Dr. Alissa Wald knew she wanted to be an optometrist from the early age of fifteen. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and remains a diehard Wolverines fan. Dr. Wald obtained her Doctorate of Optometry degree with honors in 1989 from the University of Houston College of Optometry. In 1990, she headed west to the warmer weather of southern California.
Only two years out of school, Dr.Wald bought a small optometry office from a retiring doctor and began OC Eye Designs Optometry. She has proudly provided outstanding eyecare to the Costa Mesa community since 1991.
Dr Wald’s professional experience includes working as an Expert Examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. The National Board certifies the competency of new optometrists. The office is an externship site providing internships for optometrists in school. Recently she was featured in a national magazine about women in optometry as a role model for other women entrepreneurs . Dr. Wald is a member of the California Optometric Association , the American Optometric Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners.
Dr .Wald’s hobbies include antique shopping and traveling. She also enjoys spending time with her family and is kept busy with her 5-year old twins Ben and Tessa and dog, Oliver. Along with her husband Scott, they are often found at the zoo, aquarium, or their children’s favorite restaurant CPK.
Dr. Amanda Hobbs-Mercer
optometrist
Dr. Amanda Hobbs-Mercer has been a valued member of the OC Eye Designs team since 2008 after relocating to sunny Orange County from Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Hobbs-Mercer was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary. She earned her Doctorate of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry where she graduated summa cum laude and went on to complete a post-graduate residency program in primary eye care and ocular disease management at the Illinois Eye Institute, an affiliate clinic of the University of Chicago.
In her free time, Dr. Hobbs-Mercer participates in many sports including volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, skiing and is currently trying to learn how to surf. She and her husband Jeff relish any opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy nature whether through hiking, biking or camping with their dog Scout.
