Dr. Melissa (Program Director)
Dr. Melissa Petro attended Penn State University receiving a Bachelors in Science in Biobehavioral Health. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida with her Doctorate of Optometry and Bachelors in Vision Science. As a student, she was the national Vice President of the AOSA. Concurrently, she obtained a Master’s in Public Health from Nova Southeastern University, allowing for further lobbying engagement at the AOA office in Washington, D.C. prior to starting her career.
As an Optometrist and InfantSEE provider at Sunset Eye Care, Dr. Melissa Petro specializes in primary eye care, pediatrics, dry eyes, and general ocular disease. In addition to working alongside her husband, Dr. Samuel Petro, Dr. Melissa Petro, or “Dr. Melissa” as the kids affectionately call her, works for a non-profit organization in Tampa, Florida. Through her work at the Lions Eye Institute she promotes children’s vision initiatives via local screening and mobile vision clinics in addition to national children’s vision health efforts as the Program Director for the Association for Pediatric Vision. Dr. Melissa Petro enjoys yoga, quilting, and traveling with her family. Drs. Petro spend most of their time exploring the Bay area with their toddler, Emmett, and of course the family dog, Wrigley.
Dr. Angel (Program Manager)
Dr. Angel received a PhD in Vision Science Research, with an emphasis in Sensory Disabilities through the College of Medicine in the Ophthalmology/Optometry dept. at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Angel has received honors as a Helen Keller fellow and a fellow of the National Leadership Consortium for Sensory Disabilities. Her areas of interest include, technology, clinical research and education, and life-long learning.
Kiara (Marketing & Membership Specialist)
Kiara attended Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA and received her bachelor’s degree in organizational communications. She has previous experience working with kids in the non-profit sector dating back to her college years. Kiara’s passion for vision health developed due to the work that she does on a daily basis researching and creating valuable content and resources for the program. In addition to the work that she does for APV, she also serves on the National Association for Vision Professionals (NAVP) board as the Member at Large. In her free time, Kiara enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and puppy, Ace.
