“My name is Cynthia Martinez. I’m 19 years old and I had PRK surgery with Dr. Rudd here at Aurora Lasik.
Why did you decide to have Vision Correction?
I’d say my motivation was definitely just the thought of being able to wake up and once again see my surroundings and be able to not have to squint when I’m driving. And I know before when I was swimming competitively it was a really big problem for me because my contacts would go missing in the water and then I’d have to swim without being able to see and even working or my day-to-day life just being able to see where I am and everything around me better, was something that I really wanted and so that kinda motivated me to do it. I wasn’t really sure I was going to be able to do it just because I am young and was always told by my doctors that I wouldn’t be able to get it until my 20’s or so because that’s when it’s usually done and so when I came and they told me that I qualified to do it, ‘you’re good’. I was like, that’s really cool I’m definitely going to do it!
How was your experience with the Aurora LASIK team?
They were all super nice and then Dr. Rudd himself, like, right before the surgery he asked if I had any questions and I did and I asked him and he just made it feel that I was going to be ok and that there was nothing to worry about and then throughout the procedure itself as well, like, I was awake but he made it so I wasn’t nervous. He would talk to me and tell me what he was doing and encouraging and it was really great.
Vision Correction SAVES you money!
Yeah definitely saving me and my parents a lot of money on buying contacts every month or so and then having to buy a new pair of glasses if I sleep in them and break them.
What was your WOW moment after PRK?
I’d say probably the most, like, crazy moment for me was when I was driving down to Ruston over here in Tacoma and I was able to see the mountains, like, extremely clear and that was really crazy to me because I never really noticed, like, every detail in it and then also being able to see across the water, and like, all the towns… or not all the towns but like, all the island kind of places across the water. Every little detail like that was crazy to me and then also, I’m scared of seals so when I saw a seal in the water that freaked me out a little bit more than it would have before, like if I had my contacts in, because it would have just looked like a log or something so that was a little scary it was just crazy because I was able to see it so clearly.
Would you recommend vision correction with Aurora Lasik?
Yeah! I would definitely recommend it! It’s funny because I was actually having this conversation with my aunt who’s considering getting LASIK done and her prescription is a lot better than mine was and I was telling her about it and was like ‘yes it is a scary and nerve-wracking to get surgery as like any surgery would be but it is definitely worth it. Once again, being able to see is something that, I feel like, it is taken for granted and when you get to see and you get the surgery you are able to have vision that you haven’t had before in a while. It is crazy! It’s a moment and feeling that you….it’s just like kind of overwhelming but like, in a good way like, it’s really great! And to be able to see and all things you are going to be able to do in the future without the worry of contacts or glasses...it’s amazing!”
I will make you laugh… just kidding but you will hear my laugh around the office and my coworkers say it’s contagious (and I have to agree). I am in and out of the office working hard to help achieve your goals of clearer vision. I’m not super Cornea but I do love a good eye joke.
LIKES: Camping, sunflowers, goats, going to concerts, spending time with my family and napping with my dogs
DISLIKES: Spiders, pickles, and folding laundry
I will help explain procedures, ease nerves, and schedule procedures…. and goof off on TikTok on behalf of Aurora LASIK. I’m ready to help you get rid of your glasses or contacts!
LIKES: I like candy and ice cream. I LOVE anything Disney (especially the music. I will belt it all day/everyday)
DISLIKES: I dislike being out of candy and ice cream!
I pretty much run the show… I’ve been here so long (14 years)! You will find me assisting Dr. Rudd in surgery and keeping my Technicians motivated with inspirational mirror quotes.
LIKES: Spending time with my family and animals. Coloring my hair and doing my nails. Not leaving my house.
DISLIKES: Close-minded people and I don’t like my hands touched ewwwwwww I can feel your fingerprints.
I am the commander and chief (don’t tell Dr. Rudd)! You will see me buzzing around the office and am here to help you through your vision correction journey. My team is absolutely AMAZING and will make sure your care and experience is their top priority. I look forward to seeing you in our office.
LIKES: Travel, strong coffee, motorcycle rides, spa treatments, hiking, and a clean house.
DISLIKES: Horseradish, clutter, having to ask people twice, Gin and weak coffee.
At Aurora LASIK, you’re not just choosing the best technology, you’re choosing the right surgeon and eye care team. Dr. Jay Rudd has been in private practice as a fellowship-trained cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon since 2000 and has performed thousands of vision correction procedures for the residents of Olympia, Lacey and beyond.
Intuitive and meticulous, Dr. Rudd is only satisfied with the best results possible within his operating room. He is his patients best advocate and prides himself on providing them excellent eye care. His caring and warm disposition is the foundation of strong bonds formed with those he cares for.
Dr. Anthony Grillo is proud to have joined the fantastic team at Aurora LASIK in 2022. His passion is to provide the absolute best results possible. His attention to detail, the stellar Aurora team, and the state-of-the-art resources at Aurora LASIK allow him to provide his patients with both fantastic care and outcomes.
Dr. Grillo became fascinated with microsurgery and the amazing results that eye surgery could provide. In 2018, Mason Eye Institute bestowed upon him the Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Grillo returned to the Pacific Northwest in 2019 and joined a private practice in Eugene, Oregon prior to moving to the Olympia/Lacey area in the summer of 2022.
He is joined by his wife Kasumi, and his children Mila, Maya, and Michael. Dr. Grillo’s favorite pastimes include aquatic activities such as scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. In his free time, he also enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, hunting, and cooking.
I am the patient counselor at Aurora LASIK. I’m here to help you along your way to freedom from glasses and guarantee to give you a good laugh along the way. I’m also a Master Esthetician so I’m obsessed with skincare and self-care!
LIKES: New adventures, laughter, skincare, family and friends and of course a great glass of wine.
DISLIKES: Traffic
I am the first impression out of the gate! I will set the initial tone for your visit, treat you like the queen or king you are and ensure all your information, appointments and care are handled promptly. All while having some incredible conversations before you head to the back with our amazing staff!
LIKES: Water, Time with my family, Mini cows, Adventures.
DISLIKES: Bad drivers, Close-mindedness, Overly negative energy, Large crowds
I will try and not make a spectacle of myself but in all seriousness I’m really excited to be a part of your vision correction journey! I will be here to help you during your vision correction procedure and assist Dr. Rudd in the surgery suite. If you need anything during your time at Aurora or beyond please let me know.
LIKES: Kayaking or anything water related, caffeine, hanging out with family, friends, and my puppy!
DISLIKES: Waking up early, snakes, rodents, and mushrooms!
I will welcome you back to start your exam and get scans of your eyes. You will find me getting things ready for clinic for the day or prepping things for surgery. I enjoy helping people and will be asking how we can help you achieve your vision goals. Enjoy watching patients vision journeys.
LIKES: Spending time with family and friends. Camping, boating and hiking.
DISLIKES: Negativity, mice and bad coffee
I will be the one who greets you with a friendly smile when you first come into Aurora LASIK. I will check you in for your appointment and am here to assist with anything you may need to help your experience be AMAZING, so please don’t hesitate to ask!
LIKES: Hiking, Traveling, Dogs, Snow, Summer, Monster Jam, NHRA Drag Races
DISLIKES: Heights, Snakes, Spiders, Rain (LOL), Mushrooms, Olives, and Pineapple
I will be one of the welcoming faces that will be preparing you for your visit with the Doctors, I’m a little socially awkward and will fill our time babbling about the weather and your upcoming plans. Eye wish you the best!
LIKES: Spending time with my husband and family, playing video games, reading and long walks on the beach.
DISLIKES: Spiders, rain/cloudy weather, and waking up to a cold house.
I will assist you on your vision journey from taking your scans to assisting Dr. Rudd in surgery. I guess you could say I am pretty important but I can still make a lot of jokes about eyes… I have a Vitreous humor.
LIKES: Iced coffee, reading on the back porch, exploring new places
DISLIKES: Loud noises, spiders/bugs
I will be the one who helps you through your consultation, evaluation and after surgery appointments! Basically I will walk you through the whole process, except surgery, we will leave that up to Dr. Rudd. Can’t wait to help you through your vision correction journey!!
LIKES: Anything Outdoors! Exploring, My dogs & Anyone else’s dogs!
DISLIKES: Pessimists, snakes, anything closely related to snakes.
Dr. Angela Triebold received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Oregon. Prior to coming to Aurora LASIK, Dr. Triebold helped establish the warfighter Regractive Eye Surgery Clinic at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fr. Lewis in 2002. She continued to practice at Madigan for 16 years, ensuring combat vision readiness for service members who had LASIK, PRK, or ICL surgery. During her tenure there, Dr. Triebold served as research coordinator for the refractive program and helped train opthalmology residents and optometry externs. She has also practiced full-scope primary care optometry in addition to refractive surgery co-management.
Compassionate, dedicated and with a positive attitude, Dr. Triebold believes that communication is key to providing quality patient care and building trust in a patient-physician relationship. She loves living in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking, camping with her family and friends, playing the piano, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.
