My name is Ashley, I’m here at Aurora LASIK, I’m a PSR here and I’m getting LASIK surgery in 3 days!
How long have you thought about having LASIK?
since I was about 20’s I would say, so maybe the past 8 or 9 years, just because I was tired of wearing contacts and glasses, always loosing a contact or forgetting them when I go on trips so it will be nice to not have to worry about that anymore.
What are you looking forward to the most after LASIK?
Swimming, I really like swimming, when I use to go swimming it would always mess up my contacts, like swimming under water, not that I open my eyes but just kind of getting water splashed in your face and then you know the contact like moving and it was always really irritating so I love swimming I am not this time of year but back in summer again going boating. I also love to read, which was always giving me a headache so I use to take my contacts out but then I couldn’t look up and see anything so that was kind of a bummer but ya being outside, I love being outside. We use to go quading so trying to wear glasses and goggles over the glasses, that was not very fun.
Dog eat your homework… I mean glasses?
Funny story actually, I had to get these glasses during COVID because my dog chewed up my other pair of glasses. First time I caught him doing it, it was on my nightstand I left it there and so I don’t leave my glasses on my nightstand anymore expect when I go to sleep. So this time when he did it I was in bed sleeping, so he did it in the middle of the night. I couldn’t find my glasses anywhere and they were in the middle of the backyard. So I don't know if you can see but I have bite marks on my lenses from the dog. I couldn’t find them so I had to go wakeup couldn’t find my glasses and I’m already stumbling around so I had to go to the bathroom put contacts in so I could go out and find my glasses. So that is one thing I will not miss either.
2 months after LASIK
Hi it’s Ashely, I had my procedure done two months ago for LASIK. I’m sure many of you saw it done on Facebook LIVE, but I’m here my vision as been absolutely amazing. I’m able to see, wake up in the morning and don’t need glasses, just can get up and start my daily routine.
How are your results?
I have 20/15 vision which is something I never thought I would have ever in my life so that’s been pretty crazy. I like to rub it in my boyfriends face and be like ‘I have better vision than you’, but hahaha. I really enjoy it.
Were you nervous?
Ummm, well I think everyone gets nervous, it’s completely normal to be nervous, it’s life changing, I mean it’s my eyes so I was nervous but you know everyone here has been so great and I know Dr. Rudd he has been doing surgeries so long, lover 20 years so I totally trusted in him. Everyone here has been so great during the procedure they just kind of talked me through it. So by the end I was not nervous at all, once I was in there.
What was it like?
It felt like your in space (hahaha). Just laying back seeing all the light shows, um it was definitely unique. And like I said they talk you through the whole thing so it was super easy and way easier than I anticipated. I set my expectations kind of high too so just the whole experience was just awesome. It was just amazing how I woke up Thursday morning, putt on my glasses, came to work, waited until my surgery that evening, took off my glasses, had the surgery done, went home that night, woke up the next day, drove myself into work and was able to see and ended up working the rest of that day, checking in my surgery day buddies and it’s been awesome.
How would you describe your experience?
I know I have said it a bunch of times but it has been amazing. Or unique I guess, it’s been a really unique experience, um just going through the whole process, mainly why I wanted to get it done. I was just kind of thinking about LASIK, I wasn't really interested in LASIK until I started working here. And seeing everyones results and how happy everyone was after surgery kind of made me want to do it so. To everyone who has had surgery before me I say ‘Thank You’ because your the ones that made me want to get it done. Because with out you guys I probably won’t have gotten LASIK and I would probably still be in my glasses, which I am SO HAPPY I AM NOT! If you’re thinking about it just come on in and check it out. I mean what is the harm in getting more information. Thats been a big thing too, I did not know much about LASIK before I came here and so leaning everything, the different procedures we offer has just been an amazing experience.
Why did you live stream your LASIK procedure?
By LIVE streaming my surgery I wanted to kind of give back to those people who don’t know much about LASIK and kind of show them it’s not scary, its super easy, super fast and has amazing results. So anyone looking into LASIK or considering LASIK please feel free, give me a call shoot me an email, I’m here, I’m answering questions. People who call in just for consultations I’m usually the one they talk to anyways and I will be honest with you about my experience 100% and I will let you know what to expect and I think the scariest part is just making the decision to do it. Once your doing it, you’re talking to everybody and your going through it, it’s so easy and its LIFE CHANGING
Hello! I am the Director of Smiles for patients. You will be greeted by me the second you step into the clinic. I am also in charge of the snacks, so I am basically everyone’s best friend.
LIKES: Mayo, a hot day at the beach, music, COFFEE
DISLIKES: Cold weather, bugs and needles.. bleck!
Thank you so much!
Leah Rudd, Patient Counselor
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!
Ashley Scott, Refractive Technician
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
Krystle Clement, Lead Ophthalmic Technician
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.
Nicole Markowitz, Director
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.
Dr. Jay Rudd
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
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.
Chanteria Puryear, Patient Counselor
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
Jasper Smiley, Patient Services Representative
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
Katie Vira, Refractive Technician
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!
Randi Angwood, Refractive Technician
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
Tanya Klemmer, Patient Service Representative
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!
DISLIKES: Heights, Snakes, Spiders, Rain (LOL), Mushrooms, Olives, and Pineapple
Dakota Saldomridge, Refractive Technician
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.
Candace Galway, COA
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
Mary Gadsden, Refractive Technician
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
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.