Optometrists

Dr. Claudia Ruegg is an optometrist who provides primary eye care exams as well as urgent care and treatment of ocular disease. She is a certified to fit MiSight soft contact lenses for Myopia control.

After completing her doctor of optometry degree at UC Berkeley and residency at the New Mexico VA Medical Center, she spent many years on the faculty at UC Berkeley. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, serving as vice-chair of its admissions committee, and is a published author in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

In her free time, she enjoys exploring the beautiful hiking trails in Santa Cruz, traveling, and searching for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie.

Craig Fellers, O.D., Ph.D.
Optometrist

Dr. Craig Fellers graduated from the UC Berkeley School of Optometry with Clinical Honors. He also received a Ph.D. from UC Santa Cruz in the field of Cognitive Psychology, studying how reminders can be used in healthcare settings.

He is certified to treat glaucoma and specializes in ocular disease management both in private practice and during his clinical rotations at the Veterans Administration Hospitals in Reno and Portland.

He also spent two years as a Clinical Professor at UC Berkeley, instructing third-year optometry students at the Meredith Morgan Eye Center on campus.

At UC Berkeley, Dr. Fellers specialized in Computer Vision Syndrome and its correction with computer-specific glasses lenses optimized to reduce eye fatigue at the computer workstation. 

He is certified to fit MiSight soft contact lenses for Myopia control.

With continued improvements in daily contact lens technology, Dr. Fellers remains committed to providing the best vision to his patients with the most comfortable contacts available.

There are few things Craig enjoys more than fitting multi-focal contact lenses for patients previously unable to wear soft contacts.

Whenever possible, Craig pursues philanthropic endeavors — he has volunteered professionally both locally and internationally with the VOSH and low-income clinics.

Out of the office, while Craig still rides bikes, he now spends time with his wife and son, who was born in 2021.

I’m excited to be running the vibrant Midtown Optometry practice, and to be an active member of the Santa Cruz community. I’ve spent countless weekends exploring trails at Nisene Marks, enjoying Natural Bridges State Beach and cycling on Empire Grade and I am excited to call Santa Cruz home.

Ayesha Burns, O.D.
Optometrist

Dr. Burns received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, where she was trained in all aspects of primary eye care, including contact lenses, binocular vision, low vision, and ocular health management for children and adults. She is a certified to fit MiSight soft contact lenses for Myopia control.

Dr. Burns received additional training in the diagnosis and management of eye disease, including diabetic eye disease and glaucoma, during clinical rotations at Veterans Administration Hospitals in California and the Pacific Northwest.

She has worked at Midtown Optometry since 2008. After meeting long-time optometrist, John Van Every while attending UCSC and working as a spin instructor, she became convinced that a career in optometry would be a fulfilling way to give back to the community that she loved. After optometry school, she returned to work with Dr. Van Every in what would later become Midtown Optometry.

She now has two young boys that fuel her youthful enthusiasm. You can often hear laughter from her office as she enjoys the time spent with her patients.

At Midtown Optometry, Dr. Burns has specialized in pediatric vision as well as specialty contact lens fittings including scleral lenses. Dr. Burns has also become and advocate for special needs children.

While not in the office, you might find Dr. Burns teaching indoor cycling classes, training for a triathlon, tasting at a local winery, or enjoying an afternoon with her friends and her family.

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz and have been part of Midtown Optometry since 2006. I started out running the front desk and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed getting to know our patients and watching new generations of families come through the office.

I take pride in helping create the best possible experience for both our patients and our team. Over the years, I’ve had the exciting opportunity to be involved in frame buying from around the world—one of the most fun and rewarding parts of growing with this company. I've assisted Rose, our optical manager, on buying trips to Las Vegas, New York, and Milan, Italy. Together, we’ve selected some truly unique, handmade, family-owned frame lines that we’re proud to offer in our collection.

Every day here is a chance to learn something new. Whether it’s exploring the latest in optometric technology, contact lens advancements, or lens options, I love being a part of it all. My role allows me to be involved in every aspect of the office, which keeps things fresh and exciting.

When I’m not at Midtown Optometry, I’m usually on the go with my family. I have two teenage daughters and a husband, and we love spending time outdoors—taking walks with our dog, riding bikes, or playing at the beach. When I get the chance, I enjoy trying my hand at ceramics.

Come on down to Midtown and check it out—we’d love to see you!

Rose
Optical Manager

Gita
Optician

Gita has been with Midtown Optometry since 2017. She is an expert at making people feel comfortable with their eyewear. She has an uncanny ability to find just the right frame that will excite you, stepping out of your comfort zone just that little bit. She is able to describe lens and frame options in a way that makes sense to ensure you are ecstatic about your new glasses when they arrive. She pays special attention to computer eye strain and is happy to discuss different lens materials and coatings to mitigate the eyestrain from our digital lifestyles.

When not at the office, you can often find Gita at Disneyland. However, her newfound passion for the lakes of the Sierras might pull her further into the great outdoors.

I moved to Santa Cruz from the East Bay and graduated from UCSC in 2004. My career in optics began in 2008 at a local laboratory specializing in the production of spectacle lenses. This experience provided me with an extensive background and in-depth knowledge of lens options, materials, and coatings.

In 2013, I obtained my board certification in opticianry, which expanded my expertise from lens materials to the more technical aspects of optics. I joined Midtown Optometry in early 2020 and was fortunate to find myself among a group of supportive colleagues.

Through the uncertainties of the pandemic, the Midtown community reassured me that I had found the right home. It is this sense of community that makes our practice so special. It’s a pleasure to work here and a privilege to get to know our patients while assisting them with their eyewear needs.

In my free time, you’ll most likely find me spending quality time with my husband and our two dogs—one of whom is even featured in the photography displayed at the office!

Denna
Board-Certified Optician

Karen
Front Desk

I originally went to school for chemistry, but eventually found my passion in eyecare. I’m currently studying medical billing and coding to expand my skills and deepen my understanding of the administrative side of the field.

As a glasses wearer myself, I understand how important it is to find the perfect pair of glasses—both for function and for style. I enjoy being able to help each patient, whether that means scheduling appointments, navigating insurance, answering questions at the front desk, or simply making sure they feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk in.

In my free time, I love to travel. This past summer, I had the chance to visit Thailand and Japan—two unforgettable experiences. I also enjoy watching basketball and often head over the hill to San Jose to explore Asian grocery stores and try new foods. I'm fluent in Cantonese, which allows me to better connect with a wider range of patients and help ensure they feel at home in our office.