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 — I love being in the Mountains and I love the people here.

When I started working here I ran the front desk. I am now Office Manager. I do all the billing, insurance and the bookkeeping for Midtown Optometry. I am the person you would talk to with any questions about your invoice or insurance.

I have worked here 16 years now and I have grown so much not only in my personal life; getting married and having 2 beautiful children, and also at work.

I enjoy continuing to learn new things and meeting new people. I always strive to learn more about optical and more medical optometry.

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.

My love of eyewear dates back to when I was a little girl and I begged my mom to buy me a cheap pair of hot pink frames from an accessories store, and I wore them non-stop, even to school!  I should have known then that I was destined for this field.

I've been in the optical industry for about 12 years, and began my career at the laboratory where the lenses are made. That experience provided me extensive knowledge of lens options, materials, and coatings. Now that I work in the dispensing side I have a deeper appreciation and enthusiasm for how I can put that knowledge to work for our patients. There is immense satisfaction in finding the perfect frame for someone, and the thrill of dispensing a pair of glasses to a patient and watching their eyes light up when they see how great their vision is with their new glasses is so rewarding. I can't wait to do the same for you!

Denna
Board-Certified Optician