Get to Know Our Residents

Briza Brooks is on the VR Residency track. Her emphasis is on Neuro-Optometric Rehab (NOR) and Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR).  Her program provides her with experience in diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injury and stroke patients as well as visually impaired and legally blind patients of all ages. She will have firsthand experience in prescribing assistive devices (low and high tech) and navigating the interprofessional space to provide optimal patient centered care.

Dr. Brooks chose WUCO for the opportunity to expand her low vision knowledge and delve into neuro optometry. She loves how WesternU feels like a family and all of the doctors want every student to succeed. She began her passion for Optometry when she was in middle school and her grandpa made multiple trips to optometrists and ophthalmologists to monitor his proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Her mom always took her to appointments, and she became fascinated with the different devices and equipment that the doctors would use. She also loved the personal connection each of the doctors had with her grandpa. As she gets used to people saying “Dr. Brooks” she is motivated each day by being able to see patients daily. Her current goal is to learn as much as she can about low vision and neuro rehabilitation from all the amazing doctors that she gets to work with and apply for a fellowship.

Her favorite thing about being an optometrist is creating a bond with each patient and trying to figure out how she can help them. Her biggest influence in the field of optometry is Diane Russo, OD, MPH, MBA, FAAO at New England College of Optometry. She was the professor who interviewed her at NECO and she had the opportunity to work with her in the clinic during her rotations. Dr. Brooks refers to her as “truly one of the most personable and smartest doctors that she has worked with. “Her favorite quote is “Nothing worth having comes easy”. Her passions outside of Optometry include watching every season of Master Chef, reading, audiobooks and scrap booking.

Claire Michel, OD is on the VR Residency track and works in both live and virtual settings. Her emphasis is on Neuro-Optometric Rehab (NOR) and Vision Therapy (VT). Through her residency program she will be provided with experience in diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injury and stroke patients as well as patients of all ages with eye teaming or binocularity dysfunctions.

Dr. Michel chose WUCO because of its fantastic neuro-optometry and vision therapy program! Dr. Bradley Habermehl has been her biggest influence in the field of optometry. He took her on her very first trip to Mexico to provide eyecare to the local communities. He taught her the importance of vision therapy and to continue to work hard towards her dreams of becoming an optometrist. He encouraged her to go to her interview at Indiana University and to apply for a residency in neuro-optometry and vision therapy. Dr. Michel is quoted as saying “I owe a lot to him and his support of me and my career”.

She enjoys working with the people of WUCO and appreciates the warm welcome she received when she began her residency. “Everyone is kind and willing to help each other and there is a sense of support and encouragement in all of the clinics”. She chose the profession of optometry because of her desire to help people improve their daily quality of life! Her choice of profession was solidified when she went to Mexico and served the communities of Empalme. The gift of sight is important to everyone, and she knew she wanted to help people with through optometry after experiencing her life-changing trip. Her favorite part about being an optometrist is the relationships she builds every day with her patients!

Her passions include spending time with family and friends and documenting adventures with photography and scrapbooking. Her motivation each day is to help others. It’s easy to get out of bed when you love what you do every day! In five years, I see myself as a more confident optometrist than today. I want to specialize in neuro and vision therapy so I can better provide for those around me. I also want to continue learning and growing with each step of my career.