Your Austin & San Antonio Vision Therapy Team
The team at the Optometry Center for Vision Therapy is comprised of highly credentialed, competent, and caring professionals who are committed to providing you, the patient, with the highest quality vision therapy. Our vision care specialists go through extensive training to make sure that your care is the best we can deliver.
Your Doctors and Directors
Founder and Executive Clinical Director
Dr. Briana Larson, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, FNORA
Dr. Larson is 1 of 27 FNORA Professionals in the United States. Dr. Larson is the lone practicing optometrist in Texas with an FNORA credential. Dr. Briana Larson, a developmental optometrist is COVD board certified in vision development and therapy through the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. She completed a post-doctorate clinical residency in vision therapy and rehabilitation with emphasis in pediatric optometry; a credential achieved by less than 1% of optometrists nationwide. She focused her post-doctorate research on Vision and Attention Deficit and Vision and Autism. In 2012, The American Academy of Optometry inducted her as a Fellow of the Academy. The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) welcomed Dr. Briana Larson as a Fellow (FNORA) during its 2014 Annual Conference at North Carolina. A Fellow (FNORA) designation is recognition of a vision care specialist’s highest level of competence in clinical abilities and scientific knowledge in the field of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation. Dr. Larson has the distinction of being the lone practicing developmental optometrist in the state of Texas with this exclusive set of credentials. Dr. Larson currently serves as Residency Coordinator of Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation through the University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO) in San Antonio, Texas.
Executive Director of Vision Therapy and Outreach
Ashley Coley, COVT
Being a people-type person and having the personality to match it, Ashley has worked exclusively in customer-centric positions. Ashley’s passion for making a meaningful impact in children’s lives inspired her to pursue a degree in Education. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Texas State University at San Marcos and holds certification to teach grades 4–8 in all core subjects. Ashley graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into Alpha Chi, the National College Honor Society recognizing the top 10% of graduating seniors. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board-certified Ashley as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT). In 2020, The Texas Optometric Association named Ashley the Optometric Staff member of the year.
Executive Director of Operations
Ashley Alavi, COVT
Ashley completed her degree in Psychology from the University of Texas. With an extensive background working with children, she consistently strives to help unlock a child’s true potential. Ashley worked as a tutor and mentor for several Austin and Dallas families and has assisted in conducting research at the University of Texas Children’s Research Lab. Connecting with people is one of her key attributes. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board-certified Ashley as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Director of Human Resources
THERESA YEE – COVT, SHRM-CP
Theresa graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Nutrition Dietetics. She gained experience working with children through nutrition education outreach and tutoring in elementary schools. “I love to interact and help people achieve their goals and strengths. It’s an honor to be part of this team that makes a difference and impact in others’ lives.”
Associate Director of Vision Therapy
Sylena Martinez, COVT
Sylena graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development with a focus on Early Childhood Development. She has tutored in diverse elementary schools and assisted with research at the University of Texas. Sylena is dedicated to make an everlasting impact on her patient’s lives and thoroughly enjoys working with them to achieve their greatest potential. Her goal to make a difference and develop tender relationships with others is what led her to OCVT. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Sylena as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Associate Doctor of Optometry
Dr. Sherin Mathew, OD
Dr. Sherin Mathew was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She had always wanted to work in the therapy and rehabilitation fields. After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), she learned about the world of vision therapy and decided to pursue a career as an optometrist. Dr. Mathew graduated from the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) in 2023. She completed her 4th year clinical rotations at Ketchum Health University Eye Center in Anaheim, California; Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital in Sacaton, Arizona; University Eye Center Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California; and at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. Her passion in vision therapy and binocular vision brought her to the Residency Program at OCVT. In her free time, Dr. Mathew loves to read and learn different styles of dance.
Associate Doctor of Optometry
Dr. Nathan Nguyen, OD
Dr. Nathan Tuan Nguyen is a board-certified optometrist and received his Doctorate of Optometry from Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry (WUCO). During his time at WUCO, Dr. Nguyen was awarded the Leslie B. Williams Endowed Scholarship for excellence in the field of vision care and learning. He has experience working in several optometric sub-specialties such as vision therapy, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, pediatrics, ocular disease, low vision, and specialty contact lenses during his 4th year externship rotations. His main passion lies in treating patients with vision-related learning problems, binocular vision, and sports vision. On his free time, Dr. Nguyen enjoys playing sports, cooking, and watching movies and TV shows.
Associate Doctor of Optometry
Dr. Joel George, OD
Dr. Joel George is a Chicago native who received his Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience while attending the University of Illinois in Chicago. He continued his education at the University of Houston College of Optometry where he graduated with honors. He completed rotations in Austin and Dallas where he took an active role in his profession by getting to know his patients and providing excellent eye care. Dr. George is a licensed Therapeutic Optometrist as well as a Glaucoma Specialist licensed by the Texas Optometric Board. He has over five years of clinical experience. In his free time, he enjoys playing football, basketball, and spending time with friends and family. He's an avid sports watcher and an amateur sneaker-head who loves to collect shoes.
Doctor of Optometry
Dr. Faith Abraham, OD
Dr. Faith Abraham is a dedicated optometry resident who recently completed their Doctor of Optometry degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry located in South Florida. With a strong foundation in both clinical practice and research, they are passionate about providing high-quality patient care. During their time at Nova, Dr. Abraham gained extensive experience in various specialties, including contact lenses, pediatrics, and ocular health, equipping them with a well-rounded skill set. They are committed to continuing to develop their expertise and contribute to the field of optometry throughout their residency and beyond.
Senior Vision Therapist
Nataline Tran, COVT
Nataline graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and Psychology. She has a background in mentoring and tutoring children in diverse schools and non-profit organizations. She is passionate about education, loves working with children and hopes to become an educator for a non-profit one day. The best part about working for OCVT is making a lasting difference in patients’ lives. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Nataline as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Senior Vision Therapist
Avery Bradfield, COVT
Avery graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from The University of Texas at San Antonio, earning a B.A. in Medical Humanities. Through her work at OCVT, she has developed a strong passion for helping others and is dedicated to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and individualized therapy environment that prioritizes the goals of patients across all age groups. She takes pride in tailoring therapy approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that every person feels supported and empowered throughout their journey. Outside of her professional endeavors, Avery enjoys reading, listening to music, attending concerts, and spending quality time with family and friends. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Avery as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Senior Vision Therapist
Destiny Salazar, COVT
Destiny graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S.A degree in Human Development & Family Sciences, a certificate in the Children & Society with a focus on Children & Health, a certificate in Pre-Health Professions, and a minor Health Education. She has worked on campus as a research assistant and peer educator to develop health initiatives to implement on campus. Through work with various organizations, faculty, staff, and students she has found her passion in health education, working closely with her community, and making meaningful connections. Her favorite part about working at OCVT is watching her patients get excited about their own progress and all the smiles shared session after session. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has board certified Destiny as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
Resident Doctor of Optometry
Layli Behdad
Layli is from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Northeastern State University. She then went to Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and earned a Master of Science degree in Public Health. During this time, she began working at a pediatric Optometry clinic as a technician, where she found her calling to attend Optometry school. Layli earned her Optometry degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) College of Optometry. She believes that a seed of passion towards pediatric optometry, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation was planted within her, her second year of school, as her course work dove deeper into these topics. During her fourth year, she had the opportunity to rotate through a variety of specialties-in particular, she rotated at the MIZZOU Department of Optometry in Columbia, MO, where she was consistently exposed to pediatric optometry, as well as at the UMSL Eye Clinic in St. Louis, MO, where she was consistently exposed to vision therapy. Fourth year is where her passion for vision therapy, pediatric optometry and vision rehabilitation was solidified and when that seed flourished. In her free time, Layli enjoys being outside in the sun and reading. She is thrilled for this new journey ahead of her.
Your Vision Therapists Team
The team is made up of highly credentialed, qualified, and dedicated optometric vision therapists who collaborate with OCVT doctors to put into effect vision therapy programs that meet the individual needs of each patient. We are committed to providing the highest quality and personalized optometric vision therapy care.
For individual backgrounds, please Click Here.
Your Patient Services Team
The patient services team is made up of dedicated professionals who ensure your experience with OCVT is personable, seamless and welcoming. We strive individually and collectively to provide the best quality care with the patient and family’s satisfaction being paramount. Our goal is to provide help with scheduling, billing, general inquiries and other assistance that you may require.
For individual backgrounds, please Click Here.
Your Other Support Team
We have additional experienced professionals who assist and provide support to your other OCVT teams, so we can better meet the needs of our patients and their families.
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