Today we’d like to introduce you to Parisa Jalalat
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into optometry began with a fascination for healthcare and the realization that vision is central to how we perceive life. Helping the eyes became a meaningful way to enhance people’s quality of life. The eyes are not only windows to the soul but also to our systemic health, making eye care an integral part of overall well-being.
After practicing various modalities of optometry with a diverse patient demographic across LA and OC, from retail optical, ophthalmology surgical co-management, and as a clinical research investigator, I recognized how ocular surface diseases like dry eye syndrome was a major source of visual clarity issues—whether with glasses, contacts, or post-LASIK—and daily comfort. With modern digital lifestyles exacerbating this problem, I decided to focus my practice on treating ocular surface disease at Beverly Hills Optometry: Advanced Dry Eye Center.
In addition to my in-office care, I also practice remotely, performing telehealth exams across the country to reach those with limited access to eye care, furthering my mission to improve lives through better vision.
Beyond the clinic, I am passionate about advocating for cosmetic and beauty practices that are healthy and safe for our eyes. I enjoy creating educational content to empower individuals to take control of their eye health and fostering a community where women can support each other.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up in Texas with a single immigrant mother, I learned early on the value of perseverance, figuring things out independently, and not being afraid to ask for help. That mindset carried me through optometry school in South Florida and ultimately to California, where I followed my dream of living and working in the west coast.
Starting my career in southern California came with its own set of challenges. Many colleagues warned me against it due to the high saturation of optometrists, high cost of living, lower-than-average pay, and the burden of student loan debt. On top of that, I didn’t really know anyone in the area. Despite the odds, I hustled to find my first job in Long Beach, which led to meeting incredible people, discovering a like-minded community, meeting my now fiancé, and enjoying beach life.
Even so, the journey hasn’t been without obstacles. I faced burnout early in my career and navigated the uncertainty of pandemic layoffs. These experiences pushed me to explore non-traditional paths within optometry, focusing on what truly sparks my passions. That shift has allowed me to create a career that’s not only fulfilling but also aligned with my long-term goals.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I take an integrative approach to eye care by focusing on the individual needs of each patient, and tailoring my practice to their unique visual needs and lifestyle demands to optimize their vision. I take time to educate my patients about the connection between their eye health and overall well-being. I also emphasize safe and eye-friendly preventative practices like for those with digital lifestyles or in cosmetics and beauty, helping patients to make informed choices that support their long-term eye health.
I am dedicated to modernizing the eye care experience by implementing cutting-edge technologies and techniques into practice at Beverly Hills Optometry, such as performing in- office dry eye and aesthetic treatments like IPL, radiofrequency, thermal pulsation, and microblepharoexfoliation. I focus on treating the root cause of many ocular surface diseases by combining in office treatments with an at home regimen.
I’m most proud of my ability to create meaningful connections with patients, providing a space where they feel heard and cared for. In addition to my professional publications, speaking engagements, and research, my work as a social media content creator allows me to reach and educate a broader audience about eye health, combining my expertise with creativity to make a positive impact beyond the exam room.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For patients, I offer in-office care at Beverly Hills Optometry, where I perform comprehensive glasses and contact lens eye exams, urgent eye exams, myopia management, dry eye consults and treatments. For those unable to visit in person, I also perform telehealth exams, making it easier for patients with limited access to care to get the help they need.
For fellow professionals or brands, I’m always open to collaborations, whether it’s partnering on educational initiatives, speaking engagements, or product recommendations that align with my expertise in eye health, beauty, and wellness. I enjoy creating content that bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and everyday eye care, so I welcome opportunities to amplify important messages about vision and health.
Lastly, anyone can support my work by following me on social media, where I share tips and resources to promote healthy vision and self-care.
Instagram: @drparisa.od
TikTok: @optometristbestie
Website: drparisaod.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drparisaod.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drparisa.od/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@optometristbestie
