About The Eye Institute

About The Eye Institute

Welcome to The Eye Institute! Our optometrists and staff in Knightdale, Raleigh and Wake Forest, North Carolina, are dedicated to giving you superior vision care. Your satisfaction and comfort are our priorities. We know you have a busy life, so we’ll do our best to accommodate you by setting appointments that fit in with your schedule. If finances are a concern, we will help you to understand your vision insurance plan and coverage and can offer alternative financial plans to make sure that cost is never a barrier to getting the vision care you need.

Each one of our highly trained team members is personally chosen by our doctors, based on his/her experience and education, professional care they exhibit, and willingness to give individual attention to each of our patients.

Meet the Doctors

Adam J. Palo

OD, FAAO

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Adam J. Palo

OD, FAAO

Dr. Palo obtained his Doctor of Optometry and Vision Science degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in 2011 graduating with clinical honors, after completing a Bachelors Degree in Biology and Human Nutrition at North Carolina State University in 2006. Dr.Palo completed a residency in Primary Care at WG (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC. During his residency, in addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Palo gave several lectures to local physicians varying from anterior/posterior segment disease to neuro-ophthalmic disease as well as volunteering his time giving eye exams to people of the Wake County community. Upon completion of residency in Primary Care, he became an associate optometrist at Tarboro Eye Associates before joining The Eye Center of Central Pennsylvania as Medical Director of Ocular Surface Disease. In 2016 Dr.Palo proudly moved back to North Carolina to join The Eye Institute (formerly Knightdale Eye Care). He concentrates his practice in medical optometry, specialty contact lens, and low vision. Dr. Palo is a member of the American Optometric Association, Optometry Giving Sight, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Outside of the clinic he enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, crafting delicious home brews, practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, CrossFit, swimming, and biking. Favorite quote: “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.” – Victor Kiam

Timothy Poirier

OD

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Timothy Poirier

OD

Dr. Tim Poirier was born in California and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Auburn University in 1988 with a degree in Biological Science. Dr. Poirier earned his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1992. He has extensive experience in the treatment and management of ocular disease, contact lenses, and corneal reshaping therapy. He lives in Knightdale with his wife Kristin and their four children Blair, Brooks, Brett, and Ben. He served on the Knightdale Town Council for 14 years and has served as a past president of the Knightdale Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys coaching his children’s soccer, baseball, and basketball teams and playing golf.”

Kajal Dhebaria

OD

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Kajal Dhebaria

OD

Dr. Kajal Dhebaria completed her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in 2012. She is originally from New Jersey where she received her Bachelors Degree in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University. After graduating school, she lead the Raleigh branch for an Ophthalmology practice focusing on a range of ocular disease to routine eye care. She brings a wealth of experience to The Eye Institute from her training in surgical pre- and post-operative care, management, and treatment of ocular disease, with a special focus on Dry Eye Syndrome. She also fits contact lenses and enjoys pediatric eye care. Dr. Dhebaria moved to North Carolina in 2012 with her husband and they firmly call Raleigh home, where they are raising their daughter. She enjoys traveling, fitness classes, crafts and family time. Dr. Dhebaria is fluent in Gujarati and speaks Hindi.

Dan Yoakum

OD

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Dan Yoakum

OD

Dr. Dan Yoakum, a native of Indiana, moved to Raleigh in 1985. He graduated cum laude from NC State with a Bachelors degree in Microbiology and a minor in Genetics. He attended the prestigious Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he graduated in 1995 with Clinical Honors. He completed general Optometric externships at Quantico Naval base and Hahnemann University School of Medicine, and a Pediatric externship at The Eye Institute of Philadelphia. Dr. Yoakum has been practicing as a licensed Optometrist for over 25 years. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and NC State Optometric Society.

Dr. Yoakum is married to Kim, who works in our optical department. They have four children, three of whom are triplets. Dr. Yoakum is active in his church and in his spare time he enjoys working out, hiking, reading and learning to play the banjo. He is also an avid N.C. State fan….Go Pack!

Aleshia Luu

OD, FAAO

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Aleshia Luu

OD, FAAO

Dr. Aleshia Luu is a native of Pennsylvania and relocated to Raleigh in 2016. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and then matriculated into professional school at The Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She completed the 3+4 accelerated program and graduated in 2009 with clinical honors.

After graduation Dr. Luu spent 7 years working in general ophthalmology where she gained experience in treatment and management of ocular diseases including dry eye disease, glaucoma and macular degeneration. She also provided pre and post-op surgical care for both LASIK and cataract patients. In 2019 she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, an accomplishment which only 10% of all optometrists reach. In 2021 she was ranked one of the top optometrists in the nation by Newsweek. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the North Carolina Optometric Society.

Dr. Luu spends her time outside of the clinic with her husband and their son. They also have an energetic dog named Rocky. She enjoys cooking, running, pilates, outdoor activities and immersing herself in as much family time as she can get.

Andrew Halton

OD

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Andrew Halton

OD

Andrew Halton OD graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University with clinical honors and advanced studies in contact lenses in 2021. Andrew is originally from Philadelphia and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Neuroscience. After completing optometry school, Andrew completed a 1-year post-graduate training program at Rochester Regional Health|Reed Eye Associates in Rochester, NY. This training focused on ocular diseases and specialty contact lens fitting. Andrew fits a variety of lenses, ranging from soft lenses to more advanced cases requiring gas permeable, hybrid, or scleral lenses. Andrew’s training provides knowledge and experience to help those with conditions including keratoconus, post-surgical ectasia, high myopia and irregular astigmatism.

Andrew is committed to providing compassionate care and comprehensive vision treatment to all patients in the community. Andrew sees every patient as an individual, offering personalized care in a warm, welcoming environment. Andrew’s significant other, Dr. Sharon Guarino, and their dog, Boots have also moved down to NC. The trio looks forward to exploring, hiking, and enjoying all the outdoor adventures that NC has to offer. You can schedule an appointment with Andrew at the North Raleigh and Knightdale locations.

Meet Our TEI Team

Lindsay

Operations Director

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Lindsay

Operations Director

A native of the East Coast. Born and raised in Gloucester, VA she moved to Charleston SC in 1997 and pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at The College of Charleston. After working in that field for several years she went on to receive her Master’s Degree in HR Management in 2006. In 2008 Lindsay moved to Raleigh NC and started her family. She is the proud mother of Landon and Zachary. Lindsay has been in Management and Leadership roles in both the Mental Health and Optical industries since 2002. She joined The Eye Institute in September 2017 as the Operations Director and she is very excited to assist with the growth of The Eye Institute.

Glenda

Lab Manager

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Glenda

Lab Manager

I pursued an optical career because I wanted to serve my community in a meaningful way so in 2018 I took a job as an optical associate for a private practice. For the next three years I continue to hone my skills as I work towards my degree to become a Licensed Dispensing Optician. In 2020 I graduated cum laude and finished my externship. In 2021 I received my licenses and joined the TEI team as optical lab support only to be promoted to lab manager the following year. In my spare time I enjoy creating art, listening to music, and traveling.

Amber

Assistant Manager

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Amber

Assistant Manager

Originally from Asheboro, NC, she currently resides in Franklin County, NC with her husband, Troy. Amber graduated from East Carolina University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Studies. After school, she landed her feet in the optometry field where she began as a receptionist. Over the next two years, she spent time within each role of the field to learn, grow, and become a more valuable team player. This led her to an Assistant General Manager position in the Knightdale clinic where she currently works. In her spare time, Amber enjoys traveling to new destinations, sporting events, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her fur pups, Mia and Biscuit.

Adrian

Office Manager

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Adrian

Office Manager

Adrian was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina and is as familiar with the area as he is with wearing glasses. During the start of his Business Management degree in 2018, he broke into the Optometric industry and became an American Board of Opticianry Certified Optician. He is dedicated to building strong relationships with his patients and staff alike, and is always striving to find new ways to improve our practice and meet the needs of our community. A natural Macgyver at problem solving and an expert Optician, he has grown to become the General Manager of the North Raleigh practice. In his free time, Adrian enjoys DJing, fashion, boxing, and spending time with his friends and family.

Katrina

Assistant Manager

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Katrina

Assistant Manager

Katrina was born and raised in NC, originally from Wendell and now resides in Knightdale.
Katrina entered the Optometry field in 2010 and has not looked back since.
She started out as a technician with TEI and over time has grown into her position as the Assistant General Manager at the Wake Forest location.
Katrina enjoys family time and having fun with her kids.

Tiffany

Office Manager/Training and Leadership Development Manager

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Tiffany

Office Manager/Training and Leadership Development Manager

Tiffany is originally from a small town in Western Massachusetts, but in 2016 she relocated with her husband to North Carolina.
Tiffany joined the optical field in 2013 as a receptionist and over the years has spent time in each role within the field.
In 2018, she joined The Eye Institute as an optician and has since grown to become the Training and Leadership Development Manager for the company.
In her spare time, you can find Tiffany exploring new places, baking sweet treats, or spending time with her husband Justin and her daughter Cecilia.

Roberto (“Rob”)

Office Manager

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Roberto (“Rob”)

Office Manager

Started in the Optical Industry in 1988 as a lab technician for Pearle Vision Centers in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After two years he went to work for New City Optical, a wholesale lab in Virginia Beach, where he worked as a Lab Supervisor for 12 years. While there he attended and graduated from the Opticians Apprenticeship Program at Norfolk Vocational/Technical School where he received his ABO Certification and his Optician License from the state of Virginia. Three years after graduating he became an instructor at the Opticians Apprenticeship Program. In 2002 he relocated to the Raleigh area and became the General Manager at Southern Optical Co. in Morrisville. In July of 2007, He joined The Eye Institute (formerly Knightdale Eye Care) staff. Rob lives in Knightdale with his wife Lori who is also an Optician. He is also very involved in his church and enjoys serving in different areas of need. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, running and spending time with his grandson.

Ashley

Financial Coordinator

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Ashley

Financial Coordinator

Ashley started in the optical industry in 2003. She graduated from North Carolina State University in 2006 with a degree in Agricultural Management. She joined Knightdale Eye Care in 2009. After graduating she decided to pursue her North Carolina optician’s license and completed the Durham Technical Community College optician program in May of 2011. Ashley then went on to pass the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiner’s exams in 2012 followed by the North Carolina State Board of Optician’s Exam in 2014 and earned her NC Optician’s License. Ashley and her husband Trey, along with their daughter Avery, live in Archer’s Lodge. Ashley and her family enjoy traveling and spending time at Kerr Lake along with their dogs, Jed and JJ.

Maria

Billing Manager

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Maria

Billing Manager

Maria was born in Silver Springs, MD and came to North Carolina with her family in 1998. She entered the eye care industry in 2009, where she gained experience in customer service and insurance verification. Maria joined The Eye Institute family in 2018 expanding her knowledge as an optometric technician. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Luis, and her children, Kimberly, Kayley, Kelsey, and Kamilla.

Dustin

Office Manager

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Dustin

Office Manager

Originally from Riverside, CA, Dustin’s family moved to NC in 1998. His optical career began in 2011 as an Optometric Technician. A year later, he accepted a position as a Lab Technician where he spent the next three years before attending the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, CA and the CC School of Worship in Costa Mesa, CA. Upon returning from school in 2017, Dustin transitioned back into the optical industry and into his current role as an Optical Sales Consultant. In his spare time, Dustin enjoys trying new restaurants, frequenting coffee shops, reading, playing guitar and frequenting more coffee shops. He is also actively involved in his church where he oversees the Worship/Media Ministries. Did we mention he likes coffee?

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