About The Eye Institute

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Adam Sauls

OD

Dr. Adam Sauls is a native of the Raleigh area. Dr. Sauls earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina in Exercise Science. He then attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry where he attained his Doctor of Optometry. Dr. Sauls is happy to be back in Raleigh and is passionate about providing high quality care for the community that helped to raise him.

KENDRA J. HATFIELD

OD

Dr. Hatfield grew up in the small town of Gilbert, located in the coal fields of southern West Virginia. She is graduate of Marshall University and went on to earn her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry (Memphis, TN).  Dr. Hatfield practiced in several different states and practices until 2013, when she founded her own practice, Tradewinds Optometric Group, in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Dr. Hatfield is active in the community and is a member of the North Carolina State Optometric Society and the American Optometric Association.  She resides in Davidson with her husband, their son Alexander and their Siberian husky, Aspen. She is an avid fan of Marshall University sports and the Carolina Panthers!