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Our Eye Doctors

Optometrists are Doctors of Optometry who are independent primary health care providers. Our eye doctors examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as diagnosing systemic conditions. They examine the internal and external structures of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and elevated cholesterol; vision conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Optometrists prescribe medications to treat eye disorders such as pink eye, dry eyes, glaucoma and other eye diseases and injuries.

Our optometrists take the time to explain the results of your eye exam, describe your options and listen to your eye care needs. Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing and treating potential vision problems.
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Michael Higgins, O.D.

Dr. Michael Higgins has been in private optometric practice at Stirling Eye Center since 1993. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1988 and Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1992.

Professionally, Dr. Higgins has been an active member of the American Optometric Association, the Pennsylvania Optometric Association, and the Western Pennsylvania Optometric Society, where he served on the Board of Directors. He received the “Young Optometrist of the Year” award in 1998 from the Western Pennsylvania Optometric Society.

Dr. Higgins’ professional interests include creating a complete eyecare center that includes, but is not limited to, treating eye disease, fitting contact lenses, and laser vision correction. He personally had laser vision correction in 2000 after wearing contact lenses for 20 years.

Dr. Higgins is a member of St. Fidelis Church, where he is an active member in The Men’s Club. He is married to Dr. Gonzalez, and they have two boys, Justin and Nathan.

Claudia Gonzalez, O.D.

Dr. Claudia Gonzalez has been in private optometry practice at Stirling Eyecare Center since 1993. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Richmond in 1986 and Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1992.

Professionally, Dr. Gonzalez has been a member of the American Optometric Association, the Pennsylvania Optometric Association, and the Western Pennsylvania Optometric Society.

Dr. Gonzalez’s professional interests include creating a complete eyecare center that includes, but is not limited to, treating eye disease, fitting contact lenses, and laser vision correction. She routinely treats patients for pink eye, dry eye disease, and glaucoma.

Dr. Gonzalez is a member of St. Fidelis Church. Through the church, she runs a soup kitchen that provides meals to the needy. She is married to Dr. Higgins, and they have two boys, Justin and Nathan.

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Our Staff

Heather

Heather joined Stirling Eyecare Center in 1998. She manages a variety of responsibilities including insurance posting/ billing, accounts receivable, frame selection, adjustment, problem solving, patient management and coordination of care. She is also the Patient/Staff Education Coordinator for our practice.

Heather has over 25 years of Customer Service, Administrative and Medical/Optometric experience. She takes pride in coordinating the operations of the office, while ensuring that any patient practice is handled appropriately, adhering to the “Code of Conduct” philosophy and “Mission Statement” of our practice.

Jennifer

Jennifer joined Stirling Eyecare Center in 2014, bringing with her a lively work ethic and a strong background in health care.

Jennifer is happy to assist patients in many different ways, ranging from scheduling appointments, to billing and insurance coverage and accounts receivable. She is knowledgeable of the latest technology available to meet your lifestyle needs.

Jennifers readiness and can-do attitude ensures that every patient has an enjoyable experience at our office.

You will see Jennifer at the front desk, greeting you with a smile!

Kylie

Kylie joined our team in 2016, bringing with her experience in the healthcare field. Kylie has an upbeat attitude and is always happy to help our patients.

She is trained to assist our patients with all of their clinical and optical needs. Kylie’s experience includes pre-testing, digital photography, contact lens applying and removal, and frame selection. Kylie takes pride on staying up-to-date with all the latest technology, and is always happy to help, with a smile!

Laura

Laura joined our team in 2005, bringing to our eye care office her enthusiasm and commitment to compassionate patient care.

Laura is a skilled optician that has more than many years of optical/clinical experience, with over half of those years LASIK and refractive surgery. Her primary duties include edging and finishing lenses, frame selection, adjustment and problem solving. She is up to date on the latest technology available to make your lenses meet your lifestyle needs.

With her thorough knowledge and expertise, Laura guides our patients through their initial exam, frame and lens selection or throughout the surgical process.

Jennifer

Jennifer joined our Vision Source team in 2017. She is the friendly voice that greets you when you call or enter the office.

She works diligently to ensure that every patient has a smooth and enjoyable eyecare experience. With her many years of administrative and customer service experience, she has contributed efficiency and organization to the front desk.

She takes pride in helping patients with a variety of needs including scheduling appointments, answering questions about billing and insurance coverage, completing insurance forms, and accounts receivable.

Melissa

Melissa joined Stirling Eyecare Center in 2013. She prides herself in assisting our doctors to provide you with the very highest level of care and service.

She is cross-trained to assist you with all of your optical and clinical needs. Her optical and clinical experience includes frame selection, adjustment, problem solving with compassionate patient care, examination pre-testing, special procedures such as Digital Retinal photography and Visual Field testing, as well as assisting the front desk.

Melissa has a great eye for style and is able help our patients select the proper eyeglass frames and lenses for fit, function and style.

Tina

Tina joined Stirling Eyecare Center in 2011. Having many years of administrative and customer service experience, she contributes to the efficiency and organization of the front desk and billing department.

Working in front office positions as well as in the billing department, makes her uniquely capable of handling all of your concerns.

She has a great love for people and will patiently investigate and answer all patient billing questions, as well as resolving billing and insurance issues, and handling accounts receivable. She is respectful, caring, and is always willing to go the extra mile.

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