Palm Beach Gardens Eye Care

Dr. Sandra Spender earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1995. With decades of experience in eye care, she has become a trusted provider in the community, especially known for her expertise in specialty contact lens fittings and prism correction.

Her commitment to excellence has been recognized throughout the years. She was honored as the Best Optometrist in Palm Beach County in 2021 and was a finalist for the award in 2020, 2022, and 2024.

Dr. Spender believes in placing her patients and their health above all else. Her approach is grounded in compassion, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to help people see—and live—better. “From as early as I can remember, I always knew I wanted to become a doctor,” she shares.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Spender finds joy in cooking and gardening—particularly cultivating orchids. A surprising and deeply personal part of her journey: she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at just 29 years old. Since then, she has remained actively involved in numerous charitable causes, using her experience to support and inspire others.

Dr. Deon Erickson earned her undergraduate degree from California State University, Fullerton, and went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry. She completed her clinical externship at Hyde Park Osteopathic Hospital and is board-certified and licensed to prescribe therapeutic eye medications.

Known for her kind and compassionate approach, Dr. Erickson is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized eye care to each of her patients.

Outside the office, Dr. Erickson enjoys spending time with her family. She is married to fellow optometrist Todd Erickson, and together they have three daughters and one granddaughter.

Dr. Joann Pham Parise is a dedicated and empathetic optometrist who has been serving patients with excellence since 2004. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed a residency at the VA Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, where she received advanced training in full-scope optometry.

Dr. Pham is licensed to practice full-scope optometry in the state of Florida and is deeply committed to delivering patient-driven care. She previously served as President of the Palm Beach County Optometric Association (PBCOA) from 2020 to 2021, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to advancing the profession.

Her journey into optometry began early, sparked by a personal experience with retinoblastoma at the age of four and a science fair project on optical illusions that won top honors in the 10th grade at Dr. Phillips High School. These experiences inspired a lifelong passion for eye care and a deep understanding of the importance of vision health.

Outside of practice, Dr. Pham enjoys being immersed in nature, jogging trails, gardening, and spending time with her toddler. She also has a passion for home design and cooking. A multilingual speaker and avid foodie, she once ran a half marathon and delights in exploring different cuisines from around the world.

Dr. Pham brings not only clinical expertise but also warmth and compassion to every patient interaction, making her a trusted and approachable healthcare provider in the community.

Dr. Irina Silva completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at Nova Southeastern University, where she also served as the Nova NOSA Chapter President from 2017 to 2018. She has been practicing for over seven years, providing high-quality eye care with a strong focus on dry eye treatment, ocular disease management, and multifocal soft contact lenses.

Her approach to patient care is centered on building trust, clear communication, and personalized attention. Dr. Silva strives to create a warm, welcoming environment where patients feel heard, understood, and involved in their care. Whether performing a routine exam or managing complex conditions, she is committed to being thorough, compassionate, and solution-oriented.

Dr. Silva was drawn to optometry by the joy of helping others achieve clear vision—a gift she feels is invaluable.

Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring new restaurants, and caring for her senior pup. She’s also passionate about traveling, crocheting, and volunteering through the Lions Club. A fun fact that surprises many: she collects seashells from every beach she visits internationally. Her growing collection includes shells from Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Phuket, Ko Samui, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Aruba, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Indonesia.