Our Team

Optometrist

Dr. Jeffrey Safarik O.D., an optometrist, completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California at Davis in 1984. He received a second Bachelor of Science in Visual Science in 1986 from the Southern California College of Optometry.

In 1988, Dr. Safarik O.D. graduated in the top one-third of his class with a Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry. He moved to San Diego, joining a large eye care group and was Director of Doctors for over fifty clinics that operated in California.
 

Two years later, he was offered a position at a Southern California vision firm, practicing eight years in the Carlsbad and La Jolla. He was chairman of the Quality Assurance committee for the group’s 15 offices. In order to practice vision care without the restraints of HMO guidelines, he joined Astorino and Associates Eye Center in Newport Beach in 1998. Dr. Safarik was Clinic Director at the eye center for six years, handling many of the day to day operations as well as patient care. His years of experience in pre-operative and post-operative care for LASIK, cataract, pterygium, oculo-plastics and other surgeries has advanced his knowledge and skills building his clinical foundation. He is therapeutically licensed and trained to treat eye conditions including allergies, infections, dry eye disease, glaucoma and Macular degeneration.
 

Dr. Safarik lives in Eastside Costa Mesa with his lovely wife Monica.

Associate Optometrist

Dr. Alexander Turk, born and raised in Lake Forest, CA, earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Sciences from Loyola Marymount University and completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO).

Throughout his training, Dr. Turk gained valuable experience across diverse clinical settings. During his rotations, Dr. Turk served patients with the Indian Health Services in Riverside-San Bernardino County, honing his skills in managing dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, and a variety of other ocular diseases. He also trained with the Southern Nevada VA Healthcare System, where he focused on the treatment and management of complex eye diseases, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

At the Tayani Institute, Dr. Turk developed extensive experience in collaborative eye care, learning the collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology to provide comprehensive patient care. Here, he assisted in managing pre- and post-operative cases for cataract surgery and LASIK, while also furthering his expertise in treating complex eye conditions.

In SCCO’s clinic, Dr. Turk broadened his skills across a wide spectrum of optometric practices, including specialty contact lenses, vision therapy, low vision care, and ocular disease management. Dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality eye care, Dr. Turk strives to make a positive impact on each patient he serves.
Outside of work, Dr. Turk enjoys spending quality time with friends and family. He is also passionate about all things sports, both playing and watching, and enjoys staying active in his free time.

Optometrist

Dr. Jacqueline Vu is a California-licensed optometrist dedicated to providing exceptional eye care throughout Southern California. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Healthcare and Social Issues. She then earned her Doctor of Optometry degree with honors from the Southern California College of Optometry.
 

Dr. Vu received extensive clinical training through externships at Wellish Vision Institute in Nevada, the VA Northwest Medical Center in Arizona, and Minnesota Eye Consultants, where she gained expertise in comprehensive vision care, ocular disease management, and cataract surgery co-management. She specializes in dry eye treatment, myopia management, and specialty contact lenses for conditions like keratoconus and high astigmatism, helping patients achieve long-term ocular health and comfort.
 

She mentors fellow optometrists through the Asian American Optometric Society, supporting professional development and continuing education. Dr. Vu is active member of the California Optometric Association, the Orange County Optometric Society, and Beta Sigma Kappa Honors Fraternity.
 

Beyond her practice, she is passionate about giving back to underserved communities, volunteering on vision care mission trips with organizations such as Special Olympics, Unite for Sight, VOSH, and Lions Club.
 

Dr. Vu's patient-centered philosophy is built on trust, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. She believes that vision care is not just about seeing clearly; it's about enhancing quality of life. Whether managing dry eye, slowing myopia progression, or providing personalized eye health solutions, she is dedicated to helping her patients achieve long-term ocular health and comfort,

Director of Operations and Eyelid Hygienist

Office Manager/Optician

Optician

Front office and Billing

Front Office

Optometric Tech

Optometric Tech