SLO EYE ASSOCIATES - SAN LUIS OBISPO
Better Vision for a Better Life
WELCOME TO San Luis Obispo Eye Associates
As a full-service Ophthalmology practice, San Luis Obispo Eye Associates’ physicians are leaders in their fields and use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide you and your family with the best possible care.
Our Mission: To provide compassionate eye care focused on excellence while showing the highest degree of caring, ethics, and respect to our patients and each other.
Created in 1995 by the merger of three successful Ophthalmologic subspecialty practices on the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo Eye Associates offers you both the range of services and depth of experience that you seek. Doctors Gealy, Baldwin, and Stathacopoulos were the founding shareholders of the practice. Dr. Basich, who joined our team in 1997, subsequently became a shareholder in 2006. Our highly experienced shareholders and staff physicians are leaders in their fields and use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide you with the best possible care.
Our Mission: To provide compassionate eye care focused on excellence while showing the highest degree of caring, ethics, and respect to our patients and each other.
Created in 1995 by the merger of three successful Ophthalmologic subspecialty practices on the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo Eye Associates offers you both the range of services and depth of experience that you seek. Doctors Gealy, Baldwin, and Stathacopoulos were the founding shareholders of the practice. Dr. Basich, who joined our team in 1997, subsequently became a shareholder in 2006. Our highly experienced shareholders and staff physicians are leaders in their fields and use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide you with the best possible care.
MeetOur Doctors
Frank Basich, MD
James Gealy, Jr., MD
Rena Stathacopoulos, MD
Daniel Agarwal, MD
Stephen Bylsma, MD
Abraham Suhr,
MD MBA MHA
MD MBA MHA
Jason Bunker, OD
Frank Basich, MD
Dr. Frank Basich provides comprehensive ophthalmic services, specializing in cataract and pterygium surgery. He has performed thousands of no-stitch cataract surgeries. Dr. Basich is a graduate of Stanford University, earned his medical degree at UCSF, and then completed his residency at the USC-Doheny Eye Institute in Los Angeles.
After completing his ophthalmic training, he worked for two years in private practice in Santa Monica with the pioneering cataract surgeon Robert Sinskey, M.D. Dr. Basich then worked for one year as the sole ophthalmologist on the island of Dominica before resettling here and joining San Luis Obispo Eye Associates in 1997.
Dr. Basich lives in San Luis Obispo with his wife Andy. They have two daughters who have now left the nest for college. Dr. Basich stays active by playing softball and cycling, and is an accomplished sourdough baker.
After completing his ophthalmic training, he worked for two years in private practice in Santa Monica with the pioneering cataract surgeon Robert Sinskey, M.D. Dr. Basich then worked for one year as the sole ophthalmologist on the island of Dominica before resettling here and joining San Luis Obispo Eye Associates in 1997.
Dr. Basich lives in San Luis Obispo with his wife Andy. They have two daughters who have now left the nest for college. Dr. Basich stays active by playing softball and cycling, and is an accomplished sourdough baker.
James Gealy, Jr., MD
Dr. James Gealy is one of the three founding partners of San Luis Obispo Eye Associates and has been providing medical and surgical comprehensive and vitreo-retinal eye care in San Luis Obispo county since 1983. He specializes in the medical and surgical management of retinal disorders with emphasis in macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal detachment, retinal vascular disorders, macular holes and epiretinal membranes.
Dr. Gealy received his medical training at the Yale School of Medicine, winning the John P. Peters Prize for Outstanding Thesis. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Michigan and his ophthalmology residency at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.
Fellowship training in retina, vitreous and uveitis followed at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California.
He is board certified in Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Prior to medical school, Dr. Gealy attended La Jolla High School, graduating with honors. He received his undergraduate degree in Zoology with highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley with interests in marine biology and research in tumor viruses.
Away from the office, Dr. Gealy maintains a wide interest in live music, world travel, backpacking, photography, computer science, woodworking and cooking. On weekends, he can often be found working in his home orchard growing rare and exotic fruits or tending to his ever-growing flock of chickens.
Dr. Gealy received his medical training at the Yale School of Medicine, winning the John P. Peters Prize for Outstanding Thesis. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Michigan and his ophthalmology residency at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.
Fellowship training in retina, vitreous and uveitis followed at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California.
He is board certified in Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Prior to medical school, Dr. Gealy attended La Jolla High School, graduating with honors. He received his undergraduate degree in Zoology with highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley with interests in marine biology and research in tumor viruses.
Away from the office, Dr. Gealy maintains a wide interest in live music, world travel, backpacking, photography, computer science, woodworking and cooking. On weekends, he can often be found working in his home orchard growing rare and exotic fruits or tending to his ever-growing flock of chickens.
Rena Stathacopoulos, MD
Dr. Rena Stathacopoulos specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. She provides diagnosis and treatment of eye problems in children. This includes routine vision care as well as complex surgical and medical care. She also sees adults requiring specialized care for eye muscle and eyelid movement disorders.
Common problems requiring care in children include strabismus (misaligned eyes), tearduct disorders, amblyopia ("lazy eye"), ptosis (droopy eyelid), nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While Dr. Stathacopoulos is a surgeon, her philosophy is that all effective non-surgical treatments should be tried first.
Dr. Stathacopoulos graduated at the top of her class at UCLA School of Medicine. She went on to complete an ophthalmology residency at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA, one of the leading eye institutes in the country. She remained at Jules
Stein Eye Institute, after residency, for a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
A long-time resident of the central coast, Dr. Stathacopoulos grew up in Santa Barbara, and did her undergraduate work in Biology at UCSB where she graduated with Honors. She and her spouse have lived and practiced in SLO County since 1992. With two active children of her own, she understands what parents need when seeking medical care. She prides herself on trying to make a personal connection with each of her young patients. When asked what she enjoys about her specialty, she replied,"Getting to know patients and their families is one of the great joys of a pediatric practice. I have cared for some of my patients from infancy all the way to college age.".
Common problems requiring care in children include strabismus (misaligned eyes), tearduct disorders, amblyopia ("lazy eye"), ptosis (droopy eyelid), nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While Dr. Stathacopoulos is a surgeon, her philosophy is that all effective non-surgical treatments should be tried first.
Dr. Stathacopoulos graduated at the top of her class at UCLA School of Medicine. She went on to complete an ophthalmology residency at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA, one of the leading eye institutes in the country. She remained at Jules
Stein Eye Institute, after residency, for a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
A long-time resident of the central coast, Dr. Stathacopoulos grew up in Santa Barbara, and did her undergraduate work in Biology at UCSB where she graduated with Honors. She and her spouse have lived and practiced in SLO County since 1992. With two active children of her own, she understands what parents need when seeking medical care. She prides herself on trying to make a personal connection with each of her young patients. When asked what she enjoys about her specialty, she replied,"Getting to know patients and their families is one of the great joys of a pediatric practice. I have cared for some of my patients from infancy all the way to college age.".
Daniel Agarwal, MD
Dr. Daniel Agarwal is a board-certified ophthalmologist with a specialization in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous. He received his Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Duke University, where he graduated magna cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa and graduation with distinction. He earned his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College, graduating with honors in research. Dr. Agarwal went on to complete his internship at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar, California and residency in ophthalmology at the University of Arizona. Thereafter, he completed a fellowship in medical retina and uveitis at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute and a two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery and medical diseases of the retina at Yale University.
Dr. Agarwal is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Vit Buckle Society, and the American Society of Retina Specialists. Dr. Agarwal has been involved in numerous research projects including vitreous disorders, diabetic retinopathy, fluorescein angiography, panretinal photocoagulation, endophthalmitis, corneal keloids, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and glaucomatous optic neuropathy. He has received grants from the American Federation on Aging, Cleveland Clinic, and Yale University to conduct and present his research. Dr. Agarwal has several peer reviewed publications and has presented at many national and international conferences. Dr. Agarwal enjoys walking on the beach, hiking local trails, watching Dodger baseball, and traveling with his family.
Dr. Agarwal is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Vit Buckle Society, and the American Society of Retina Specialists. Dr. Agarwal has been involved in numerous research projects including vitreous disorders, diabetic retinopathy, fluorescein angiography, panretinal photocoagulation, endophthalmitis, corneal keloids, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and glaucomatous optic neuropathy. He has received grants from the American Federation on Aging, Cleveland Clinic, and Yale University to conduct and present his research. Dr. Agarwal has several peer reviewed publications and has presented at many national and international conferences. Dr. Agarwal enjoys walking on the beach, hiking local trails, watching Dodger baseball, and traveling with his family.
Stephen Bylsma, MD
Internationally recognized for his leadership in eye care, Dr. Stephen Bylsma specializes in state-of-the-art vision-correction surgery including cataract surgery with intraocular implants and LASIK, glaucoma surgery, and cosmetic eyelid surgery. Dr. Bylsma is a member of the clinical faculty at UCLA, Department of Ophthalmology associated with the Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Dr. Bylsma received his Medical Doctor degree from the Oregon Health Science University and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Bylsma is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is a founding member of the American and European College of Ophthalmic Surgeons.
Dr. Bylsma has been a principal investigator for numerous FDA investigational studies, including the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), the AquaFlow implant for glaucoma and the Collamer Intraocular Lens. He continues to author numerous textbooks, scientific journals, and ophthalmology magazines. He holds a patent on an apparatus used throughout the world in cataract surgery and has been invited worldwide to teach his eye surgery techniques.
Dr. Bylsma enjoys his time on the Central Coast with his wife Anita and participates in a variety of local and community activities. His hobbies include playing guitar, bonsai, and authoring a linguistics textbook.
Dr. Bylsma received his Medical Doctor degree from the Oregon Health Science University and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Bylsma is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is a founding member of the American and European College of Ophthalmic Surgeons.
Dr. Bylsma has been a principal investigator for numerous FDA investigational studies, including the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), the AquaFlow implant for glaucoma and the Collamer Intraocular Lens. He continues to author numerous textbooks, scientific journals, and ophthalmology magazines. He holds a patent on an apparatus used throughout the world in cataract surgery and has been invited worldwide to teach his eye surgery techniques.
Dr. Bylsma enjoys his time on the Central Coast with his wife Anita and participates in a variety of local and community activities. His hobbies include playing guitar, bonsai, and authoring a linguistics textbook.
Abraham Suhr, MD MBA MHA
Having great eyesight is a blessing. I look forward to helping you with your vision and your ocular health needs.
Dr. Abraham Suhr is an award-winning surgeon and a Board-Certified ophthalmologist with specialization in advanced glaucoma surgery. He was born and raised in San Luis Obispo. After earning a B.S. in Biochemistry at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, he joined the U.S. Army and started Medical School at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. He completed ophthalmology residency Brooke Army Medical Center and then completed a fellowship in advanced glaucoma surgery at the University of California, Davis. Years later, he earned a Master`s in Business Administration and Health Administration at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
He chaired the glaucoma service in the Army`s busiest and only Level 1 Trauma Center in San Antonio, Texas. He deployed to Iraq and served as the only ophthalmologist where he was based. He also led the entire surgical department at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Dr. Suhr managed ocular trauma, general ophthalmology conditions, offered state-of-the art refractive surgery (LASIK and PRK), and provided advanced glaucoma and complex cataract surgery. He published several peer-reviewed scientific articles. He served 25 years as a Military Physician and won awards in teaching, research, cataract surgery, and glaucoma surgery.
He enjoys spending time with family, learning foreign languages, listening to audiobooks, and tackling home improvement projects.
Dr. Abraham Suhr is an award-winning surgeon and a Board-Certified ophthalmologist with specialization in advanced glaucoma surgery. He was born and raised in San Luis Obispo. After earning a B.S. in Biochemistry at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, he joined the U.S. Army and started Medical School at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. He completed ophthalmology residency Brooke Army Medical Center and then completed a fellowship in advanced glaucoma surgery at the University of California, Davis. Years later, he earned a Master`s in Business Administration and Health Administration at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
He chaired the glaucoma service in the Army`s busiest and only Level 1 Trauma Center in San Antonio, Texas. He deployed to Iraq and served as the only ophthalmologist where he was based. He also led the entire surgical department at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Dr. Suhr managed ocular trauma, general ophthalmology conditions, offered state-of-the art refractive surgery (LASIK and PRK), and provided advanced glaucoma and complex cataract surgery. He published several peer-reviewed scientific articles. He served 25 years as a Military Physician and won awards in teaching, research, cataract surgery, and glaucoma surgery.
He enjoys spending time with family, learning foreign languages, listening to audiobooks, and tackling home improvement projects.
Jason Bunker, OD
Dr. Bunker received his Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He received his Doctor of Optometry from Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, California.
Training was completed with Externships at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Santa Maria, California as well as the Veterans Administration in Salt Lake City, Utah and Wellish Vision Institute, located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dr. Bunker spent two years as a full-time volunteer in British Columbia, Canada. He had the opportunity to serve as an Expo Manager of the Utah Valley Marathon. In addition, he has the distinct honor of holding an Eagle Scout designation.
When he`s not seeing patients, he enjoys what the Central Coast has to offer such as surfing, hiking and spending time outdoors with his wife.
Training was completed with Externships at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Santa Maria, California as well as the Veterans Administration in Salt Lake City, Utah and Wellish Vision Institute, located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dr. Bunker spent two years as a full-time volunteer in British Columbia, Canada. He had the opportunity to serve as an Expo Manager of the Utah Valley Marathon. In addition, he has the distinct honor of holding an Eagle Scout designation.
When he`s not seeing patients, he enjoys what the Central Coast has to offer such as surfing, hiking and spending time outdoors with his wife.
Featured Services
Cataracts
Optical Shop
Family & Children’s Eye Care
Macular Degeneration
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dry Eye
Patient Reviews
Greg Goffinet
Recommends San Luis Obispo Eye Associates
I am a glaucoma patient that had concerns about his eye pressure. My son made an appointment with San Luis. Eye...who saw me on a rush basis in one day. I live out of State. They saw me immediately and reviewed my history checked my eyes and pressures. Very professional very patient driven. Their care was excellent and reassuring. I would rate them at A+
Carol Brookshire
Recommends San Luis Obispo Eye Associates
I recently had cataracts removed. The office staff here are attentive and professional. I never waited more than a few minutes for my appointments. Dr. Basich is excellent. He explained the process to me very well, was confident I would be pleased with the results, and I couldn’t be happier with my vision.
Karen Wachsmuth
Recommends San Luis Obispo Eye Associates
My first time to the Templeton office and the whole staff was so warm and friendly. Dr. Frank was super! Thorough and considerate of my situation due to an accident. Honest and factual information. Thank You. I will return and now my husband wants to have his eyes taken care of there.
Dana Nelson
Recommends San Luis Obispo Eye Associates
Professionalism, expertise, and compassion all at one location. The front office did all it could to ensure insurance coverage and a timely appointment. The attending physician was precise, informative, and, as he was taking over my case from another Dr. in the practice, a quick study. I chose the optometrist in the office who was exacting, and knowledgeable in my specific needs for lens.
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Hours of Operation
- Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
