Dr. Michelle Blas San Francisco | Optometry Journey & Story
Have you ever wondered how a single childhood moment can transform not just one life, but thousands? For Dr. Michelle Blas, OD, founder of Eyes In Disguise Optometry in San Francisco's Cow Hollow neighborhood, that moment came when her younger sister struggled to read the alphabet in first grade. What started as a family crisis became the foundation of a career dedicated to helping San Francisco residents—from Marina to Pacific Heights, Russian Hill to beyond—see clearly and live fully.
Today, Dr. Blas serves as one of San Francisco's most trusted optometrists, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate, personalized care. But her path to becoming the eye care expert trusted by hundreds of Bay Area families began with a simple act of sisterly love and a profound discovery about how vision shapes learning, confidence, and life itself.
A Sister's Struggle: The Moment That Changed Everything
Picture a bright-eyed first grader sitting at her desk in a New York classroom, watching her classmates breeze through alphabet recognition while she struggled to distinguish between similar-looking letters. For Dr. Blas's younger sister, every school day felt like an insurmountable challenge. The letters seemed to swim on the page, refusing to stay in place or make sense.
Her teachers, concerned about her academic progress, recommended what seemed like a routine eye exam. The family expected a simple prescription for glasses. Instead, they received a diagnosis that would change two lives forever: convergence insufficiency and accommodative dysfunction.
"I remember the optometrist explaining that my sister's eyes weren't working together as a team," Dr. Blas recalls. "She could see the letters clearly, but her brain couldn't coordinate the information from both eyes efficiently. Reading required so much effort that learning became almost impossible."
This wasn't about blurry vision—it was about the complex neurological process of visual coordination. For a child, this condition can masquerade as learning disabilities, ADHD, or simple reluctance to learn. In reality, the problem lay in the sophisticated system connecting eyes to brain, a system most of us take for granted until it fails.
Discovering the Power of Vision Therapy
The optometrist recommended vision therapy—a structured program of eye exercises designed to retrain the visual system. But vision therapy requires dedication, practice, and patience. For a first-grader, that meant needing a partner.
Young Michelle stepped into that role without hesitation.
"I became her vision therapy assistant," Dr. Blas explains. "We did exercises together every day after school. At first, it seemed tedious—tracking objects, focusing on near and far targets, practicing eye teaming activities. But gradually, I began to see the science behind it. I watched my sister's visual system literally rewire itself."
The transformation wasn't overnight. It required three years of consistent work. But the results were undeniable. Dr. Blas's sister went from below grade level in reading to meeting—and eventually exceeding—her academic benchmarks. The struggling student became a confident learner.
More importantly, this experience gave young Michelle a revelation: vision problems don't always announce themselves with obvious symptoms. You can have "20/20" vision and still struggle with reading, learning, and daily tasks if your visual system isn't functioning as an integrated whole.
"I realized that what we call 'vision' is so much more complex than most people understand," Dr. Blas reflects. "It's not just about seeing letters on a chart—it's about how your eyes move, focus, align, and communicate with your brain. When any part of that system breaks down, it affects everything."
This insight, gained at such a young age, would become the philosophical foundation of her approach to patient care decades later in San Francisco.
From Inspiration to Action: Charting a Course in High School
While many high school students drift through career exploration, Dr. Blas knew exactly where she was headed. Her experience with vision therapy had ignited a passion for optometry that only grew stronger with time.
During high school in New York, she took the extraordinary step of securing a preceptorship with SUNY College of Optometry, one of the nation's premier optometry schools. This competitive program allowed motivated students to shadow practicing optometrists and gain real-world exposure to the profession.
"I wanted to know if this career could truly be as meaningful as I imagined," Dr. Blas says. "The preceptorship confirmed everything. I saw firsthand how optometrists changed lives—not just improving vision, but improving quality of life."
She observed optometrists detecting early signs of diabetes through eye exams, fitting contact lenses that gave teenagers confidence, and diagnosing conditions that, left untreated, could lead to blindness. Each case reinforced her conviction: this was her calling.
Her dedication and forward-thinking approach paid off. Dr. Blas was accepted into an accelerated program at Adelphi University that guaranteed admission to SUNY College of Optometry after just three years of undergraduate work—a prestigious opportunity reserved for the most committed students.
"That program was intense," she admits with a laugh. "Three years of undergraduate coursework compressed into a pre-professional track, then straight into optometry school. But I loved every minute. I was finally on the path I'd dreamed about since helping my sister."
Evolution of Expertise: From Vision Therapy to Comprehensive Eye Care
Dr. Blas entered SUNY College of Optometry expecting to specialize in vision therapy—a natural extension of her personal experience. The field felt like home, a way to help children just like her sister.
But professional training has a way of expanding horizons.
"SUNY Optometry exposed me to every aspect of eye care," Dr. Blas explains. "I rotated through pediatric clinics, ocular disease centers, contact lens specialty practices, and emergency eye care facilities. Each rotation opened my eyes—pun intended—to new possibilities."
She found herself particularly drawn to ocular disease management and emergency eye care. The diagnostic detective work fascinated her: using advanced technology to peer inside the eye, identifying subtle signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other vision-threatening conditions.
"I realized that while vision therapy helps some patients profoundly, comprehensive eye care—including disease detection and management—could help even more people," she reflects. "I could be the optometrist who catches glaucoma before it steals someone's peripheral vision, or who diagnoses dry eye syndrome before it becomes debilitating."
This evolution didn't mean abandoning her roots. Dr. Blas still carries forward the lessons learned from her sister's experience: the importance of thorough examination, the recognition that vision problems aren't always obvious, and the understanding that patient education empowers better outcomes.
Her training included rotations in:
Pediatric optometry: Working with children who couldn't articulate their vision problems
Geriatric eye care: Managing age-related conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration
Contact lens specialty: Fitting complex cases including keratoconus and post-surgical patients
Ocular disease: Diagnosing and co-managing glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal conditions
Emergency eye care: Treating urgent conditions from foreign bodies to sudden vision loss
Each experience refined her clinical skills and deepened her commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Bringing Expertise to San Francisco: Eyes In Disguise Optometry
After completing her doctorate, Dr. Blas could have practiced anywhere. She chose San Francisco—specifically, the vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood—for its unique blend of sophistication, diversity, and community spirit.
"San Francisco felt like the perfect match," she explains. "This city values innovation, embraces wellness, and appreciates the intersection of medical expertise and aesthetic sensibility. Those are exactly the values I wanted to bring to my practice."
In 2024, Dr. Blas founded Eyes In Disguise Optometry at 2133 Union Street, creating a practice that reflects both her clinical excellence and her commitment to the patient experience. The practice name itself embodies her philosophy: eyes deserve care that's both medically excellent and aesthetically beautiful—expertise that doesn't disguise itself behind sterile professionalism but rather reveals itself through genuine connection.
"I wanted to create a practice that feels welcoming, not clinical," she says. "A place where patients feel heard, where we take time to explain findings, where eye care is an experience, not just a transaction."
Located in the heart of Cow Hollow, Eyes In Disguise serves patients throughout San Francisco, including Marina, Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, and beyond. The practice combines:
Advanced Diagnostic Technology:
iProfiler wavefront aberrometry for precise vision analysis
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) for retinal imaging
Digital retinal photography for disease monitoring
Comprehensive visual field testing for glaucoma detection
Personalized Care Philosophy:
Extended appointment times for thorough examination
Patient education as a cornerstone of every visit
Collaborative treatment planning tailored to individual lifestyles
Follow-up care that ensures optimal outcomes
Comprehensive Services:
Routine comprehensive eye exams
Contact lens fitting (including specialty lenses)
Ocular disease diagnosis and management
Emergency eye care
LASIK co-management
Dry eye treatment
Pediatric eye care
The Eyes In Disguise Difference: What Sets Dr. Blas Apart
Walk into any optometry practice in San Francisco, and you'll find qualified doctors with impressive credentials. What makes Dr. Blas different? Her patients consistently cite several factors:
1. The Personal Touch Rooted in Personal Experience
Dr. Blas's journey began with empathy—watching her sister struggle and finding solutions. That empathy infuses every patient interaction. She doesn't just see eyes; she sees people whose lives are impacted by their vision.
"When a parent brings in a child struggling in school, I remember my sister," she says. "When a patient with glaucoma worries about their future, I understand that fear. When someone's frustrated by dry eyes affecting their work, I recognize how vision problems ripple through every aspect of life."
2. Comprehensive Evaluation Beyond Standard Testing
Thanks to her diverse training and personal experience with vision therapy, Dr. Blas conducts thorough examinations that go beyond reading letters on a chart. She assesses:
Eye teaming and coordination
Focusing ability at various distances
Eye movement tracking
Peripheral vision
Color vision
Depth perception
Internal and external eye health
"I've caught conditions that patients had no idea they had," she notes. "Early-stage glaucoma, diabetic changes in the retina, even brain-related vision problems. Comprehensive means comprehensive."
3. Technology Meets Human Connection
Eyes In Disguise features state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, but Dr. Blas never lets technology replace the human element.
"Machines give me data," she explains. "But listening to patients gives me context. Understanding someone's lifestyle, concerns, and goals allows me to interpret that data meaningfully and make recommendations that actually work for their life."
4. Curated Eyewear Collection
Remembering that her practice name celebrates the intersection of medical care and aesthetic beauty, Dr. Blas personally curates a collection of luxury, handcrafted eyewear frames.
"Glasses are the only medical device you wear on your face all day," she points out. "They should make you feel confident, express your personality, and be crafted with the same care we put into your eye examination."
Serving San Francisco's Diverse Neighborhoods
From her Cow Hollow location, Dr. Blas serves patients across San Francisco's diverse communities, each with unique eye care needs:
Cow Hollow Residents: Appreciate the neighborhood practice feel combined with sophisticated care, walking to appointments along Union Street's charming boutique-lined blocks.
Marina Patients: Active, health-conscious individuals who value preventive care and sports vision optimization, often combining eye exams with their wellness routines near Chrissy Field.
Pacific Heights Clientele: Discerning patients who expect—and receive—the highest standard of care combined with luxury eyewear selections that match the neighborhood's refined aesthetic.
Russian Hill Visitors: Tech professionals and creative individuals who appreciate Dr. Blas's efficient, thorough approach that respects their busy schedules while never compromising quality.
"San Francisco's neighborhoods each have distinct personalities," Dr. Blas observes. "But everyone shares the same fundamental need: someone who truly cares about their eye health and takes time to provide excellent care."
Looking Forward: Dr. Blas's Vision for the Future
As Eyes In Disguise continues to grow and serve more San Francisco families, Dr. Blas remains committed to the principles that guided her from that childhood experience with her sister to her current practice:
Patient Education: "Informed patients make better health decisions. I want everyone who leaves my office to understand their eyes, their conditions, and their options."
Preventive Care: "Catching problems early—whether it's myopia progression in children or early glaucoma in adults—can preserve vision for a lifetime."
Personalized Approach: "Cookie-cutter care doesn't work. Each patient deserves a treatment plan designed for their unique eyes, lifestyle, and goals."
Community Connection: "I didn't just open a practice in San Francisco—I became part of this community. My patients' vision is my mission."
Continued Learning: "Optometry evolves constantly. I stay current with the latest research, technology, and techniques to provide cutting-edge care." In 2025, that means understanding emerging research on topics like sleep's impact on eye health, advanced dry eye therapies, and myopia control strategies.
More Than Vision: The Ripple Effect of Excellent Eye Care
Dr. Blas has witnessed countless transformations since opening Eyes In Disguise—stories that echo her sister's journey:
The executive whose diagnosed dry eye syndrome was causing afternoon fatigue, affecting work performance
The child whose "behavioral problems" disappeared after vision therapy for convergence insufficiency
The senior whose early glaucoma detection prevented irreversible vision loss
The contact lens patient who'd been told by other doctors they couldn't wear lenses, now wearing them successfully
The young professional whose first pair of quality glasses boosted confidence and style
"These stories remind me why I chose this career," Dr. Blas reflects. "Vision affects everything—learning, working, driving, relationships, independence, confidence, safety. When I improve someone's vision, I improve their life. That's not hyperbole; that's what I see every day."
Your Journey to Better Vision Starts Here
Dr. Michelle Blas's journey from a concerned sister helping with vision therapy exercises to a trusted San Francisco optometrist embodies dedication, expertise, and genuine care. Whether you're experiencing vision problems, due for a routine exam, concerned about eye disease, or seeking luxury eyewear that expresses your style, Eyes In Disguise Optometry welcomes you.
Located at 2133 Union Street in San Francisco's Cow Hollow neighborhood, the practice is easily accessible for residents throughout the Bay Area. Dr. Blas and her team combine advanced technology, comprehensive examination, personalized care, and a curated eyewear collection to provide an eye care experience that's truly distinctive.
Ready to experience the difference expert, personalized eye care makes?
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Michelle Blas, OD
Call: (415) 474-5321
Whether you're new to San Francisco or a longtime resident of Cow Hollow, Marina, Pacific Heights, or Russian Hill, discover why patients trust Dr. Blas with their vision. From routine eye exams to complex disease management, from contact lens fitting to emergency care, experience optometry that combines clinical excellence with genuine human connection.
Your eyes deserve expert care. Your vision deserves Dr. Michelle Blas.
About Dr. Michelle Blas, OD
Dr. Michelle Blas is a Doctor of Optometry practicing in San Francisco, California. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from SUNY College of Optometry after completing an accelerated undergraduate program at Adelphi University. Dr. Blas specializes in comprehensive eye examinations, ocular disease diagnosis and management, contact lens fitting, emergency eye care, and LASIK co-management. She founded Eyes In Disguise Optometry in Cow Hollow to provide San Francisco residents with sophisticated eye care that combines medical expertise, advanced technology, and personalized attention. Outside the office, Dr. Blas enjoys exploring San Francisco's neighborhoods, staying current with optometric research, and continuing the mission that began with her sister: helping people see clearly and live fully.
