By Kevin Canessa Jr.
Observer Correspondent
LYNDHURST –
When Dr. Maria Domingues founded Pink Vision Associates in 2010, among many things that were clear was that the business would be family oriented. Three years later, that was even more evident when Dr. Carla Domingues, Carla’s sister, joined the practice. And now, the family atmosphere has grown even more with the addition of Dr. Diana Espaillat, a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and a dear friend and classmate of Carla’s.
Dr. Maria Domingues says she is thrilled to have been able to hire Dr. Espaillat, especially since the practice continues to grow and since she comes on board with such high praise from her sister.
“She and my sister have been friends for a while, and she’s a great fit for our practice,” Maria said. “And we’re so delighted that in addition to her university training, she also comes to us with one full year of training in a residency — in an ophthalmology setting. She is very qualified and is excellent with patients.
“We know she’s going to continue to be a great asset here.”
Espaillat, who speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese, has had a vast educational background. She got her bachelor’s degree from the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken and then got her OD (ophthalmology doctorate) in 2013. The residency Dr. Domingues referenced took place during the past year at the Eye Care Center of New Jersey in Bloomfield.
During her residency, she focused on patient care, ocular disease, pre-operative care, pediatric optometry and vision therapy. So it’s all prepared her for a career in the field that she first became interested in when she was a teenager.
“I was a sophomore at North Bergen High School when my love for the field developed,” Espaillat said. “I was taking an anatomy and physiology class and we dissected a pig’s eye. I had never worn glasses before, but I loved the intricacy of the lens in the eye. I never thought I’d become a doctor, but here I am now, excited for what’s to come.”
Espaillat says she’s quite motivated by all aspects of her new work, but she’s especially happy to be able to work with kids and with overall patient care.
“I try to put myself in their positions,” she said. “I work hard to ensure my patients are relaxed and that they realize they will get through what has to be done when they’re sitting in that chair.”
But without question, her greatest joy comes from where her career is ultimately beginning.
“I am so excited to join a practice with my very close friend Carla,” Espaillat said. “This is such a great, family-oriented place to be, and I am fortunate to be able to contribute to that atmosphere.”
Pink Vision Associates has three offices: in Lyndhurst, Fort Lee and Irvington. The Lyndhurst office is located at 348 Ridge Road. The hours of operation there are Monday, Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more about Dr. Espaillat and Pink Vision Associates by visiting www.PinkVisionAssociates.com or by calling 201-438- 8668. You can schedule an appointment on the website as well.
