Our Team

Optometrist

Dr. Shefali Ahmadi is a compassionate Optometrist with an eagerness to provide exceptional eye care, while embodying her core values of trust, communication, and passion. She received a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Connecticut in 2013 and continued her graduate level studies at the New England College of Optometry, earning a Doctorate of Optometry in 2017.

During her training, Dr. Ahmadi gained valuable experience at various healthcare institutions with diverse patient populations, including community health centers and the Veterans Hospital in both Worcester, MA and West Haven, CT. Her expertise spans across primary care optometry, co-managing and treating ocular conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and anterior segment disease. She also has in depth experience in fitting multi-focal, single vision, and specialty contact lenses. Dr. Ahmadi also completed an online training course to prescribe CooperVision’s Brilliant Futures Myopia Management Program featuring MiSight® 1 day contact lenses. She is skilled in handling ocular emergencies, such as foreign body removals, ensuring prompt and effective care.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Ahmadi embraces the joys of motherhood with her 2.5 year old daughter. She and her husband met at the University of Connecticut 12 years ago, and they continue to cherish their time together as a family. Her husband practices at Darien Family Dental, making their shared commitment to caring for the local community a special part of their story. In her free time, Dr. Ahmadi finds joy in staying active by running, a hobby that keeps her energized and focused. 

With her extensive knowledge, commitment to patient well-being, and passionate approach, Dr. Ahmadi continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves in the field of optometry.

Optometrist

Dr. Jaime Schwarz is a board-certified optometrist with a passion for delivering high quality and comprehensive eye care. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

Dr. Schwarz has gained experience training in a wide range of settings, including the James H. Quillen Veterans Hospital in Tennessee, an Optometry/Ophthalmology clinic in West Palm Beach, Florida, and a private practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She has most recently worked at a corporate clinic in Saratoga Springs, New York. These experiences have equipped her to handle a wide range of patient needs and clinical situations with confidence and care.

She is skilled in fitting contact lenses, diagnosing and managing ocular diseases, and responding to eye care emergencies. Dr. Schwarz is especially passionate about patient education and strives to ensure each person leaves their exam feeling informed, comfortable, and confident in their care. Her goal is to provide thorough and personalized comprehensive eye exams to every patient she meets.

Dr. Schwarz met her husband during the first week of optometry school, and they recently celebrated their wedding. They relocated to Connecticut with their teacup poodle Pepper and are enjoying exploring their new community together. In her free time, Dr. Schwarz loves to dance, practice Pilates, and spend time with family and friends.

She is excited to join Dr. Ahmadi and the team at Darien Eye Care, where she looks forward to continuing her goal of positively impacting her patients by providing compassionate eye care to the community.

Optician

Christine Bealing, a Licensed Optician from Florida, brings over a decade of experience and technical expertise. She has history both as an optician as well as a doctor's technician which has brought her a unique and well-rounded view of eyecare. She started her optician career as a casual part-time job while completing her degree at Penn State University, but found a passion for eyecare and continued her optician training in Florida and also under Darien Eyecare's original founders Mary and Woody Armstrong. When not working, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and hiking with her dog Onyx. 

Optician

Richard has been in the optical field for 5 years and has been an apprentice optician for the last 2 years with aspirations to be a licensed optician in the state of Connecticut. He has worked in management for over 4 years, and through working alongside optometrists in patient care he has found a true passion and calling for the optical field. He is proficient at insertion and removal teachings in regards to contact lenses, and specializes in measurements, troubleshoots, and styling for glasses. In Richard’s free time he enjoys playing and watching soccer, as well as spending quality time with his friends and family.

Optician

Frank has over two decades of healthcare experience as a Surgical PA, and has transitioned into the optical world with completion of his AS in Ophthalmic Design & Dispensing, as well as ABO/NCLE certification. Frank's goal at Darien Eye Care is to couple his clinical background with a passion for opticianry to deliver expert service while providing patients with the best solutions for their eyewear needs, both functionally and aesthetically.