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Meet the Optometrists

Meet Our Bakersfield Optometrists

Mark Cheung, OD

Educated at the University of California, Berkeley, and having completed a residency program at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs hospital in primary care, Dr. Cheung brings over twelve years of experience to Southwest Eye Care. This experience includes LASIK evaluations, recent onset red eye, diabetic exams, children’s first eye exams, treating glaucoma, and contact lens fittings. This broad range of experience has really allowed Dr. Cheung to provide stellar eye care, while retaining the personal touch that he believes is crucial to a successful doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Cheung is also a new father, and with this new perspective in his life, he enjoys seeing all of his patients thrive as the years pass, because he believes that life is precious.


Janae Vance, OD

Dr. Vance is a native of Kern County, growing up in Wasco, CA. She graduated from Wasco High School in 1998. She attended Fresno Pacific University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Medicine in 2002. She studied optometry at Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, CA. She was a member of the national honor society Beta Sigma Kappa and also received an Excellence in Low Vision award.

Dr Vance has been practicing optometry in Bakersfield since 2006. She joined Southwest Eye Care and Laser in 2012. She enjoys providing quality eye care for patients of all ages, including children. She also specializes in fitting specialty contact lenses and low vision.

In her free time, Dr. Vance loves spending time with her husband and two sons. She enjoys music and plays the piano for her church. Dr. Vance also likes to volunteer with organizations providing eye care for various causes, including the Special Olympics and the Vision Van at Standard Elementary.


Cheree Wilhelmsen, OD

Cheree Wilhelmsen, O.D. received her doctorate at the University of California at Berkeley in 1994. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon and has received two Bachelors degrees.

Dr. Wilhelmsen has completed advanced certification and training in the medical treatment of eye disease. She has extensive experience in contact lenses, refractive post-operative care, and low vision. She provides routine family eye care and enjoys seeing children in her practice.

Dr. Wilhelmsen is married and has one son. She and her family have lived in the area for 20 years. The doctor is an avid baseball fan and enjoys spending time with her family.