Meet Our Team
Dr. Nga Phan - Optometrist
Dr. Nga Phan received her doctorate in optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2007 with clinical honors. She received her Bachelors of Science in Biology from Loyola University of Chicago in 2003. She also spent the first half of her undergrad education at St Mary's College of Notre Dame, IN.
During her time at the Illinois College of Optometry, she gained invaluable experience at the Illinois Eye Institute, The Chicago Lighthouse, The Hudson Valley VA in New York, and The Optometry School of the University of Melbourne in Australia after being selected in a special exchange program. After graduation, she had a short relocation to Asia and was offered a faculty position at Polytechnic University's Optometry School in Hong Kong, but she returned to her hometown of Chicago and started practicing primary care optometry.
After nine years at a practice in Lincoln Park, she felt that it was the perfect time to open her own dream optometry private practice. Her mission is to provide the best eye care possible to every single patient. She believes in making the whole eye exam experience, from making an appointment to purchasing glasses and contacts, as simple and seamless as possible. She is passionate about investing in a modern, state of the art, and green practice that not only delivers exceptional service and quality, but is also affordable and approachable to all patients. In addition, as a local native, she strives to have a practice that supports the diverse and beautiful communities of Chicago. Her dream practice has become a reality with blink family eyecare.
In her free time, she enjoys being with her family: her husband Thu and three kids, Sean, Stella , and Sammy. You'll likely find us at Hamlin Park on the weekends during softball and baseball season. She also loves reading, cooking, and cheering for our Chicago sports teams and Notre Dame football!
Erin Schaefer CPO - Certified Paraoptometric
Erin Schaefer was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Political Science. Erin comes to blink family eyecare from a customer service background and has since become a Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) while working towards additional accreditations. Erin is a key part of our team where her first priority is always creating the best experience possible for our patients.
When not at blink, Erin enjoys all outdoor activities, cooking, traveling, cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and especially curling. With a smile always on her face, she's happiest when surrounded by her friends, family, and two dogs, Bonnie and Clyde.
Joseph Dillon - Optical Stylist & Social Media
After five years as a social media coordinator, Joseph is ready to put his experience from his previous roles and a bachelor of art degree in Cinema Arts & Science from Columbia College Chicago to work! He has various backgrounds ranging from visual merchandising to social media coordination to administrative and clinical roles. Joseph started his journey in optical in 2014, working for Visionworks. Throughout his two years, Joseph went from an optometrist assistant to a managerial position.
After being in LA for almost four years, Joseph decided to relocate back to Chicago, where he had the opportunity to return to blink family eyecare after being away for five years. Joseph and Dr. Phan have worked together for over five years and have an excellent working relationship.
During Joseph’s free time, he enjoys listening to his favorite pop artists, following the latest trends in pop culture, going to Disneyland, hiking, and traveling. He’s excited to have this chance to provide the best optical experience, including helping patients find their next perfect pair of glasses!
Riley Fernandez - Optometric Intern
Riley Fernandez comes from Chicago and is a current student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is studying public health on the pre-medical route. Her goal is to work in the medical field and dedicate her life toward achieving health equity in the city. As an optometric assistant at blink family eyecare, she is thrilled to bring a positive and warm spirit to every patient, as well as learn everything she can about optometry!
During her spare time, Riley can be found trying new foods, drinking and making coffee, attending music concerts, or tending to her plants. She also loves spending time with her dog, Teddy.