Dr. Mark R. Helmus, OD

Dr. Mark is a graduate of the UC Berkeley School of Optometry, class of 1981. As an undergraduate, he attended Colby College, in Waterville, Maine.

Dr. Mark is a member of the American Optometric Association, California Optometric Association, and Sacramento Valley Optometric Society.

A competitive runner since high school, he is now a member of Davis' local running club, Golden Valley Harriers (GVH). Time with his family usually involves either hiking or backpacking, downhill or backcountry skiing. He enjoys reading or watching movies, too.

Dr. Joann L. Helmus, OD

UC Berkeley School of Optometry is also the alma mater of Dr. Joann, a 1986 graduate. She began her practice in Davis that same year.

She, too, is a member of the American Optometric Association, California Optometric Association, and Sacramento Valley Optometric Society.

Dr. Joann was part of a Lions In Sight USA optometric team that traveled to Cuotemoc, Mexico in 2004 and to Ciudad Delisias, Mexico in 2009. Each clinic supplied basic eye care and glasses to about 800 patients each time. She is planning to participate in more missions.

Dr. Joann likes a good book or cooking new recipes when not running half-marathons or marathons. She treasures time with her family, either hiking or backpacking , downhill or backcountry skiing (depending on the snow level!).

Dr. Alex Baker, OD

Dr. Baker has been practicing at Helmus Optometry since his graduation from UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2009. Both he and his wife are undergraduate alumni of UC Davis and they have two energetic little girls.

In February 2012 Dr. Baker was recognized as the Young Optometrist of the Year by the California Optometric Association for contributions to the local community through volunteer clinics and service to the optometric profession.  He is a former director on the board of the Sacramento Valley Optometric Society, a local affiliate of the American Optometric Association, and currently serves on the board of the UC Berkeley Optometry Alumni Association.  Dr. Baker is also the volunteer director of vision screening services for Special Olympics Northern California.

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