Meet the Team – New

DR. TYLER STIEGEMEIER

Dr. Stiegemeier joined the Carrboro Family Vision team in July of 2019, bringing his expertise in glaucoma, eye teaming issues, prism, and specialty contact lenses. Originally a graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Optometry, he is a firm believer in helping his patients understand the ‘why’ behind particular medical and visual conditions. He is Carrboro Family Vision’s “go to” doctor for those patients who have complex vision issues.

Whether he’s tackling difficult vision problems for patients or treating more medical issues of the eyes (like diabetes or glaucoma), Dr. Stiegemeier’s favorite part of his job is engaging patients so that they more fully understand and appreciate their eyes. Conditions that Dr. Stiegemeier treats range from acute eye care needs such as eye infections and allergies, to long-term management of cases such as glaucoma or specialty contact lens fittings for irregular corneas. Patients that have moved from the local area return to see Dr. Stiegemeier because of his expertise and compassionate care. A strategic analyst and proponent of seeing both personal details and the big picture, Dr. Stiegemeier takes pride in helping others see life better.

A big-time Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Tyler also enjoys gardening, cooking, and baking. He makes the staff happy by baking treats like his specialty cupcakes (complete with gluten-free options). He has quite the green thumb and loves spending free time outside with family tending his garden in spring and summer and nurturing a variety of indoor plants such as orchids in the cooler months. He lives in Chapel Hill with his wife, Lori, and their two children, Madeline and Miles.

DR. SHANNON KIRCHMER

Dr. Kirchmer joined the team in March of 2023. Tar Heel bred, she grew up in Charlotte before studying Exercise and Sport Science at UNC Chapel Hill. She then pursued her doctorate degree with honors at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Optometry. Upon graduation she was commissioned as a Captain in the US Army Medical Service Corps. While stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, she was the recipient of many awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal upon her departure in 2023.

Dr. Kirchmer brings a disciplined and resourceful approach to the practice, with a determined and professional attitude— and was initially drawn to Optometry because of a family history of macular degeneration. From there, she then discovered the variety of care that can be provided from glasses and contacts, specialty lenses, and the co-management of systemic diseases that may affect the eye.

Dr. Kirchmer provides comprehensive care with special interest in ocular disease, treating medical emergencies, and specialty contact lenses. She enjoys managing conditions such as keratoconus, irregular corneas, and post-surgical ectasias. She strives to ensure everyone has a positive outlook on life!

Beyond work, Dr. Kirchmer channels her determination into her family, friends, and running. So much so, that in her spare time, she admits she can often be found running, while listening to podcasts about running (Ha!). With the Boston and Berlin marathons recently under her belt, Dr. Kirchmer doesn’t seem to be stopping her collection of medals any time soon! Every big run requires some fuel, so to power these endeavors she also enjoys baking sourdough bread and trying out new recipes.

DR. RACHEL FRIEL

Dr. Friel joined Carrboro Family Vision in 2018 after graduating with her Doctorate of Optometry from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She then completed a primary care and ocular disease residency program at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salisbury, NC. Furthering her expertise during residency, she received training from specialists in the areas of primary care, retinal disease, glaucoma and anterior segment including dry eye disease. Dr. Friel recognizes the difficulty with the treatment of dry eye disease and helps patients navigate this disease process with education, treatment protocols and encouragement. Being able to offer a solution to a problem either visual or medical brings joy to Dr. Friel’s day.

When she’s not working, you can find Dr. Friel spending time with her husband, their two boys, and a golden retriever, Ken Scruffy Jr.

DR. MATTHEW VIZITHUM

Dr. Vizithum has been with Carrboro Family Vision as the owner and CEO for more than two decades. He was first drawn to optometry after learning about a family history of glaucoma and he became passionate about preventing the disease. Since moving to NC he has provided clinic care to nursing home residents, at the Durham VA Medical Center, at the Chapel Hill Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center, and he acted as the Interim Clinic Director at TLC Laser Eye Center in Raleigh. Dr. V was also a member of the Orange County Board of Health for 6 years, a clinical examiner for the North Carolina State Board of Optometry and was named the Young Optometrist of the Year by the North Carolina Optometric Association.

He also has an interest in entrepreneurship and is a member of the Carolina Angel Network. His interest in the human body extends to his personal life, where he has earned certifications in performance breathing, movement and as a wilderness medicine first responder. An adventurous spirit who lived for two years with his family in Costa Rica. He enjoys surfing, kitesurfing, tending to his vegetable garden, spending time with family, and connecting with friends.

DR. JASON CHOW

Dr. Chow has been a partner and co-owner at Carrboro Family Vision since 2009, and has been practicing optometry at CFV since 2006. An alumnus of the University of California at Berkeley for both his undergraduate and Doctorate of Optometry, Dr. Chow is known for his enthusiastic chair-side manner infused by a passion for teaching. He has received awards for his graduate research in diabetes and his patient communication skills. Dr. Chow has worked in service of a variety of patient communities including seniors, military personnel, and humanitarian work serving overseas. He has a keen interest in how ocular disease relates to systemic conditions and is an advocate for preventative care.

Dr. Chow brings his passion for teaching into his personal life as a certified Enneagram Coach. He is endlessly fascinated by how each of us has a unique way of thinking, feeling, and sensing the world around us! His most influential mentor has been his toddler daughter Mae who inspires him to be mindful of the present moment. He enjoys reading, hiking, and immersing himself in 90’s rock music with Matchbox Twenty being his favorite band. A California native, Dr. Chow is also a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors who have finally healed his boyhood heartbreak with a run of blissful championships.

Our Staff

Optical Operations Manager

SUE LEICHLITER

Sue is an American Board Certified Optician who has been with Carrboro Family Vision and Carrboro Family Vision for more than four years. Sue is an optical all-arounder, involved in everything from training optical staff to ensuring glasses quality and putting to work her deep product knowledge to help patients find glasses they will love. She even won a Silver Medal in an optical lab contest called the Lab Olympics. Sue is also a life all-arounder. A UNC-Chapel Hill grad and certified life coach, she previously taught non-native English speakers in Kuwait.
Optician

ERLINE RAMIREZ

Raised in Mebane, Erline left for college but ultimately returned to her hometown, where she met her husband and started a family. Her interest in eye care began in the 3rd grade when she started wearing glasses, sparking a lifelong fascination with the process.

After spending over 10 years in the restaurant industry, Erline sought a more meaningful, one-on-one interaction with people. She began her journey at CFV at the front desk, quickly learning the ins and outs of the business. She transitioned to optical, where she discovered a passion for numbers and fashion. Over time, she advanced from Floor Manager to Optical Manager, eventually becoming the Office Manager.

Outside of work, Erline enjoys spending quality time with her husband of 16 years, their 13-year-old son, and 5-year-old daughter. You’ll often find them at the park, watching movies, or enjoying a day at the arcade.

Optical Consultant

CALVIN

With over nineteen years in the optical industry, Calvin is passionate about helping each patient see and feel their best. His background in optical lab operations and customer care make him a valuable team member at both locations! He loves the challenges that come with troubleshooting glasses adjustments, and truly believes that every patients’ needs are the number one priority in the office!

Outside of the office, Calvin can be found listening to Anita Baker, spending time with his siblings (he’s one of eleven!), and together, spoiling their mother. He even finds the time to extend his creativity into his other passion, home essentials!

Front Desk

JORDAN CODY

Known for her exceptional organization skills and attention to detail, Jordan focuses on creating a smooth flow for the office accompanied with patience, positivity, and laughter.

She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, making tea, trying new foods, and watching movies on the weekend. Jordan also has a special affinity for all things Maya Angelou or Sylvia Plath.

Optician

BONNIE STEVENSON

Bonnie Stevenson is a seasoned Optician at Carrboro Family Vision (CFV), where she has made significant contributions for nearly a decade. A UNC graduate and long-time North Carolina resident, Bonnie assisted in the opening of CFV’s Chapel Hill location. Her deep connection to the community and her expertise in eye care have contributed to the practice’s success.

Bonnie’s passion for eye care is evident in her dedication to enhancing patients’ vision and self-image. She finds great joy in helping patients select stylish frames and addressing their diverse eye care needs. She loves the dynamic nature of her work that ensures that every day is both challenging and rewarding.
Outside of her professional life, Bonnie enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her partner and cat. She is an avid traveler who loves hiking, cycling, and reading, bringing a sense of adventure and discovery to her everyday experiences.”

Optician

GIOVANNA KAST

Emily came to us after working at a local non-profit zoo, reading to lions and handling visitors regularly. She’s prepared to take on a different kind of chaos with us. You can find her at the front desk elbow deep in notes so she can follow up with both patients and staff to keep everyone in the loop. When she’s not at work you can find her crocheting or looking for new things for her kitten with her fiance. Together they also spend time hunting for local eateries or hiking on the local trails.
Optometrist Chapel Hill
Optician

HANNAH HANLON

With over 15 years of experience in customer service and a passion for helping others, Hannah finds fulfillment in building strong relationships with her patients and seeing the positive impact that better eyesight has on their lives. Currently pursuing a degree in graphic design, Hannah blends her creativity with her professional expertise, always striving to learn and grow in her career.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, indulging in their shared love of music and her husband’s excellent cooking. She is also passionate about photography and traveling, which continually fuel her creativity and broaden her perspectives.

Technician

BENJAMIN TAMBWE

Benjamin is an Optometrist Technician at Carrboro Family Vision. He moved to Chapel Hill to attend UNC Chapel Hill, where his strong background in science and passion for healthcare led him to pursue a career in eye care. After graduation, he chose to stay in Chapel Hill and became involved in the local community through his work in patient care. Benjamin particularly enjoys the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and appreciates the challenge of adapting to each individual’s needs.

One of the standout moments in his career was when he helped an anxious young patient feel at ease during their pre-testing, an experience that reaffirmed his commitment to making a positive impact in people’s lives. Outside of work, Benjamin enjoys playing board games and has a passion for chess.

Optometric Technician

MACY BLAKE

Macy has been an Optometric Technician at Carrboro Family Vision for the past year, assisting in patient care and working at the front desk. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Healthcare Administration at Gillings School of Global Public Health. She is a hard worker with a can-do attitude and is enthusiastic about learning from both her colleagues and patients while working towards her goal of having a health-focused career. Outside of work, Macy enjoys traveling, supporting the Tar Heels, and spending time with her friends, family, and horse Phi.
Optometrist Chapel Hill
Front Desk

EMILY BITTNER

Emily came to us after working at a local non-profit zoo, reading to lions and handling visitors regularly. She’s prepared to take on a different kind of chaos with us. You can find her at the front desk elbow deep in notes so she can follow up with both patients and staff to keep everyone in the loop. When she’s not at work you can find her crocheting or looking for new things for her kitten with her fiance. Together they also spend time hunting for local eateries or hiking on the local trails.
Front Desk

MAYA DICKINSON

Maya is originally from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and moved to Chapel Hill to attend UNC, where she graduated in May. She fell in love with Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s small-town feel, which led her to make the area her home after graduation. Maya was drawn to the eye care industry because it aligned with her passion for healthcare, the field she studied at university. She thrives on working directly with patients and being part of a dedicated team that ensures quality care. Her favorite aspect of the industry is alleviating the stress that patients often experience, particularly when it involves something as vital as their vision.
Maya knew she had found the right profession when she realized the significant impact her role had on improving patients’ experiences. Helping calm their nerves, especially in moments of uncertainty with vision issues or emergencies, reinforces her confidence that she’s making a meaningful difference.

Outside of work, Maya enjoys staying social by spending time with friends, exploring new places around town, and traveling to new destinations. She also has a passion for makeup and skincare, always on the lookout for new products and techniques to try.

Optometrist Chapel Hill
Front Desk

LISA BRADLEY

Lisa has been a dedicated member of the Carrboro Family Vision team since May 2024, serving as a Front Desk agent. She finds joy in witnessing patients receive their first pair of glasses and seeing the world in a whole new way.

Outside of work, Lisa is a proud mother of three and grandmother to seven, with another grandchild on the way. She loves attending her grandchildren’s sports games, hearing about their day, and spending time reading and crocheting. Having recently moved from Washington state, Lisa enjoys her new home, though she’s still adjusting to the humidity.

Intern

LORELEI BYRD

Lorelei is our student intern who is attending UNC,majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, with plans to attend optometry school in the future. She uses her organizational skills for multiple projects across both the optical and clinical departments, and prides herself on being hardworking and persistent. In the rare moments that Lorelei is not studying or in class, she loves watching just about any sport, especially UNC basketball and football. Two of her favorite places on earth are Cape Lookout and the tiny island of Ikaria in Greece. Lorelei is also involved in campus ministry, and is secretary of Carolina’s Pre-Optometry Association.