Our Optometry practice started in Pasadena, CA in 1964, when it was first established by Dr. Robert Eastland and then Dr. John Tassinari in 1989. Dr. Wendy Shem took over the practice in 2016 as Dr. Tassinari transitioned to full time academia with Western University as an Associate Professor and Chief of Pediatric Optometry. Our practice has since expanded to locations in Los Angeles, CA and Arcadia, CA to offer full scope family oriented optometric care from the East Hollywood/Los Angeles area to the Greater San Gabriel Valley. Even with multiple locations, the Practice is still locally and privately owned and fully believes in supporting the local communities.
As the owner and CEO of Wyse Willa Optometry, Dr. Wendy Shem has put together an amazing team of optometrists, opticians, vision therapists, and optometric technicians.The mission of the Practice is to provide complete comprehensive vision care that exceeds our patients’ expectations. We all strive to provide this service in a kind and caring atmosphere, while communicating and educating our patients about every aspect of their vision. The Practice emphasizes family optometric care, pediatrics, vision therapy, myopia treatment, dry eye therapy and specialty contact lenses.
Dr. Shem has been practicing optometry for almost 30 years, providing eye and vision care emphasizing family practice, contact lenses, medical eye care, and surgical co-management.
Dr. Shem cares for her patients of all ages, from 6 mos old to 106 years old, but is especially passionate about treating and preventing vision problems in her pediatric patients with vision therapy and myopia control treatments. She absolutely loves to see her younger patients gain confidence as they improve their visual skills or excel in sports after being treated with orthokeratology!
Dr. Shem began her career practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area, then joined a long-standing ophthalmology practice in Honolulu, HI. In 2000, she moved to Southern California to manage a private optometric practice and provided optometric care throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Dr. Shem is a Clinical Faculty Member of Western University College of Optometry teaching and providing clinical experience to future optometrists. She is a trustee board member of the San Gabriel Valley Optometric Association and has served multiple terms as President and Director of Continuing Education. She is a member of the California Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. She is also a member of Vision Source, the premier network of independent private practice optometrists. Dr. Shem has volunteered with the Lions Club International and the Southern California Special Olympics to provide vision screenings and eye care to the underserved and special populations.
Dr. Shem has been a resident of the Pasadena area for almost 20 years. Her family is most important to her, and as her children are becoming responsible young teens, you may see them in the office working and assisting with patients now! Dr. Shem is an ardent supporter of the Pasadena Educational Foundation, South Pasadena Educational Foundation and previously served on the founding committee or as chairperson of the Field Elementary School Annual Gala four consecutive years since its inception. When not cheering on her children on the soccer or track fields, she can be found skiing, traveling, and taking her children to the beach.