Our Practice in Denver

Kristin S. O’Brien, OD

Dr. Kristin O’Brien is an accomplished optometrist with a passion for providing exceptional eye care and empowering future generations in the field. Born and raised in Midland, Michigan, Dr. O’Brien had her eye set on a future in optometry at an early age. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Biology with a Vision Science concentration from Ferris State University, followed by her Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from the Michigan College of Optometry (MCO), graduating in 2013.

Dr. O’Brien enjoys seeing patients of all ages but is particularly passionate about providing the most comprehensive dry eye care with cutting edge treatment options. Dr. O’Brien thrives on building meaningful relationships with her patients and takes pride in delivering personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. O’Brien is an active speaker on private practice and business management in optometry, frequently presenting at optometry schools and leadership conferences. She also led the Vision Source NEXT Student Program, aimed at providing valuable resources to students interested in private practice. Dr. O’Brien is also the Director of Marketing and Analytics at iCare Advisors, where she helps optometrists launch successful private practices.

A dedicated volunteer, Dr. O’Brien has participated in optometric missions to Guyana and Mexico, providing eye care to underserved communities. She has served on national committees, including the Vision Council Young Professionals Advisory Committee and the Allergan Jumpstart Ambassador Program. Additionally, she is the current Vision Source Administrator for the Charlotte, NC region and has chaired both the Colorado and North Carolina Optometric Society Young OD Committees.

Her accolades include the Marchon Practice Management Award, the William Feinbloom Low Vision Award, and recognition as the 2016 International Vision Council Next Generation Innovator of the Year. She was named 2017 Colorado Optometric Association Young Optometrist of the Year and 2023 North Carolina Young Optometrist of the Year. She was also nominated for the American Optometric Association Young Optometrist of the Year in both 2018 and 2024.

After relocating from Denver, Colorado to North Carolina in 2019, Dr. O’Brien opened Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery in 2021. Together with her husband, Chris, and their young children, Emma and Lucas, she enjoys exploring Lake Norman and making the most of family time.

Dr. O’Brien is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care to the Denver, NC community and looks forward to continuing to serve patients at Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery.

One Diagnosis. Endless Outcomes – The story of Dr. Kristin O’Brien

Sabryna Owens, OD

Dr. Owens calls North Carolina home after growing up in a military family and moving frequently. She attended Wingate University, where she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in chemistry and business with a minor in biology. From a young age, Dr. Owens had a passion for healthcare, and in high school, she decided to pursue optometry after learning about the significant connection between eye health and systemic health. She earned her Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville.

Following graduation, Dr. Owens completed a residency at the Greenville, NC VA Hospital with advanced training in ocular disease. During this residency, she developed the skills necessary to manage patients with various ocular diseases, including glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Dr. Owens is dedicated to providing her patients with a high level of comprehensive eye care. She is passionate about preventative healthcare and takes the time to educate her patients about their eye health, ensuring they understand the importance of regular checkups and early detection of eye conditions. She is an active member of the North Carolina Optometric Society, the Piedmont Optometric Society, and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Owens also serves as the Grassroots Coordinator for the Piedmont District, where she advocates passionately for the optometric profession.

Outside the exam room, Dr. Owens mentors future optometrists preparing for board exams, giving back to the profession she loves. In her free time, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops and getting lost in a good book—but most importantly, she cherishes quality time with her family.

Brianna Berg, Eyewear Consultant

Brianna Berg was born and raised in California, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders: Deaf Studies from Fresno State and became fluent in American Sign Language. When Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery first opened, Brianna joined as Patient Care Coordinator. Inspired by Dr. O’Brien’s passion for patient care and teaching, she quickly developed a love for eye care herself.

Her dedication and drive led her to become an Eyewear Consultant and later earn her ABO Certification, establishing her as a Certified Optician and our Lead Optician. Brianna takes pride in helping patients find the perfect eyewear solutions and values the high level of care, compassion, and respect that define the practice. She also serves as a Vision Source Representative Facilitator (VSRF), where she helps lead and support optometry staff members across the Charlotte area.

Outside the office, Brianna is a devoted single mom to a sweet and energetic little boy, who is truly the light of her life.

Nikki Rogers, Eyewear Consultant

Nikki is a proud Tennessee native who’s found her heart and home in Denver, NC, where she lives with her husband, Stephen, and their sweet dogs: Wanda and Zuko.

Optometry runs in her blood—literally and figuratively—as she comes from a long line of optometrists and opticians. (She even has a tattoo to prove it!) Nikki brings a wealth of knowledge, personality, and flair to the Denver Eye Care team. She has a true talent for helping patients find eyewear that highlights their individual style and personality.

Known for her ever-changing hair color, Nikki is sometimes hard to recognize—her look evolves with the seasons, but her warm smile and vibrant energy always stay the same.

Kim Elliott, Billing Specialist

Kim was born and raised in Alabama, where she worked as a facilitator at Regions Mortgage for 6 years. After moving to North Carolina, she worked at A Network of Care as a client coordinator, where she served seniors for 20 years. After taking some time off during the pandemic, Kim began working as the patient care coordinator at Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery in November 2021. Her passion is serving others with unparalleled kindness and respect.

Outside of the office, Kim is a mom of 2 boys and 4 dogs and loves to go off-roading with her husband of 29 years, Vince, who is the love of her life.

Mona Sweltz, Patient Care Coordinator

Mona was born and raised in upstate New York. She moved to Florida in 2006 and continued to work in the medical field. In 2020, she moved to Denver, NC and officially became a ‘halfback’! Mona has several years of eye care experience and is currently a patient care coordinator. She says working at Denver Eye Care & Eyewear has been a wonderful experience, and she loves her work, family, and patients.

When away from the office, Mona spends her downtime with her husband, Doug, her 2 adult daughters, Danielle and Shalyn, and her grandchildren. Any other time, you can find her in the kitchen cooking and baking for her giant family.

Sydney Bryant, Dry Eye Technician

Sydney is a proud North Carolina native, born and raised. She began her journey at Denver Eye Care as an Eyewear Consultant and soon transitioned into the role of Dry Eye Treatment Coordinator, inspired by both her passion for patient care and her own experience with dry eye disease. Thanks to Denver Eye Care’s advanced technology dedicated specifically to treating dry eye, Sydney is able to help patients find real, lasting relief from their symptoms.

Outside the office, Sydney wears many hats—she’s a special event photographer, an avid reader, a budding home chef, and an occasional yoga enthusiast. She loves being part of the Denver community and especially enjoys working just up the road from her husband, Kendall.

Hillary Brooks, Ophthalmic Technician

Hillary joined the Denver Eye Care team in 2023, bringing over nine years of experience in the eyecare field. As our Optometric Technician, she’s passionate about making patients feel comfortable and confident during their visits. With a special knack for contact lenses, Hillary loves helping patients find the perfect fit to suit their vision and lifestyle needs.

She also performs much of our advanced diagnostic testing for glaucoma and enjoys collaborating closely with Dr. Owens to deepen her knowledge of ocular diseases. With a background that includes optical and front desk experience, Hillary brings a well-rounded, patient-centered approach to everything she does.

Outside the office, Hillary has been married to her husband, Josh, for 18 years, and they share a daughter, Zoe, who’s 14. She enjoys spending time with her family, getting lost in a good book, and shopping trips with Zoe.

Julia da Silva Pereira, Administrative Assistant

Julia is originally from southern Brazil and brings a diverse background to the Denver Eye Care team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, along with certifications in Ayurveda therapy and Yoga, all of which reflect her deep interest in health, wellness, and holistic living.

Her professional experience includes management support roles in both the fashion industry and an educational institute, as well as work as a translator and interpreter between English and Portuguese. Julia’s passion for travel, languages, and cultural connection eventually brought her to Denver Eye Care, where she was warmly welcomed by the team.

A dedicated yoga practitioner and lifelong learner, Julia is also a vegetarian who enjoys exploring topics related to well-being. Outside of work, she can often be found studying, reading by the sea, or spending quality time with her family and friends.

Cynthia Faria de A. Melo, Administrative Assistant

Originally from Southeast Brazil, Cynthia brings a wealth of business and corporate expertise to the Denver Eye Care team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Finance, with over 18 years of experience spanning small to mid-sized companies and global corporations such as Intel and Syngenta. Her professional background includes process and supply chain management, as well as a full range of finance functions—treasury, budgeting, cash flow management, planning and analysis, payments, and cost control—all in support of strategic business goals.

Cynthia’s passion for languages, cultural exchange, and international business eventually led her to Denver Eye Care, where she was warmly welcomed to the team. Having lived abroad in both Mexico City and London, she is deeply committed to fostering global connections and developing solutions that enhance quality of life and promote sustainability.

Since becoming a mother in 2021, Cynthia has embraced an active lifestyle to maintain balance, enjoying running, yoga, and beach tennis. She also treasures time spent outdoors with her husband, daughter, and friends.