20 Allens Creek Rd, Rochester, NY 14618
ALL PATIENTS / Updated Covid policy WINTER 2024:
If you or any household members have Covid, cold OR flu symptoms within 5 days of your appointment, please call to reschedule.
Dr. Joan Kaplow, OD
Dr. Kaplow, a NYS licensed Optometrist, received her Doctorate of Optometry from SUNY College of Optometry in New York City and has practiced for over 30 years. She is a member of the following professional organizations: American Optometric Association, Rochester Optometric Society, College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. Her decision to help children and adults with visual challenges spurred her to open Allens Creek Family Optometry in 2007. Now entering her 17th year of private practice ownership, Dr. Kaplow believes that the last decade has been her most rewarding. “I love being able to solve problems that children and adults have struggled with unnecessarily. The art and practice of Vision Therapy has been around for over 100 years. It is my goal is to keep providing these services in the Rochester and surrounding areas for years to come.”
Dr. Kaplow enjoys sharing her extensive Vision Therapy knowledge and frequently gives presentations to school districts, hospitals, brain-injury support groups and literacy conferences. She grew up in Brighton, NY and enjoys practicing in her hometown. When not seeing patients, Dr. Kaplow spends time appreciating the beauty of the Finger Lakes region by hiking, cycling and swimming on Canandaigua Lake. Dr. Kaplow loves spending quality time with her husband, children and granddaughter.
Dr. Jennifer Bateman, OD, FAAO
Dr. Bateman enjoys connecting with her patients and helping to put them at ease. She primarily sees young children, and collaborates with Occupational and Physical Therapists.
Dr. Bateman grew up in Webster and attended Optometry school at Salus University in Philadelphia. After graduating with Honors, she committed to the Army and treated Soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg, NC. She evaluated Soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and prescribed Vision Therapy which was offered at the Army Hospital. She saw a need for pediatric care on base, and so she opened her availability to young children. She has published in the Journal of Military Medicine.
Passionate about health and nutrition, she loves staying active by hiking with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Dr. Arian Burnett-Farrands, OD
Dr. Farrands earned her Bachelors of Science in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at The University of Rochester. It was during her undergraduate studies that her interest in Optometry really heightened, as she participated in an internship at Allens Creek Family Optometry. During this time, she was introduced to the specialty of Vision Therapy, and eventually became a Vision Therapist intern.
She then pursued her Doctorate of Optometry at The New England College of Optometry, located in Boston. After graduation, she resided and worked in Syracuse for several years, and recently moved back to her hometown of Clifton Springs. While her Optometric interests have broadened, she is thrilled to be back to her roots at Allens Creek Family Optometry.
Outside of the office, Dr. Farrands enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. Her interests include crafting, nature walks and gardening.
Dr. Weleed Langer, OD
Dr. Langer earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Science from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. He then pursued his Doctorate of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry. He graduated from Illinois cum laude and with recognition from Tomb & Key Honor Society.
After graduation, Dr. Langer’s residency focused on Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation. He worked with Dr. Barry Tannen in Hamilton Square, New Jersey specializing in treating brain injury, stroke and visual snow patients. Dr. Langer finds this scope of practice very rewarding, and has a passion for helping children, TBI patients and athletes. He also has extensive experience managing disease patients, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and dry eye and is currently pursuing his Fellowship for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.
A native of Canada, Dr. Langer now resides in Rochester with his wife. When not seeing patients at Allens Creek Family Optometry, he enjoys drawing, watching movies, practicing MMA and spending time with his family and friends.
Therapists
Katie Winters, M.S., OTR/L
Katie earned her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY Geneseo and recently received her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Utica College. She has been with Allens Creek Family Optometry since 2012.
Katie is certified in the Interactive Metronome, a program that helps both children and adults with Neurotiming. She is also certified in the DIR Floortime model, which helps increase engagement when working with children with developmental challenges. Katie specializes in working with individuals who have suffered a concussion or
traumatic brain injury.
When outside of the office, Katie enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing board games, and traveling.
Megan Dombroski, Vision Therapist
Megan finds working directly with our Vision Therapy patients extremely rewarding. She is dedicated to helping each patient get the best results from their individualized programs. Along with our other Therapists, she is continuing her education through the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) regarding the latest innovations in Vision Therapy.
Megan grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She earned a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications. Her past career experience includes Human Resource Management, Pharmaceutical Sales (specializing in ophthalmology) and Office Administration. She also has extensive volunteer experience working with local schools, charities and outreach programs. She has been with Allens Creek Family Optometry since 2017.
Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her children and large extended family. She also loves outdoor fitness, attending concerts and travel.
Justin Plow, OTA, Vision Therapist
Justin earned his degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant through Bryant and Stratton’s extensive OTA program. Justin completed internships at the Mary Cariola Center and also here at Allens Creek Family Optometry. He is a great addition to our team. Prior to pursuing his education as an OT Assistant, he was one of our Vision Therapy patients! Justin relates well to patients of all
ages.
Justin grew up in Irondequoit and attended West Irondequoit High School. When not in the office, he enjoys playing soccer, music and video games.
Opticians
Sherry Cassano, New York State Licensed Optician
Sherry is a New York State Licensed Optician with over 13 years of experience. In addition to her career in the Optical industry, she has also participated with various community outreach programs. These programs include assisting schoolchildren who may not have had access to optical services, and also providing eyewear adjustments and repairs for nursing home residents.
Sherry grew up in Rochester and earned an Associates of Fine Arts from RIT. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active with her children and grandchildren. Other interests include cooking, sewing, gardening and spending quality time with family.
Her sincere and friendly nature shines through when working with our patients. According to Sherry, “As an Optician I can help people see their best and look great in their new eyewear!”
Alana Stevens-Firlit , New York State Licensed Optician
Alana is a New York State Licensed Optician with over 25 years of experience. She has focused her career exclusively in the Optical Field, and has worked primarily
in the Rochester area. She participates with the local Gift of Sight organization as well as other community outreach programs and charity events.
Alana loves what she does and finds it extremely rewarding. In her own words, “I like having a direct role in patients’ quality of life by improving their vision . I take
pride in helping people and enjoy working with them to find the perfect eyewear.”
Alana grew up in Rochester. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, photography, salt-water fishing, gardening and beautifying her neighborhood. Her friendly and genuine demeanor puts our patients at ease. She is a great addition to our team.