Our Doctors in La Quinta

Dr. James Almaraz, a long-time successful optometrist in Big Bear Lake, California, is now bringing the same “small town” personal care to his patients at Old Town Optix Optometry in La Quinta. Along with the very talented existing team and the kind referrals of his patients, he wants to create the most successful practice in La Quinta’s history!

As a licensed optometrist, Dr. Almaraz provides eye exams, diagnoses, and treatment for many disorders that affect eye health or vision. In addition to training in eye diseases and disorders, Dr. Almaraz is also trained in anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. 

With this background, Dr. Almaraz is experienced in recognizing various health issues, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, and hypertension.

Dr. Almaraz is a Southern California College of Optometry graduate and attends several continuing education seminars to stay current on the latest advances in eye health, vision care, and contact lenses.

Dr. Almaraz is married and has 2 children living in San Diego. He enjoys golf, reading, woodworking, wine tasting, cooking, and cycling. He is currently an NVision Laser Eye Center advisory board member and the Big Bear Cycling Association secretary. Wave if you see him riding around the Valley!

Dr. Steffanie Wilamart has roots in Southern California. Apart from being born and raised here, she feels lucky to have received her further education where she calls home. 

Dr. Wilamart attended Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry and received her Doctorate of Optometry in May 2015. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2011 from La Sierra University in Riverside, California.

Steffanie has had extensive postgraduate training during her time at Western University. She has worked with a wide variety of patients not only in the University Clinic but also:

• Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms, California
• Veteran’s Affairs Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Family Vision Care and Vision Therapy in San Carlos, California
• Henry Ford Optimeyes in Troy, Michigan

During those rotations, she gained more experience in primary care, contact lenses, pediatrics, vision therapy, and disease management. She has been a student-fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) since October 2013.

Most importantly, Steffanie is passionate about giving back to the community and has been involved in various community projects. She had the opportunity to volunteer with Volunteer Optometric Services and helped to give over 2000 eye exams to the people of San Carlos, Mexico. 

She has also been a project leader in the non-profit organization Project Pueblo where she led service trips to the Navajo Nation Native American Reservation in Arizona. Steffanie believes strongly in using her skills to help those in need.

Her hobbies range from spending time with her family and dogs, watching movies, going to Disneyland, traveling, and trying new restaurants. She looks forward to meeting and helping you!