Amandeep Dhaliwal
Visalia
Summary
Visionary Lead Optometrist with 19 years of clinical expertise specializing in the diagnosis and management of sight-threatening pathologies, including Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy. Proven track record of expanding access to vision care within Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). National impact demonstrated through the clinical mentorship of doctoral students and licensed practitioners, directly addressing the U.S. healthcare workforce shortage. Currently leading the expansion of comprehensive eye care services in the Central Valley, overseeing clinical teams to reduce the national burden of preventable blindness through advanced disease management and systemic health integration. I Excel at communication, empathy, and problem-solving to enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Lead Optometrist
Castle Family Health Centers
Atwater/Winton
04.2026 - Current
- Strategic Clinical Leadership: Direct the expansion of comprehensive vision services across multiple FQHC sites, significantly increasing healthcare access for thousands of underserved residents in Merced County.
- Mentorship & Clinical Oversight: Manage and mentor a team of staff optometrists, fostering clinical excellence and ensuring standardized, high-quality care protocols are met across the organization.
- Advanced Ocular Disease Management: Provide expert-level diagnosis and treatment for complex ocular conditions, utilizing extensive experience in glaucoma and diabetic eye care to prevent severe health outcomes in high-risk populations.
- Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion: Play a pivotal role in the health center's strategic growth, advising on the implementation of new diagnostic technologies and service offerings to create a sustainable 'health home' for the community.
- FQHC
Optometrist
Aria Community Health
Lindsay
12.2025 - 01.2026
- Mission-Critical Healthcare Delivery: Provided essential eye care to medically underserved populations, ensuring continuity of care for patients at high risk for vision loss.
- Clinical Intervention: Specialized in the early detection of chronic ocular conditions, significantly reducing the burden on local emergency departments through proactive primary care.
- FQHC
Optometrist
Family Health Care Network
Porterville
11.2024 - 12.2025
- Strategic Public Health Impact: Led ocular initiatives to mitigate regional preventable blindness, specifically targeting high-risk diabetic and hypertensive demographics.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Leveraged high-level optometric instrumentation to ensure the highest standard of care for underinsured and vulnerable populations.
- FQHC
Optometrist / Clinical Director
Dr. Amandeep Dhaliwal and Associates
Hamilton
09.2007 - 05.2024
- U.S. Healthcare Workforce Development: Mentored 15+ clinicians with a 100% acceptance rate into Doctorate programs. Most mentees graduated from the New England College of Optometry (NECO) and now serve in critical-need areas (e.g., Dr. Gurlal Sohal at Clinicas Del Camino Real Inc.).
- Clinical Innovation: Scaled a private practice by 400%; recognized as a 'Top 3' practice in the region for over a decade.
Education
Doctor of Optometry -
09.2002 - 06.2006
Double Bachelor's Degree - Education & Science (Mathematics)
Skills
- Contact lens and Vision Therapy
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Diagnosis of Ocular Disease
- Glaucoma Treatment
- Ocular Disease Management
- Optometric Health & Treatment
- Specialty Contact Lenses
- Clinical Mentorship
- FQHC Strategy
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Public Health Advocacy
- Staff Oversight
- Communication & Empathy
- Community & Social Awareness
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Healthcare Expert Collaboration
- Managing and Operating
Awards And Scholarships
- Clinical Excellence Award in Glaucoma Research & Treatment, Omni Eye Services
- Reader's Choice: Best Optometrist (Platinum/Gold), The Hamilton Spectator
Timeline
Lead Optometrist - Castle Family Health Centers
04.2026 - Current
Optometrist - Aria Community Health
12.2025 - 01.2026
Optometrist - Family Health Care Network
11.2024 - 12.2025
Optometrist / Clinical Director - Dr. Amandeep Dhaliwal and Associates
09.2007 - 05.2024
New England College of Optometry - Doctor of Optometry,
09.2002 - 06.2006
Brock University - Double Bachelor's Degree, Education & Science (Mathematics)