Meet The Staff

At Desert Vision Optometry, our staff is friendly and professional. Our commitment is to provide exceptional customer service to all of our Palm Springs patients. We take pride in our personalized care and strive to spend the necessary time with each patient to ensure a comfortable experience.

Our Palm Springs optometry professionals are passionate about providing high-quality care to our family of patients. We focus on providing comprehensive eye exams, a large selection of fashionable eyewear, and the best possible vision care. Come in today to meet our Palm Springs staff and make an appointment.

Dr. George Saunders

Dr. George Saunders has deep roots in the Inland Empire. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside, before pursuing his passion for eye care. He completed his Doctorate in Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry, which laid the foundation for a fulfilling career in the field.

Dr. Saunders began his professional journey at Redlands Eye Medical Group, where he spent six years working closely with surgeons specializing in cornea and cataract surgery. This experience further fueled his passion for helping patients improve their vision and eye health. In July 2002, Dr. Saunders and his wife fulfilled a shared dream by opening Yucaipa Valley Optometry, where they have proudly served the community ever since. On January 1st, 2025, the two were ecstatic to open Desert Vision Optometry.

Outside of the practice, Dr. Saunders and his wife reside in Redlands. With their children now grown, they enjoy traveling, spending quality time together, and doting on their many beloved dogs.

Dr. Marisol Hernandez

Dr. Hernandez is originally from Northern California, and has lived in Southern California since 2005. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from California State University Los Angeles and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Western University of Health Sciences. Her externship sites include: the Eye Care Institute WesternU Health Los Angeles, Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Tennessee, and private practices in California and Arizona.

Dr. Hernandez is passionate about providing the most optimal care to her patients, and she believes in the importance of comprehensive eye exams tailored to the patients’ needs and well-being. Dr. Hernandez enjoys serving the community and has volunteered at various vision screenings throughout Los Angeles County and Mexico. Dr. Hernandez is bilingual in Spanish.

In her free time, Dr. Hernandez enjoys going to the beach, attending concerts and spending quality time with her husband and family.

Dawn Saunders

Dawn Saunders, Office Manager at Desert Vision Optometry, grew up in the Inland Empire and is an integral part of the practice. She began her journey in the eye care industry alongside her husband, Dr. Saunders, and has never looked back. Her passion for supporting both the practice and its patients shines through in her work every day.

Outside the office, Dawn resides in Redlands, where she enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, and caring for their many beloved dogs.

Kris

Nicole

She has been with Desert Vision Optometry since 2013 and brings over 20 years of medical experience. Not only does she manage the flow of the office, she ensure a comfortable and smooth exam experience by performing diagnostic testing with care while providing excellent customer service.

Sergio

He has been a cornerstone of Desert Vision Optometry since 2004, bringing over 30 years of expertise in optical crafstmanship. Specializing in complex lens fabrication and precision drill mounting, he ensures even the most challenging prescriptions are expertly crafted.

Shawna

She is our newest team member at Desert Vision Optometry, brings over 10 years of optical experience, expertise in insurances, and has a passion for patient care. Her upbeat personality makes frame selection fun, creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for patients.

Gerico

He is a highly skilled optician with over 15 years of experience in the optical industry and joined our team in 2022. Combining technical expertise with a keen eye for style, he excels in all aspects of optical care while helping patients find frames that enhance their vision and confidence.

Big Fluff

Office Mascot

At Desert Vision Optometry, we believe a little extra fluff makes everything better—so meet Walter, otherwise known as Big Fluff, our beloved office mascot! With a heart as big as his paws and a tail that never stops wagging, Big Fluff is here to bring smiles, comfort, and a whole lot of personality to our practice.

When he’s not lounging in the coziest spot in the office or greeting patients with his signature goofy grin, Big Fluff takes his unofficial role as “Chief Happiness Officer” very seriously. He’s an expert in stress relief, a pro at accepting belly rubs, and a firm believer that everyone looks better with a little dog hair on their clothes.