Jane Lee-Koida, OD

Bio

I was born in Seoul, Korea and immigrated to the United States when I was seven. I still remember the magical day when we landed in Seattle, and snow was falling in our new neighborhood.

A year later, we moved to California, and finally settled in the East Bay. I attended University of Davis with a major in Biological Sciences. During college, I did many internships in the medical field, and discovered that the most rewarding career for me would be optometry.

I attended The New England College of Optometry in Boston. I truly enjoyed spending my four years of optometry school in a lively city with so much history and excitement. During this time, I took the opportunity to travel to the surrounding states and enjoyed good seafood and the wonderful Autumns. Although I loved the East Coast, I knew that my true home was California and wanted to head back.

My husband and I moved to Southern California, initially. I started with Kaiser Fontana in 2000 and I transferred up to Kaiser Santa Rosa in 2002. I am very thrilled to be a part of an outstanding optometry department here.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

My first experience with optometry (at Kaiser, no less) was when I was nine years old. I remember having my first eye exam, and getting my first pair of glasses (pink and blue frame with pink and blue tint). I was ecstatic that I could see so much more of the world around me. I knew from that moment, that being an optometrist at Kaiser, and to be able to instantaneously improve someone's life, would be fulfilling for me.

Today, I practice general optometry (adults and children) including contact lens fittings, pre- and post-cataract management, pre- and post-lasik management and management of red eyes.

An interesting story from my training:

I was fortunate to be a part of Volunteer Optometry Service to Humanity mission (VOSH) during optometry school. This program allowed students and doctors to conduct eye exams and deliver eyeglasses to the citizens of developing countries. During our annual trips to Mexico, people would travel days to get their eyes tested. It was a rewarding experience to provide eye services to such grateful people.

Interests

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My husband, David, is a family physician at the Santa Rosa Kaiser. We have 3 kids and they keep us busy with their activities and energy. Being a mother is truly a blessing, and I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

When I immigrated to the United States, my parents asked us to pick out an "American name." Growing up in Seoul, I remember loving the show "I Dream of Jeannie" and asked my parents to name me after her. My parents chose Jane instead, and to this day, I'm glad they did.

Travel

Favorite place in the world:

I love to travel whenever I can. My favorite place is Maui. I always enjoy the nice weather, good food and beaches. A local favorite vacation spot for me is Monterey. The ocean, cute downtown and local cuisine draws me here yearly.

When my kids are older and I have the opportunity to travel, I would like to visit Japan and Europe. Japan has always fascinated me and I would love to explore the bonsai gardens.

One of my recent trips:

This past summer, we went camping with the kids for the first time. I always enjoyed camping as a child and was thrilled they had a wonderful time as well! I can't wait to go again next year and enjoy the peacefulness.