With Laila Machado-Colicchio, O.D.

Dr. Laila Machado-Colicchio is a therapeutic optometrist and the Center's Optometric Director. She earned her optometric physician degree from the State University of New York, College of Optometry in 1995. She is licensed in both New Jersey and Florida. She attended Rutgers University-Newark for postgraduate studies. She completed her undergraduate degree from Kean University with honors and a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.

Dr. Colicchio is an active member of the American Optometric Association, the New Jersey Optometric Association, and the Mid Jersey Optometric Association. While attending school, she was a member of the Omega Epsilon Phi International Optometric Fraternity and the National Optometric Student Association.

Dr. Colicchio performs routine eye examinations, including dilation, from pediatric to geriatric, post-operative care of glaucoma, cataract and corneal patients, and comanagement of LASIK patients, as well. Difficult contact lens patients are her specialty, including those patients with keratoconus, post LASIK and corneal transplants.

Patients who experience dry eyes, such as those with allergies, the elderly, and contact lens patients can benefit from the different options available, including punctal plug insertion, which Dr. Colicchio performs. Her expertise, experience and compassion towards her patients make the eye care experience a satisfying one.

Dr. Colicchio is active in the community. She does vision screenings in nursing homes and volunteers her time with the community youth. She is also an active member of her church. She is fluent in Spanish and takes great pride in her Cuban heritage.

Dr. Colicchio is happily married and loves spending time with her young son and two daughters.

Curriculum Vitae

Education:

• State University of New York College of Optometry, New York, New York
  Doctor of Optometry, May 1995
• Kean College of New Jersey, Union, New Jersey
  Bachelor of Science with major in Management Science, May 1989 - Deans List

Professional Training:

• Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey
  Physics, Calculus, Organic Chemistry, September 1989 - December 1990

Experience:

• September 1995 - Present
  Santamaria Eye Center, Perth Amboy, New Jersey
  Primary care examinations including, refractions. Diagnosing, treating and managing a host of ocular conditions. Post-operative management of cataract, glaucoma and refractive keratotomy patients.
• March 1995 - May 1995
  Externship: Rutgers Community Health Plan, New Brunswick, New Jersey
  Extensive examination of glaucoma, cataracts, strabismus and corneal problems. Gained experience in retinal vitreous diseases and contact lens fitting.
• January 1995 - February 1995
  Externship: Omni New Jersey, Iselin, New Jersey
  Secondary referrals for specific disease entities or symptoms. Diagnosis and management of ocular disease with emphasis on cataracts and glaucoma. Extensive exposure to corneal, retinal and neurological disease.
• September 1994 - December 1994
  Internship: SUNY College of Optometry, New York, New York
  B Rotation - Clinical experience in ocular disease, both anterior and posterior segments, low vision, visual/perceptual problems, neuro-ophthalmology, vision therapy, and fitting and dispensing of contact lenses.
• June 1994 - August 1994
  Internship: SUNY College of Optometry, New York, New York
  A Rotation - Primary care involving extensive examinations including refractions, binocularity, ocular motility, accommodation, glaucoma and anterior segment disease.
• July 1986 - July 1991
  Eye DRx, Union, New Jersey
  Certified technician. Assisted in scheduling, patient reception and translation for patients. Assisted in screening patients in refractions, glaucoma, color and depth perception. Dispensing of glasses and insertion, removal and care of contact lenses.

Professional Organizations:

• Member, American Optometric Association
• Member, New Jersey Optometric Association
• Secretary, National Optometric Student Association
• Member, Committee on Cultural Diversity
• Member, OEPHI Fraternity
• Member, OEP

Special Skills:

• Highly fluent in reading, writing and conversing in Spanish.