About

Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Patel graduated from the University of California at Irvine with a B.S. in biological sciences. She received her Doctorate of Optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2007. There, she gained extensive experience in ocular disease, pediatric care, contact lens fitting and primary care.

Dr. Patel is dedicated to the full scope of optometry, but she takes special interest in custom contact lens fittings and co-managing glaucoma, diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition to being a therapeutic optometrist, she is a certified glaucoma specialist.

In 2013, Dr. Patel opened her first CustomEyes location in Pearland, Texas. Her vision was to create a luxury boutique with all the latest technology and eye wear. As a mother, her goal was to provide a boutique that offered complete family eye care, including eye care for children. In 2016, Dr. Patel opened her second practice in the Memorial area of Houston. She also added partners, Dr. Ruchira Damani and Dr. Elizabeth May. As a team, all three optometrists have the same philosophy: providing the highest-quality eye care in Houston and Pearland.

Dr. Patel is happily married and the proud parent of two young boys. Her hobbies include travel, culinary arts, health and fitness, yoga and — of course — eye studies.

Dr. Ruchira Damani is a Houston native. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in biology in 1997. Then, she went on to the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2001.

She practices full-scope optometry as a therapeutic optometrist, diagnosing various diseases and disorders of the visual system as well as treating eye infections and ocular injuries. Additionally, she is a certified glaucoma specialist, diagnosing a disease that often can remain undetected. An active member of the Optometric Nutrition Society, Dr. Damani is passionate about helping people make healthy choices in all aspects of their lives.

In the summer of 2013, she joined the CustomEyes team. Ultimately, Dr. Damani is devoted to listening to each patient’s needs and strives to provide all her patients with personalized care.

Dr. Damani’s time off includes training for her next half marathon, practicing yoga and creating another addictive smoothie recipe. She also loves playing soccer with her two boys, exploring new restaurants with her husband and spending time with friends.

Dr. Elizabeth May is a Louisiana native. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with honors in biology and minors in chemistry and psychology. In 2014, she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she was an active member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. After graduation, Dr. May completed an intensive 13-month residency at the Eye Center of Texas in ocular disease and refractive surgery.

She demonstrates extensive knowledge in treating anterior and posterior segment ocular diseases and managing a variety of pre- and post-surgical patients. Additionally, Dr. May is on the board of directors for the Harris County Optometric Society. She is also a member of the American Academy of Optometry and earned her fellowship in 2015.

Dr. May and her husband have two young children and a Great Dane that keeps them busy at home! When possible, Dr. May and her husband love to travel and explore new places and cultures around the world. Dr. May also has a passion for distance running and has qualified and run in the Boston Marathon, with a long term goal of running in all six of the World Majors.