Summer Lara, O.D.

Summer Lara, O.D., is a pediatric and family optometrist with more than 15 years of experience caring for patients of all ages. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry from New Mexico State University before completing her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she was recognized for excellence in pediatric optometry and specialty contact lens management.

Following optometry school, Dr. Lara completed a residency in Pediatric Optometry at the University of California, Berkeley. During her residency, she cared for infants, children and adults with complex visual needs, including amblyopia, strabismus and binocular vision disorders. She also participated in community vision programs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, providing eye health and vision screenings to children in Head Start programs. Her academic work at Berkeley included presenting lectures at the San Francisco and Palo Alto VA Medical Centers and co-authoring research on the attachment behaviors of children with visual impairment and their caregivers.

Since completing her residency, Dr. Lara has practiced in both family practice and ophthalmology settings in Charlotte, North Carolina, Las Cruces, New Mexico and in the Front Range. Her clinical interests include pediatric eye care, complex specialty contact lens fittings—including scleral lenses—and the co-management of cataract and refractive surgery.

Dr. Lara is absolutely thrilled to join Front Range Eye Physicians and looks forward to continuing to serve the community. She believes exceptional eye care begins with treating each patient as a whole person. Her approach is grounded in compassion and connection, with an emphasis on listening closely, building meaningful relationships and creating an experience in which every patient feels comfortable, valued and genuinely cared for. For Dr. Lara, eye care is about more than helping people see clearly – it is about making a positive difference in the lives of the patients and families she serves.

Outside of the office, Dr. Lara loves practicing yoga, exploring Colorado through snowboarding and hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.