Key Team Members

Anu Nullar

Chief Executive Officer

Anu Nullar is a dynamic, compassionate Native Hawaiian woman born and raised in Hawaii. She brings over a decade of experience in healthcare and business administration to Eye Center of Hawaii. After high school, Anu entered the University of Hawaii at Hilo majoring in Business Administration.

Of the 15 years of experience Anu has in the healthcare industry, nine of those are at Eye Center of Hawaii, the largest ophthalmology practice in the State, offering services to patients in nine locations throughout O’ahu, Maui and Hawai’i Island. In this capacity, Anu oversees daily operations. Her expertise in human resource development has proven effective in blending the skill and knowledge contributions of employees who successfully deliver medical care to urban and rural communities throughout Hawaii.

Now, as the Chief Executive Officer for BEI, her expertise in strategic planning and organizational change management and her ability to cross-function across medical and business facets of the practice enable her to provide leadership and staff with significant insight on how to better execute organizational intent.

Anu’s natural propensity to set a high bar; a deep-seeded thirst for knowledge and her heart for servant leadership consistently reinforces her value to the overall excellence and well-being health of any mission.

Maile Schick

Chief Revenue Cycle Officer 

Maile Schick was born and raised on the island of O’ahu and has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field. Maile spent the past 14 years working as a Billing Manager prior to joining BEI in 2021 as the Accounts Receivable Manager. She has cultivated a strong and productive work ethic rooted in patient-first practices and genuine integrity. With kindness and compassion, she provides exceptional service to both providers and patients alike. 

In her free time, Maile can be found exploring the mountains with her husband, Jason, daughter Zoë, and doggo Roxië. She also enjoys going to the beach, remodeling projects, and hosting large family gatherings in her home. 

Xaviera Nishimura

Director of Revenue Cycle Management 

Xaviera Nishimura is a mainstay employee of Eye Center of Hawaii (BEI). Having started with the company as a Billing Associate in 2006, Xaviera’s responsibilities, in addition to billing, now include a myriad of duties in Administrative Support to the Chief of Operations and the rest of BEI’s administrative team. She received her CNA certification from the University of Hawai’i at Windward Community College and began her healthcare career with Team Praxis, one of Hawai’i’s largest billing companies, where Xaviera was employed as a Billing Specialist. Xaviera is an experienced Front Office Supervisor with 25 years’ experience in customer service, and she continues to provide excellent care and service to Eye Center of Hawaii’s patients, associates, and staff

Cecelia Zuniga

Chief Operating Officer (Oahu)

Cecilia Zuniga – “Cez” – has been working in the field of ophthalmology for the last 18 years. Cez began her career in 2001 working for the only Filipino ophthalmologist in Hawai, Dr. Jorge Camara, who was a world-renowned ophthalmologist that specialized in oculoplasty and reconstructive surgery. Cez has experience conducting studies and she volunteers her services to provide free eye care in the Philippines as part of the Bayanihan Without Walls Program, a non-profit community-based healthcare organization. Cez joined Eye Center of Hawaii in 2013 and now serves multi-functionally as the clinic manager for all BEI locations and as a lead surgery coordinator/technician. A fluent native speaker of Ilocano and Tagalog, Cez is very passionate and tremendously happy and dedicated to providing quality eye care to every patient who comes her way.

Ricky Lee

Director of Information Technology

Mr.Lee has joined Eye Center of Hawaii in 2010 after two years of Systems Administration at Wavecom Solutions. With his expertise in IT infrastructure, he has successfully migrated and completely redesigned Eye Center of Hawaii’s IT infrastructure for growth. Mr. Lee received his BBA in Management Information Systems from Schidler College of Business in 2007, and is also fluent in Cantonese Chinese. In his personal time, Mr. Lee researches for new technology and actively developing new skills.

Jenny Cole

Director of Surgical Management

Jenny Cole is an Ophthalmic Technician and the Surgical Manager at Eye Center of Hawaii. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii, where she received her AA in Liberal Arts with a focus in Psychology. With a combined 19 years in healthcare experience, Jenny has spent the last 14 of those years working at the Eye Center of Hawaii. She has knowledge and experience in both the front office operations as well as managing clinical operations and clinical research. Jenny prides herself in providing patients with the utmost care. Born and raised in Hawaii, she embodies the Aloha Spirit and treats every patient like family.

La Vonne Richardson

Director of Human Resources

La Vonne Richardson is a seasoned, fun-loving Native Hawaiian who came to Eye Center of Hawaii in 2015 as a Patient Services Representative. Prior to joining BEI, La Vonne taught for Hawaii Technology Institute for 30 years. An extensive background in community development, La Vonne has worked with long-standing non-profit organizations to serve all generations of diverse community populations throughout Hawai’i facilitating individual and collective health and quality of life. La Vonne is a certified Chronic Care Professional through Health Sciences Institute and serves as the Human Resource Manager along with helping to in an administrative role at all O’ahu clinic locations as well as the Surgery Center of the Pacific. 

Melanie Dela Cruz

Director of Clinical Operations (Oahu)

Melanie Dela Cruz is a Senior Ophthalmic Technician at Eye Center of Hawaii. Having joined the BEI team in September 2012, Melanie is passionate about serving her community and helping patients achieve the gift of clear vision. Born and raised in Hawai’i, she always had a deep connection to ‘ohana which extends far beyond blood relatives. It’s this spirit of community that drives her dedication to providing top-notch eye care to the communities we serve. 

In her role, she is committed to ensuring that each patient who walks through our clinic doors receives the highest level of care and attention. Whether it’s assisting with eye exams, performing diagnostic tests, or offering support during surgery, Melanie takes pride in making every patient feel comfortable and valued. 

In her spare time, you’ll find Melanie enjoying the stunning beaches of Hawaii or hiking the lush trails of our islands. These experiences remind her of the importance of preserving our unique way of life and the significance of helping our neighbors whenever and wherever we can.

As an Ophthalmic Technician from Hawaii, she is dedicated to blending the values of our tight-knit community with a passion for eye care. Together, ensuring that the people of our beautiful islands have the clearest, healthiest vision possible, allowing them to fully appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. 

Joelei Baldos

Chief Operating Officer (Big Island)

Joelei, a dedicated and experienced Ophthalmic Technician at Eye Center of Hawaii since 2019. After joining BEI, she successfully completed the Optometric Technician program at Kapiolani Community College.  Joelei’s healthcare journey began in 2003 when she obtained her CNA certification at Kona Community Hospital. Over the course of 20 years, she has accumulated a wealth of patient healthcare experience. Joelei’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care and service is evident in her invaluable contributions to the team at Eye Center of Hawaii in Kona.

Kehaulani Faleofa

Director of Optical Operations (Big Island)

Kehaulani has a deeply rooted heart in our island community. She is wholeheartedly committed to helping patients experience life’s beauty through clear vision and the gift of eyewear. 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, she always had a profound appreciation for the natural wonders that surround us, from the vibrant coral reefs beneath the crystal-clear waters to the lush, landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. This love for Hawaii, both natural and cultural, fuels Kehau’s passion for ensuring that our community can see and experience it all. 

As an Optician, Kehau’s role is to provide personalized eyewear solutions that not only enhance visual clarity but also complement each individual’s unique style and personality. She takes great pride in helping our patients choose the perfect frames and lenses to suit their needs while making them feel confident and comfortable in their new eyewear. 

Aside from being an Optician, Kehaulani is also an experienced Ophthalmic Technician with a mission to make quality eye care accessible to everyone, ensuring that no one is left without the gift of clear vision 

We are truly grateful to have Kehaulani as part of our BEI ‘ohana. Her dedication to not only providing exceptional eye care but also fostering a sense of unity and aloha within our community is invaluable. “Clear vision is more than just a matter of optics; it’s about experiencing life’s wonders to the fullest, and I’m here to help you do just that.” 

Lacey Freitas

Director of Clinical Operations (Big Island)

Lacey has a heart full of aloha spirit, a dedication to serving her community by providing top-notch eye care and compassion to support patients. Born and raised on Hawaii Island, her connection to the people and culture runs deep. From a young age, Lacey knew she wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her. This passion led to a career in hospitality, where she had the privilege of combining her love for the islands with her dedication to community. 

As an Ophthalmic Technician, Lacey’s days are filled with a commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of our island’s residents and visitors. She works closely with our talented team of physicians to perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, assist in eye surgeries, and provide education to our patients about their eye health. Lacey takes great pride in her work, knowing that each day brings the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life. 

Lacey’s commitment to community extends beyond the clinic doors as she firmly believe that everyone deserves access to quality eye care, regardless of their circumstances. Lacey bridges the gap between medical expertise and compassionate care. With a warm heart and a strong commitment to her community. We are honored to have her as part of our ‘ohana.

Shawna Aheong

Chief Operating Officer (Maui)

Shawna has been in the healthcare industry for almost 26 years.  Prior to joining Eye Center of Hawaii in 2011, Shawna worked in Pediatrics and Dermatology where she gained invaluable experience and skills in customer service, front desk operations, medical billing, and office management.  While working full- time, she attended University of Hawaii – Maui College as a part-time student where she obtained her Certificate of Completion in Nurse Aide Training and her AA degree in Liberal Arts.

Ever the optimist, Shawna’s positivity and easy-going, bubbly personality is infectious. She is known for going that “extra mile” for her patients and treats everyone as an extended part of her family.  Her dedication and commitment are reflected in her work ethics and her willingness to go over and beyond the call of duty.  Shawna enjoys helping people and is always willing to lend a hand, or an ear, to those that need it. 

When she is not at Eye Center of Hawaii, Shawna enjoys going to the movies, trying out new restaurants or food trucks, spending time with family, and hanging out with her hubby, Steve, and their dogs, Bostwick and Bebe. 

Brittney Saffery

Director of Clinical Operations (Maui)

Brittney is an ophthalmic technician at the Eye Center of Hawaii. Born and raised on Maui she has worked in the healthcare industry for numerous years and finds fulfillment in caring for others and serving her community. Britt enjoys making her patients feel comfortable, respected, and strives to treat each patient that walks through our doors as Ohana. With hands-on experience in various ophthalmic procedures and diagnostic testing, Britt is dedicated to providing quality patient care.

Meet your Maui ‘ohana

Meet your Big Island ‘ohana

Meet your Oahu ‘ohana