Our Team

Dr. Winnick grew up in a small town, similar to Oakdale, in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York.  He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduating with a major in Neurobiology. He then moved to Manhattan, to receive his doctorate degree from the State University of New York, College of Optometry.  After graduation, Dr Winnick moved West, to Portland Oregon, to complete a residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses at Pacific University College of Optometry.  During this time, he coordinated contact lens specialty care at Pacific University Clinics, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Kaiser Permanente and the Portland VA Medical Center.  Upon completing his residency training, Dr. Winnick moved to Truckee, CA and then Livermore, CA.  He was a partner in a large group practice in Livermore for 13 years.  During this time, he also served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry.  He lectured at the university, across the country and internationally on contact lens and ocular disease topics.  Dr. Winnick also consults in practice management and Managed Vision Care.  He has been affiliated with Vision Service Plan (VSP) for the past 17 years, including service on their Board of Directors.  

In 2013, Dr. Winnick decided to relocate to the Central Valley.  He wanted to return to a small-town lifestyle and have his own practice.  He purchased a home in Knights Ferry and worked in several locations, including Oakdale, Stockton and Sonora.  In 2019 Dr. Winnick purchased our practice from Dr. Tom Mihok; becoming its fourth owner in over 80 years of continuous care in Oakdale.  

In his free time, Dr. Winnick enjoys the rural country lifestyle of the Central Valley.  He grew up competing in shooting sports, and currently enjoys participating in Cowboy Mounted Shooting, Cowboy Action Shooting and bird hunting with his dogs Parker and Ruger. His long-haired dachshund, Roxy, is a Wiener Dog Race champion and the “ranch boss” at home.  Dr. Winnick enjoys being a “quiet small-town doc” and looks forward to providing caring and compassionate vision care to the local community for the rest of his career.  

Dr. Tom Mihok, our 2nd doctor within the practice, has been practicing optometry for over 40 YEARS! He is the previous owner of the practice, giving over ownership to Dr. Winnick in 2019. He loves working with his patients and helping them see and feel their best. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling with his wife Karen and volunteering his time with the local Lions Club.

Kelli is our Office Manager, she started working for FVC September 2022 as a receptionist and quickly fell in love with the world of eyes! Less than a year after starting, she became our pretester, and a year after that she became our Office Manager. She is a life-long Oakdale gal and truly loves what she does. Outside of the office she is an avid baker/cooker, loves spending time with her loved ones, two-legged and four!

Colette is our Master Optician and started working at FVC March 2024. She has been an optician for over 40 years and has truly changed the game when it comes to optical experience here in the office. She is the go-to gal for all complex fits, adjustments and repairs. Outside of the office, Colette is a member of the Mid-Valley Cowbelles organization and spends a lot of time outside with family and friends!

Riley came to us July 2024 and is our pretester/receptionist. She has deep roots in our small town, as a former Rodeo Queen, and volunteering her time at various Rodeo events catering or even competing! She keeps the office laughing with her various impressions and stories. Riley is a daughter, a niece, a god mother and everything in between and has a huge family she enjoys being around as much as possible! Outside of the office you will find Riley in the great outdoors with her dogs and her fiance CJ!

Sonja started at FVC September 2024 as our receptionist/pretester. Even with being a newer hire, she has fallen right into place with the rest of the staff and has made working at FVC a breeze for all her fellow co-workers! She is the friendly voice you get to hear when you call to make an appointment or ask a question. Outside of the office she is a busy mom of 2 and a true animal lover with 4 dogs, 2 cats, and a snake!