Beverly Bianes, OD, takes great pride in being the mother of Alyssa Pack, OD. She has always envisioned her daughter achieving even greater heights than she has, and working together at Pack & Bianes Optometry in Chula Vista, California, has turned that dream into a reality.
“It’s been really special having my daughter by my side and seeing how she’s advancing so quickly,” Dr. Bianes says. “When I hear her in the exam room next to me, I’m like, ‘Wow, she is so good.’”
Dr. Pack credits her mom as a major influence in her career. “Growing up, I saw how she interacts with other people, and I can tell the impact she’s had and how many people truly love her,” she says. “She’s helped me realize it’s okay to lean on others and ask for help when you need it.”
In a similar light, Dr. Bianes values the fresh perspective her daughter brings. “This generation is great about balancing their lives, and Alyssa has helped me with that,” Dr. Bianes says. “And the technology part. I’ve learned a lot from her. It’s also nice to feed off each other when we’re working together.”
Despite their intertwined professional lives, Dr. Bianes and Dr. Pack embrace a lighthearted approach to balancing work and family. “We try to keep office talk out of our personal time,” Dr. Pack says. “Sometimes, we just have to say out loud, ‘Okay, let’s stop talking about eyes and the business,’” Dr. Bianes says.
“As children, we say we don’t want to become like our parents,” Dr. Pack says. “Then some of us realize that they’re actually doing great things in the world.” Growing up, Dr. Pack admired her mom’s dedication to the Chula Vista community. She is grateful to have a mom whose kindness and commitment have left a lasting impression on many people.
Dr. Bianes cherishes the time spent working with her daughter. Just as Dr. Bianes spent her career working with her husband John Pack, OD, some of her daughter’s choices are mirroring hers. Dr. Alyssa Pack and her husband, Justin Nguyen, OD, are co-owners of their independent practice, EyeCare at the Cove Optometry in La Jolla. As that practice becomes busier, Dr. Pack will spend more time there and less with her parents. But for now, patients are always pleased to learn that Dr. Pack is part of the family at the practice. “Seeing her grow into her authentic self is such a proud moment as a mom,” Dr. Bianes says.
Read more stories about multi-generational ODs below.
