Our History

Tri Valley Optometry has been providing quality eye care services and materials to patients for over 60 years.

Dr. John T. Volponi opened this practice on January 1, 1953. Dr. John is a lifelong resident of Livermore and after graduating from Livermore High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp (precursor to the U.S. Air Force) in 1943. After serving for two years, he attended San Jose State in pursuit of an engineering degree. His interests turned to optometry after his uncle, Frank B. Roberts (former Livermore City Council member) told him that Livermore was growing and there would be an increased need for vision care services. Dr. John attended U.C. Berkeley School of Optometry and graduated in 1952.

Over the course of his career, Dr. John operated offices in Livermore and Pleasanton to serve the Tri Valley. As the practice of optometry evolved, so did the instrumentation and main office located on the south side of the Livermore Post Office in downtown.

Dr. James E. Volponi joined his father in optometric practice on October 8, 1984. Dr. James was born in San Francisco and grew up in Livermore also graduating from Livermore High School. He graduated from U.C. Davis with a degree in chemistry and an interest in forensics. However the opportunity to serve people in health care led him to optometry. Dr. James graduated from U.C. Berkeley School of Optometry in 1984. International trips to Ecuador and the Dominican Republic provided unique experiences to help others with vision care.

Dr. James continues the Tri Valley Optometry legacy and provides personalized eye care and sportsvision services in a friendly and professional atmosphere to people of all ages and walks of life.