At Tri Valley Optometry, we are a family owned Professional Optometry Practice focusing on what matters most: YOU and your vision!
Current Owner:
Dr. James Volponi, O.D.
Dr. James joined Tri Valley Optometry on October 8, 1984. Together with Dr. John, the personalized eye care service was expanded to serve the growing communities of Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin for people of all ages and walks of life.
IN HIS OWN WORDS: “I graduated from UC Davis with a degree in chemistry. I had planned to pursue a career in forensic chemistry and police work. After contrasting visits to UC Berkeley’s Forensic Chemistry Department and the School of Optometry, I thought that it would be nicer to ‘serve people in health care’ rather than ‘putting them away in jail.’
I graduated from UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 1984. International optometric service mission trips to Ecuador and Dominican Republic demonstrated the need for vision care world wide.
“I constantly attend continuing education classes to enhance our optometric services. New services such as sports vision, eye movement training, dry eye and lid hygiene complement the primary eyecare, eyeglasses and contact lenses that are the foundation of the Tri Valley Optometry practice.
“My wife, Maureen, and I raised two sons, Josh and Jake, in Livermore and volunteer for various community events.”
Founder:
Dr. John T. Volponi, O.D.
Dr. John opened this practice on January 1, 1953 in the city that he grew up in, Livermore. A short time later he opened a satellite office in Pleasanton. Dr. John practiced optometry in the Tri Valley for 61 years.
IN HIS OWN WORDS: “I served in the US Army Air Corp. (precursor to the US Air Force) and was honorably discharged in 1945 after World War II. I thought that I might become a commercial pilot but many other military pilots with more flight hours than I had the same idea.
“Next I attended San Jose State University to pursue an engineering degree along with my boyhood friend, Buddy Lima. Although my grades were satisfactory, I wasn’t as enthusiastic as I thought I would be.
“When my uncle, Frank Roberts (former Livermore city council member) noted that as Livermore grew with the “Radiation Laboratory” (now LLNL), another optometrist would be needed. I visited UC Berkeley School of Optometry and found my niche.
“In 1952, my father and I bought a small building next to the Post Office and converted it into an optometric office. In 1963, I had the current professional building completed on the same site.
“In the more than 60 years that I worked, I was fortunate to have patients who trusted me with their vision and became like family.
“With my wife, Peggy, we raised six sons in the wonderful city of Livermore that I still call home today.”
Lorie
Tri Valley Optometry 