Abel and Yvonne grew up in Hong Kong before meeting at university and marrying after graduating. Abel was fascinated by the intricacies of the eye and saw his future in preserving sight. He received his combined Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees from the University of Houston, and then received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas, aiming to combine medical and optical expertise in a comprehensive approach to the best eye care. After finishing his ophthalmology residency at New York Albany Medical Center, he completed a fellowship in glaucoma at Yale University School of Medicine. He is board-certified with specialty training in glaucoma and cataract surgery and during his career has performed over 10,000 ocular surgical cases. 

The couple intended to return to Hong Kong after college yet were uncertain about stability after its return to China. When their first son was born, they decided to stay in the United States, recognizing the opportunities for their children’s education and personal development. After living in Houston, TX, Albany, NY, and New Haven, CT, they settled in the Pacific Northwest. Yvonne sees that her sons have inherited Abel’s passion for learning and self-improvement. “We encouraged a mindset of lifelong learning that opened opportunities and growth and it has served them well in their academic and professional journeys," Yvonne says. 

An avid reader since preschool, their first-born son, Jonathan, was curious about everything. He attended Seattle Country Day School and Lakeside School, and his perseverance and hard work earned him many state and national awards, including the Northwest High School Film Festival Animation Award of Excellence and the Library of Congress top essay prize. With several scholarships, he attended Harvard University, majoring in Cognitive Science while also studying Jazz and East Asia history and religions, spending a summer semester in Kyoto, Japan. He then attended medical school at Duke University and is finishing his training there in Interventional Radiology. He will move back to this area next summer.

 

Their younger son, Austin, combines his high energy with a strong sense of humor. A competitive fencer since he was 6 years old, Austin dedicated himself to the sport’s demands for explosive athleticism, mental discipline, and creative strategy. He frequently traveled to Beaverton, OR to train with French fencing masters and competed in national tournaments across the US. In his fencing endeavors, Austin won numerous national medals and a top 20 national ranking. After attending Seattle Country Day and Lakeside Schools, Austin studied biomedical engineering at Duke University, where he also competed on Duke's Division 1 NCAA fencing team. He is now a second-year medical student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH, and he aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon one day.

Yvonne graduated with a BA in business administration, worked in accounting to earn her CPA, and studied part-time to earn an MBA in finance. After her sons went to college she wanted to do something for herself, something to make a difference. She found her passion in eyewear after observing what she calls “the logo-laden, mass-produced, machine-made eyewear" sold at almost every optical shop. She noted the trend among customers for quality and craftsmanship, and with Abel’s support, created Bellevue Eye Specialists, featuring eyewear by independent designers from around the world.

As Yvonne explains, “Independent designers bring a level of creativity, innovation, and uniqueness we can’t find with mass-produced eyewear. I believe in diversity and individuality, which is precisely what these designers offer. They use premium materials such as titanium and Italian acetate, which not only look exquisite but offer comfort and durability. Our customers see this as a wise investment that pays off over time. “Yvonne partners with designers who share her values while contributing to their communities offering free eyecare services to local people in need, donating a portion of their proceeds or eyeglasses to the underprivileged, and using environmentally friendly materials and practices to reduce their ecological footprint. Yvonne adds, “I prioritize partnerships with designers who practice fair trade and labor, ensuring that the artisans creating the eyewear are treated ethically and fairly, and I support human art and culture I believe in the power of creativity to enrich lives. When our customers choose frames from these designers, they too can make a difference.”

Abel and Yvonne express their commitment to the community in many ways. “Abel and I take pride in being part of the Bellevue community," says Yvonne. "We participate in local events including sponsoring the Autism 5K run and youth programs such as student organizations at the University of Washington. We have provided free vision checks for the Boys & Girls Club and donate 10% of sales from our own brand to help the local homeless. And we provide a place for local artists to display their work.”

Thinking about their decision to move to the Pacific Northwest, Yvonne summarizes: “We are very happy that, along with other local businesses, we have become an integral part of Bellevue, creating a sense of identity and a sense of belonging. We truly believe we made the right choice because of the Pacific Northwest's diversity and the open-mindedness of the people here. We prioritize spending quality time together and building a close-knit family, cherishing both our cultural heritage and the joys of life in the US.’’