Please join me in welcoming Bethel’s very own Dr. Isaac (Thomas) Kalistook to his new role as the Director of Optometry! Dr. Kalistook has been in the optometry department since 2008 and started as an optometrist in 2016.  We are excited to have him lead our Optometry Department.

About Dr. Kalistook:

“I am from Bethel and started working at the YKHC optometry department in 2008 as a front desk technician. During this time, Optician Willie Lake mentored me and taught me a lot about glasses and the eye care profession. The staff optometrists at the time were Dr. Conrad, Dr. Charlton, Dr. Lesniak, and Dr. Hochreiter, all of whom sparked my interest in optometry and encouraged me to further my education.  

During that time, Dr. Penaflor was an optometry extern completing her last year of clinicals. She provided great insight on what it took to become an optometrist.  I received my optometry degree in 2016 and returned to YKHC alongside Dr. Conrad, Dr. Penaflor, Dr. Blum, and Dr. Lucatero. They mentored me to become the professional I am today, and continue to do so.  I would also like to send a special thanks to Gene Peltola. Lastly, throughout my journey my parents Rita and Isaac Kalistook provided constant loving support.  I look forward to continuing optometry’s pursuit of excellence and providing care to the people of the YK region.”

-Lauren Rabi, Specialty Clinic Administrator