Dr. Scott L. Helgeson received his Doctorate of Optometry from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1991. He completed clinical externships in eye diseases and contact lenses at the Veteran’s Affair Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio and Columbus State University. After graduation, he relocated to the warmer latitude of McAllen, Texas and worked with long-time Rio Grande Valley Optometrists Drs. Charles and King Beardsley. Dr. Scott is also fluent in both English and Spanish and successfully completed a Spanish language emersion class in Monterrey Nuevo Leon, Mexico at the Berlitz School of Language.

“Dr Scott” (as many of his patients call him) has practiced as a McAllen eye doctor since 1991 and opened up his current practice in 1998. He successfully completed Board Exams to treat eye disease with topical and oral medications. His practice has been in the same location for the past 23 years and continues to grow.  In 2018, Dr Scott & Associates – Optometrists was founded.

Dr Helgeson is a member of the American Optometric Association, Texas Optometric Association, and the local Rio Grande Valley Optometric Association.  He is a member of the Epsilon Psi Epsilon Optometry Society, previous President of the McAllen Lions Club and supporter of The Texas Lion Camp in Kerrville, Texas. He and his family are active members of the Episcopal Church. In his spare time, Dr Scott enjoys hiking (especially in our National Parks) and is an amateur photographer.

Dr. Clarissa Gonzales is a Therapeutic Optometrist born and raised in Harlingen, TX.  She attended the University of The Incarnate Word in San Antonio and received a Bachelor Degree in Vision Science and then obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry. While in optometry school, Dr. Gonzales served as a teaching assistant. She attended several medical mission trips providing eye exams to underprivileged areas. She completed her externships at KDW Eye Consultants in San Antonio and Amarillo VA Healthcare Systems Hospital. Dr. Gonzales is an active member of the American Optometrist Association and Texas Optometric Association. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the movies, binge watching Netflix, and playing with her dogs, Charlie and Duke.

Dr. Jennifer Guerra is a Rio Grande Valley native, born and raised in Edinburg, Texas.   In 2002 she graduated cum laude from the University of Texas Pan American with a Bachelor of Science.  She then attended the University of Houston College of Optometry and graduated magna cum laude in 2006, earning her Doctor of Optometry degree.  Dr. Guerra is an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist who is licensed to diagnose and treat eye diseases as well as prescribe glasses and contact lenses, providing comprehensive eye care to patients in the Rio Grande Valley.  Dr. Guerra  is also an active member of the RGV Optometric Society.

Dr. Augustin Pruneda graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 1972. He also earned a Master’s in Education (1975) from Chapman University and a Doctorate of Medicine (not US licensed) from Universidad Mexico Americana del Norte A.C., Escuela de Medicina (1998).

He has practiced as an optometrist in a variety of settings: active duty in The United States Naval Reserve through July 1975 (Twentynine Palms, CA; Marines Corp Air Ground Combat Base), reserve duty in the United States Naval Reserves till 1995 (retiring with a Commander’s Rank), private optometry practice, and ophthalmology clinics. Dr Pruneda is a lifelong member of the American Optometric Association and Armed Forces Optometric Society (AFOS). Last year, he achieved the 50 year membership certificate from the AFOS.

He is a long-time resident of Mission, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys South Padre Island, running, and working in real estate.

Dr. Joshua J. Cedillo, a native of the Rio Grande Valley from Mission, Texas, is a skilled optometrist dedicated to providing high-quality eye care. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, before pursuing his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston-College of Optometry. During his training, Dr. Cedillo gained extensive experience in prescribing glasses and contact lenses, as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of various ocular conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome.

Dr. Cedillo graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2021 and is a licensed Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. He is passionate about offering comprehensive eye care and takes great satisfaction in educating his patients about their ocular health. He is also a member of the Texas Optometric Association and the Rio Grande Valley Optometric Society. Dr. Cedillo is a proud valley native and prides himself on being able to care for the ocular health of this great and growing community.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Cedillo enjoys spending time with his family, supporting the local sports teams, attending comedy shows, and staying active through weight training, basketball, and pickleball. He resides in McAllen, Texas.