About
About Michelle Holmes
Michelle Holmes, OD, is a full-scope neuro-optometrist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California. Her clinical practice is dedicated to the evaluation and management of complex neuro-visual disorders, recognizing the eyes as an integral anatomical extension of the brain.
Dr. Holmes specializes in diagnosing visual dysfunction secondary to systemic and neurological conditions. Her expertise includes the management of ocular manifestations associated with brain tumors, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
She provides specialized assessments for cranial nerve palsies and other eye movement disorders, as well as double vision, pupillary abnormalities, and visual field defects. In addition, she manages the ocular impact of orbital conditions, including thyroid eye disease.
Working within PNI’s multidisciplinary framework at both The Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center and the Pacific Brain Health Center, Dr. Holmes emphasizes a patient-centered, evidence-based model of care. Her approach acknowledges the critical role of visual function in shaping a wide range of health outcomes, including physical mobility, cognitive performance, mental health, and overall quality of life.
Dr. Holmes earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Washington in Seattle. She went on to obtain her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with Honors in Research. Her work on myopia control was published in Optometry and Vision Science. During her clinical training, she completed prestigious externships with a focus on ocular disease, including the Miami VA Healthcare System in Florida and Omni Eye Services in New Jersey.
Currently, Dr. Holmes is a fellowship candidate with the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA), focusing on advanced neuro-visual care.
Clinical Specialties
- Neuro-optometry
- Ocular disease
- Visual rehabilitation
- Clinical research & studies
Professional Affiliations
- American Optometric Association (AOA)
- California Optometric Association (COA)
- Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA)
