Our Optometry Providers
Medical & Surgical Expertise
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Board-Certified Specialists
Dr. Rogelio Cantu
Born in Illinois, Dr. Cantu ended up in Texas where he grew up. Dr Cantu graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American with a Bachelor of Science Biology and received a Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Houston’s College of Optometry.
Dr. Rogelio Cantu is a Gulf Coast Eye Institute optometrist specializing in primary eye care vision services. Dr. Cantu conducts comprehensive eye exams, treats common vision problems, and prescribes glasses and contact lenses. He also offers management of ocular diseases.
Dr. Cantu awarded Exemplary Clinician of the Year Award UHCO in 2003. Dr. Cantu currently resides in the Rio Grande Valley with his wife and child. In times of leisure, Dr. Cantu can be found outdoors either running, biking, or swimming – training for his next triathlon or Ironman competition.
Dr. Fatme Elsayed
Dr. Elsayed grew up in Michigan. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan before completing her Doctor of Optometry degree at the Illinois College of Optometry in 2021.
After graduation, Dr. Elsayed began her career in San Antonio, where she practiced primary eye care with a focus on diagnosing ocular disease, fitting contact lenses, and providing post-operative care for refractive and cataract surgeries. She later returned to Michigan to continue practicing before deciding to make San Antonio her home once again by joining the Eye Institute of Texas.
Outside of the office, Dr. Elsayed enjoys exploring local coffee shops, journaling, traveling, and pursuing her creative interests in photography, videography, and collecting VHS tapes.
Dr. Juan Farias
Dr. Juan Jose Farias, Jr. is a residency trained optometrist, born and raised in Laredo, TX. He obtained his Bachelors of Science in Biology at Texas A&M International University and continued on to earn his degree as a Doctor of Optometry at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, Texas. After finishing optometry school, Dr. Farias pursued a thirteen-month residency with emphasis in Ocular Disease and post-operative management at Virginia Eye Consultants in Virginia Beach, VA.
Dr. Lauro Guerrero
Dr. Lauro Guerrero, III, is a Gulf Coast Eye Institute optometrist specializing in primary eye care vision services as well as dry eye disease management. He sees patients at the Harlingen location and has been with Gulf Coast Eye Institute since its earliest days.
Dr. Guerrero conducts comprehensive eye exams, treats common vision problems and prescribes glasses and contact lenses. He also offers management of ocular diseases and is a dry eye specialist. He teaches other optometrists about dry eye disease treatment options at continuing education seminars.
Dr. Guerrero received a doctor of optometry degree from the University of Houston’s College of Optometry. He has been a licensed optometrist since 1995 and is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Texas Optometric Association.
Dr. Guerrero is an active member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburgh, where he enjoys serving his parish and his community. “I enjoy being part of the team at Gulf Coast Eye Institute,” said Dr. Guerrero. “It’s like family and we all work together to help our patients enjoy, restore and preserve their vision.”
Born In Anaheim, CA and grew up in south Texas. Graduated from University of Texas Pan American in 1991 and received his Doctor of Optometry from University of Houston College of Optometry in 1995.
A member of the American Optometric Association since 1995 as well as a member of the Texas Optometry Association since 1995. An active member of Rio Grande Valley Optometric Society also since 1995. Valley Eye Center 1995 Ophthalmic Consultants of Texas Gulf Coast Eye Institute. Member of Knights of Columbus St Joseph Edinburg#15262.
Reside in Edinburg, Tx Wife Michelle and children- Lisa and Diego. Enjoys playing golf and traveling when possible.
Dr. Stephen Larsen
Dr. Stephen Larsen was born in England. Dr. Larsen received his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Dr. Larsen has experience in refraction, contact lenses, LASIK post operative care, and co-management of numerous ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, keratoconus and diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Larsen has a background that includes private optometric practice, optometric and ophthalmic software development consulting, providing optometric care on a Native American reservation in Idaho. Dr. Larsen was a volunteer firefighter for the United States Forest Service.
Dr. Larsen resides in the Rio Grande Valley, speaks Spanish, is fluent in Italian and is a dedicated father of seven children.
Dr. Nitya Murphy
Dr. Nitya Murthy is a board-certified Glaucoma specialist practicing full-scope optometry, emphasizing cornea, specialty contact lenses, ocular surface disease, and myopia management. Her specialties include scleral lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, orthokeratology, and dry eye treatments.
Dr. Murthy is a native of Miami, Florida, and graduated from the Kentucky College of Optometry in 2020. She has worked in primary care, tertiary care, and corporate settings in primarily under-served communities. In addition, Dr. Murthy served as a clinical instructor and research associate at the Indiana University School of Optometry, where she conducted clinical trials and research studies related to clinical optics and contact lenses. She has given several talks relating to myopia control, dry eye, and corneal abnormalities and has presented her research widely at several national and international conferences. She continues to engage in scholarly work alongside her clinical practice and has special interests in retina and glaucoma.
In her free time, Dr. Murthy enjoys event planning, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband and child. She has also authored children’s books and is passionate about access to education.
Dr. Homero Perez
Dr. Perez was born in Mexico and raised in Houston Texas since early childhood. He completed a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Business Administration and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston in 2018. Thereafter, he completed a Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2022.
Dr. Perez completed his optometric clinical rotations at NSU/Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah Oklahoma, VA Texas Valley Health Care Clinic in McAllen/Harlingen Texas, and Houston community clinics with the University Eye Institute.
Dr. Perez is a board-certified therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist. He therapeutically treats eye diseases and conditions, such as; dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and more.
Fits medically necessary and therapeutic contact lens, and is certified in myopia control. In addition, he co-manages postoperative care after cataract surgery and other procedures.
During his free time Dr. Perez likes to run and workout. Lives for the adventure, he rides horses, goes off-roading, and hiking when possible.
Check out what patients say
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Sanjeeb Bhandari. He is a soft-spoken gentleman who immediately put me at ease, even after explaining that I would need monthly injections in my left eye to protect my vision. His calm, reassuring manner helped take away my fear, and I truly felt cared for throughout the visit. I’m grateful to be in such capable, compassionate hands and highly recommend him and the Gulf Coast Eye Institute.
I enjoy seeing Dr. Cantu he is kind & explains everything to you with patience & not rushed. I just realized he walks you out of the office to the reception area. Never have I had that curiosity extended me as a patient. The staff thrughout the entire office settings including the front office staff are nice & helpful. Although they are very busy they take the time to greet you.
Dr. Tawfik has been treating my glaucoma. I showed up 20 minutes before they closed without an appointment because my optometrist (from another office) noticed my eye pressure was elevated and said it was urgent to be evaluated and treated. Despite showing up last minute, Dr Tawfik saw me within minutes of arriving. He truly cares and takes great care of his patients. I highly recommend this clinic!
Trusted Eye Care Across the Rio Grande Valley
From routine eye exams to advanced surgical care, our experienced team is here to help you protect and improve your vision at every stage of life. With multiple convenient locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley, quality eye care is always close to home.
