It is with regret to announce that Dr. Laurie Chaikin’s OptoRehab practice has closed. All patients are being referred to Dr. Wynn Tran. Dr. Tran and Dr. Chaikin worked together in the Bay Area sharing similar practice approaches. Dr. Tran’s services include: complete binocular visual evaluations, low vision exams, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, vision therapy and FSM.
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Laurie Chaikin
October 14, 1953 – November 7, 2023
Dr. Laurie Chaikin was a visionary who loved and embraced the multidimensional facets of life. Professionally, Laurie was an inspiration and a trailblazer in the field of Optometry exploring the relationship of vision with the brain. She was full of curiosity, thinking outside of the box. She incorporated energy medicine to her OT healing approach using light, microcurrent, FSM, and sound to name a few.
As a neuro-rehab optometrist and occupational therapist, Laurie provided exemplary care to her patients and served as a mentor to peers. Her dedication to research in frequency medicine aimed to benefit many. From her practice, Wild Iris Optometry in Castro Valley/Alameda, to her innovative Mobile OptoRehab unit for brain injury patients, and later, OptoRehab in Walnut Creek, Laurie’s progressive approach earned widespread respect. A revered mentor and lecturer, Laurie left a lasting impression on those she encountered. Patients admired her skills and kindness, while colleagues valued her collaboration deeply.
Laurie embodied qualities of gentleness, grace, independence, and strength. Besides her professional achievements, she was a USCG captain and pursued her COVD fellowship while sailing in the Caribbean. In her leisure, she enjoyed sailing, music, organizing orchestras as a celloist. Laurie reinvented herself one last time as she took on farmsteading near Redding with her two boys where she spent her final days. She continued to provide eyecare… while she baked, made cheeses, raised livestock, sold duck and quail eggs and her sons mastering hydroponic gardening. On November 7, 2023, Laurie Chaikin passed away peacefully at home from medical issues caused by uterine cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of ground breaking OT techniques and her love and approach to life continues to inspire holistic, healthy living, to remain curious and playful, so that one may enjoy life to the fullest. Laurie is survived by her sons, Joel and Aron.
Friends and family have started a GoFundMe page to organize a future memorial in her name. If you’ re called to donate, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/laurie-chaikin-celebration-memory-of-her-life. You will be notified once the wake comes together. Her sons are taking time for mourning.
For those who like pictures. Laurie Pictures (please upload any pictures that you would like to share)
