Our Team
Our team takes pride in providing services and eyecare products that exceed patients’ expectations and we look forward to providing you with an outstanding eye care experience.
John McDaniel OD
Optometrist
Dr. McDaniel is the owner of Ascent Eyes, though you might not know it, since he’s probably on vacation. Patients love him for his easygoing nature, sharp clinical skill, and knack for finding perfect vision without the stress. Originally from Wisconsin and a proud Ohio State grad, he’s fueled by cheese, Packers pride, and the dream of turning every work trip into a guitar buying trip
Abigail Derby OD
Optometrist
Dr. Derby graduated from the University of Iowa (go Hawkeyes!) and earned her optometry degree in Puerto Rico, where she mastered both eye care and island living. She’s known for her skill in treating medical eye conditions and fitting even the most challenging contact lenses. Outside of work, she’s a reality-TV connoisseur, the world’s best mom, and a hopeless baker—seriously, don’t ask her to make cookies
Marla McHugh OD
Optometrist
Dr. McHugh has been helping patients see their best for over 25 years. A proud Mizzou alum, she combines expert care with years of experience to deliver the clearest vision possible. When she’s not in the exam room, you’ll find her running trails, hiking mountains, or tending to her flock of chickens on the family farm—where both the views and the feathers are spectacular
Luna Azul
Snack Expert
Luna is our office Snack Expert and full-time morale booster. She takes her duties seriously— taste-testing crumbs, supervising lunches, and making sure no snack goes unshared. Known for her impeccable style and occasional zoomies, Luna keeps the team smiling (and slightly distracted). She may not handle eyewear, but she’s got a sharp eye for anyone opening a bag of chips
Ana M.
Patient Coordinator
Ana is our Patient Coordinator and the friendly face that keeps the office running smoothly. She’s a pro at juggling schedules, answering questions, and making every patient feel at home. Born and raised in Hawaii, she brings sunshine and aloha energy wherever she goes. When she’s not at work, Ana’s probably doing calisthenics, sketching something beautiful, or finding a new creative project to dive into
Thomas Cervantes
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations, Thomas keeps Ascent Eyes running like a well-oiled machine. He’s the glue that holds the chaos together—managing staff, systems, and just about everything else that lands on his desk. With nearly a decade of dedication to the practice, Thomas has seen it all and fixed most of it. Outside of work, he’s probably designing something cool, making big plans, or catching up on zero sleep
Alex M.
Optician
Alex is an optician with a true talent for matching patients to frames that fit their style and personality. His eye for design and attention to detail make every visit feel like a personalized styling session. Outside the office, Alex is a music-making, globe-trotting, jewelry-collecting ladies’ man… who also happens to be bald. Really bald. Like, aerodynamic-level bald
Selah L.
Referral Coordinator
Selah is our Referral Coordinator—and officially Ana’s little sister, though honestly, she might be cooler in every way. Known around the office as the effortlessly chill one, Selah spends her free time climbing rocks, baking like a pro (sorry, Dr. Derby), and generally setting the standard for cool. If there were an award for “Most Likely to Be Everyone’s Favorite,” she’d already have it
We Value Your Time
Highest quality exams performed efficiently through technology, training, and experience.