Expert Eye Doctors in Worcester - Spencer MA Metro Area

Neuro-Developmental, Pediatric, and Rehabilitation Optometrists

Dr. Brian Thamel

Dr. Valarie Ricciardi

Dr. Nicole Horn Cerio

Dr. Lauren Thamel

Dr. Brian S. Thamel - Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation

Dr. Brian S. Thamel has been in practice for over 30 years graduating with honors from the New England College of Optometry in 1988. He is an honors graduate from Clark University in 1984. He practiced with his father, Dr. Theodore Thamel, until he retired and currently practices with his wife, Dr. Valarie A. Ricciardi. They have two office locations: Worcester and Spencer. Dr. Thamel is a member of the American Optometric Association, Massachusetts Society of Optometrists of which he was president in 2001-2002, Optometric Extension Program, and the College of Vision Development. Dr. Thamel specializes in children’s vision and learning related vision problems. His office provides vision therapy to treat children and adults with vision problems. Both Drs. Thamel and Ricciardi received the 2007 Health Care Heroes award by the Worcester Business Journal. He is currently a consultant at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital. He has volunteered at the Worcester Free Evening Eye Clinic. He is also the administrator for central Massachusetts Vision Source with his wife. They recently were awarded Administrators of the year for the Northeast.

Dr. Valarie A. Ricciardi - Primary Care, Contact Lenses, Laser Co-management

Dr. Valarie A. Ricciardi has been practicing for over 30 years graduating from the New England College of Optometry in 1988. She is a graduate from Assumption College in 1984. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists of which she was the secretary for several years and president from 2020-2021. She practices in two locations, Spencer and Worcester, with her husband Dr. Brian Thamel. She provides primary eye care for all ages, including contact lenses and laser vision consultations. Both Drs. Thamel and Ricciardi received the 2007 Health Care Heroes award by the Worcester Business Journal. She is currently administrator of central Massachusetts Vision Source with her husband. They recently were awarded the Administrators of the Year for the Northeast.

Dr. Nicole Cerio - Primary Care, Vision Therapy, CRT or Ortho-k Lenses

Dr. Nicole Cerio graduated with honors from New England College of Optometry. She was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa honors society and VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) during all four years of Optometry School. During school, she went to El Salvador with VOSH and China with OneSight to help provide optometric services to underprivileged populations. She graduated with honors from University of Rhode Island for her undergraduate degree. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists. Dr. Cerio provides primary eye care for all ages, as well as vision therapy, soft and RGP contact lenses and is certified to fit CRT(Corneal Refractive Therapy) lenses.

Dr. Lauren Thamel - Primary eye care and Low Vision Rehabilitation

Dr. Lauren A. Thamel graduated cum laude from Temple University in Philadelphia with a BS in Biology and a minor in Healthcare Management. Dr. Thamel recently graduated with honors from the New England College of Optometry in 2021, she then pursued a residency at the Jamaica Plain VA in Boston MA specializing in low vision and traumatic brain injury before joining Vision Source of Worcester and Spencer full time in July. During her time at the New England College of Optometry, she served as the Student Council President as well as the President of the Massachusetts Society of Optometry Students. She continues to be an active member of the American Optometric Association and Massachusetts Society of Optometry.

Dr. Thamel was chosen by her peers for the “Dr. Edward Joseph Troendle, Jr. Award” awarded to a student who has given highly to the community and the profession, she also received the “Eschenbach Award For Excellence In Low Vision” from the faculty. Throughout her time in school and residency, Dr. Thamel worked as a tutor and TA for the Low Vision class. She enjoys giving back to both her community as well as her profession to ensure that our patients are receiving the highest level of care.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends playing board games, cooking, exploring Worcester’s restaurants and breweries, and traveling.

Dr. Thamel provides primary eye care for all ages, and is residency trained in vision rehabilitation of both low vision and traumatic or acquired brain injury.

Serving Worcester, Shrewsbury, Leicester, Spencer, Brookfields, Southbridge, Marlborough, Worcester county, MA, Massachusetts and surrounding towns.