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Meet The Team

Dr. Noelle La Croix, DVM, Diplomate ACVO

Ophthalmologist and Owner of Veterinary Eye Specialist of Long Island

Dr. Noelle La Croix founded her practice, the Veterinary Eye Specialist of Long Island (VetEyeSLI), with the goal of providing ethically oriented and excellent ophthalmic care for companion animals. She has routinely examined the eyes of more than 750 individual dogs, cats, horses, and exotic animals each year since 2004.

Noelle is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a Diplomate of the American Conference of Veterinary Ophthalmology (Dip. ACVO). Dr. La Croix graduated second in her class from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine with academic distinctions including outstanding performance in ophthalmology. Following graduation, she completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. Dr. La Croix then completed an ophthalmology residency with Eye Care for Animals; in Phoenix and was board-certified as a veterinary ophthalmologist in 2004. She initially practiced in Dallas, and then became the head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip. Subsequently, Dr. La Croix established VetEyeSLI in 2023.

Dr. La Croix is the veterinary ophthalmologist for the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs in Smithtown, and she routinely performs equine ophthalmology at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists in Elmont. Dr. La Croix also answers ophthalmology-related questions posed by veterinarians nationwide as an online consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN).

Dr. La Croix has published numerous articles concerning uveitis, glaucoma, and ophthalmic diseases in journals including JAVMA, Veterinary Ophthalmology, Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice, Veterinary Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine. She has also authored chapters in veterinary textbooks concerning ophthalmic anatomy and laser surgery.

Dr. La Croix was raised in Queens and currently resides on Long Island with her husband, two cats, and three dogs.

Kathleen Boylan

Veterinary Assistant and Assistant Practice Manager

Ms. Kathleen Boylan has worked in animal care facilities including Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center in Huntington, Babylon Animal Hospital in Lindenhurst, and the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip. Kathleen has been an integral part of Dr. La Croix’s team for over 10 years. Kathleen excels at calming pets brought to our facility and she ensures that they receive compassionate care throughout all procedures. Kathleen also works with our clients to find the most cost-effective ways of obtaining medications for their pets, and she is responsible for the high standards of sterility maintained at VetEyeSLI.

Danielle Carrick

Veterinary Technician 

Ms. Danielle Carrick is a New York State Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) who graduated from the Veterinary Science Technology Program of Suffolk County Community College. Before joining VetEyeSLI, Danielle gained extensive experience in the intensive care units (ICU) of both East End Veterinary Hospital in Riverhead and the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip. She is a Long Island native, has been caring for animals since childhood, and currently resides with three cats and four dogs. She is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our patients in all procedures, and in treating our clients with honesty and compassion.

Ruby Melendez

Client Care Coordinator and Practice Manager

Mrs. Ruby Melendez has over 35 years of customer service experience in veterinary facilities including The Animal Medical Center in New York City, the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip, and the Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital in Brooklyn. Ruby is a vital member of Dr. La Croix’s team that directly assists our clients in scheduling care for their pets at VetEyeSLI. Ruby is bilingual (habla español con fluidez), attended Queens College, and currently resides on Long Island with her family that includes two cats (Flame and Angel) and two dogs (Nyx and Sanji).

Doreen Staufenberg

Veterinary Technician 

The newest member of our practice, Ms. Doreen Staufenberg is a New York State Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) with over 36 years of experience working in animal practices including Farmingville Animal Hospital in Farmingville, and Animal Health & Wellness in East Setauket. Doreen is a native of Long Island and a graduate of Farmingdale State College of the State University of New York. She lives with her son, two cats, a Labrador Retriever mix, and five Chihuahuas. She has been known as a “Chihuahua Whisperer,” but is equally adept at understanding the needs of other pets and their owners.

Gerard Walters

Veterinary Assistant

Mr. Gerard Walters has been a veterinary assistant for 6 years which includes 4 years of experience in emergency triage and intensive care units.  Gerard also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Science, and Technology, & Society from Farmingdale State College of the State University of New York. Gerard excels at building positive relationships with clients and helps manage the care of their pets at VetEyeSLI.  He is also the proud pet parent of two adoptees: a Yorkshire Terrier named Acorn and a cat named Blu.