Our Doctor

​​​​​Dr. McKenna Turrill, OD, FAAO, is a dedicated optometrist specializing in pediatric optometry, vision therapy, myopia management, and the care of patients with special needs. A Michigan native, Dr. Turrill fell in love with California while attending the prestigious UC Berkeley School of Optometry. She further honed her expertise through residency training at the SUNY College of Optometry in New York City, where she provided continuing education for fellow optometrists and gained valuable experience treating patients in diverse settings, from hospitals to elementary schools. 

As a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an InfantSEE provider with the American Optometric Association, Dr. Turrill is passionate about promoting early eye care and addressing conditions at their root to ensure optimal outcomes. Currently an active member of the California Optometric Association, Dr. Turrill also serves as a trustee for the San Diego County Optometric Society. She brings her expertise in pediatric eye care and myopia management to the practice, ensuring patients receive tailored, evidence-based solutions to support their long-term visual health. Whether addressing the unique needs of children, providing vision therapy, or guiding families through myopia control strategies, Dr. Turrill is committed to improving the lives of her patients and empowering them with clear, healthy vision.

​​​​​Dr. Ioana Swikard has been a trusted optometrist in the San Diego area for more than 25 years. She is a dedicated member of the La Mesa Vision Center team, utilizing nearly three decades of experience to help her patients achieve effortless vision through compassionate and attentive eye care.

Dr. Swikard began her optometry journey in Texas, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Texas A&M University and completing her education at the University of Houston’s College of Optometry. During her internship, she focused on specialty contact lenses, myopia management, and the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases.

Early in her career, Dr. Swikard’s passion for eye care and leadership motivated her to open her own private practice. She moved to North County, California, and ran her practice in Solana Beach from 2000 to 2020. During this time, she developed her skills as an eye care provider, honing her practice and creating lasting relationships with her patients. Many of Dr. Swikard’s patients have remained in her care, following her to La Mesa Vision Center for their eye care and eyewear needs. 

As an established member of the San Diego community and with a network of long-time patients, Dr. Swikard was excited to find her eye care home at La Mesa Vision Center in 2025, after spending four years with an ophthalmology practice. She is particularly passionate about helping patients with dry eye syndrome and looks forward to expanding this area of care at La Mesa Vision Center.

Outside of optometry, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 24 years and their two college-aged sons. An avid sports family, they love cheering on the San Diego Padres, running, and exploring the beautiful hiking trails throughout San Diego County.

​​​​​Dr. Hunter Morgan graduated with high honors from Southern College of Optometry and completed his residency in ocular disease and primary care in a hospital setting. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, is part of the Leadership Institute of the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of the New York State Beneficial Technology Committee. 

After his residency, Dr. Morgan spent time working at a private practice and providing full-scope optometric care. During that time, he gained firsthand experience learning what it means to offer the best care and optimal patient experience. He specializes in specialty contact lens fittings, which is a vital part of treating corneal diseases. As an active member of the optometric community, he continues to learn and expand his knowledge, and is dedicated to ensuring the visual health of each and every patient that he meets.

​​​​​Dr. Hixson graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Optometry in 1982 and was honored with the William Feinbloom Low Vision Award that same year. He is a member of the Low Vision Section of the American Optometric Association and is past president and former advisory board member of the San Diego Service Center for the Blind. He continues to assist patients at the Center for the Blind on a bi-monthly basis.

Dr. Hixson practiced in Lemon Grove from 1982-1995, Low Vision Care and specialty contact lens fittings. From 1985-1995, he also served patients in Carmel Mountain and El Centro, where branch offices were opened. He was recognized in  Low Vision at the Mericos eye Institute, Scripps Memorial Hospital in 1994. And, in 1995, Dr. Hixson opened his own practice, La Mesa Vision Care Optometry. While serving hundreds of patients, he also has been active in contact lens investigative research, conducting ongoing research studies for the F.D.A. Since 1998, he has been a Volunteer Optometrist for the Women's Rescue Center of San Diego.

A native San Diegan, Dr. Hixson has been an active member of several other organizations, including San Diego Optometric Society, the La Mesa Optimist Club (past president) and the California Optometric Association. He and his wife Sally, live near San Diego State University, where both received their undergraduate degrees.