Doctors & Staff
Meet the experienced and friendly doctors and staff who make Beranek Optometry a proud provider of vision care products and services in Hollywood.
Dr. James M. Beranek
Dr. Beranek received his doctorate from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in 2003. He grew up in Miller, South Dakota, and attended college at the University of South Dakota and Ohio State University, and received his undergraduate degree in Biology in 1999.
Dr. Beranek has a unique approach to patient eye care and has incorporated several different technologies that are like no other office.
When not working, Dr. Beranek enjoys all types of sports and traveling. Dr. Beranek was part of the University of South Dakota Track & Field team and still competes for the USA Track & Field Masters. Dr. Beranek is also an accomplished equestrian rider and has competed both in the United States and internationally in equestrian show jumping.
Dr. Mona Patel
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Mona Patel to the Beranek Optometry team in 2025.
Dr. Patel brings a strong academic background and a fresh perspective to our practice. She began her higher education at the University of Central Florida, graduating in 2017. Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Patel pursued her passion for eye care at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. There, she earned her Bachelor’s of Vision Science in 2019, followed by her Doctorate of Optometry in 2021.
Dr. Patel is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate eye care to all her patients. We are confident that her dedication and expertise will be a valuable asset to Beranek Optometry and the community we serve.
Dr. Upadhyay
Dr. Upadhyay (Dr.U) graduated with a Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in May 2010. She did her undergrad at Queens College (City University of New York), where she was inducted into the Psi Chi Honors Society. She has done her clinical training at the Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA, and her clinical externships at: Omni Eye Care – NJ, Opthalmic Consultants of CT, Veterans Hospital – Brooklyn, NY as well as a specialty contact lens rotation in Sunnyvale, California.
Dr. U is licensed and therapeutics certified in the state of FL and NY. She enjoys working with people and has extensive experience in primary care and contact lenses. She had her own Optometry practice (sublease) in NYC for 10 years prior to moving to Hollywood, FL in Nov 2024. She is happy to be in Florida and enjoys outdoor activities, traveling and spending time with family & friends.
Reneé – Licensed Optician
Reneé Colón is a Licensed Optician, with more than 40 years of experience in the optical industry. ABO and NCLE certified, she brings over 20 years of multi unit management and training expertise, along with a strong background shaped by nearly 30 years working for national chains. For the past 13 years, Reneé has been an integral part of Beranek Optometry, where she continues to provide exceptional patient care, leadership, and technical expertise.
Marlen – Lab Manager
Marlen de la Fe is a highly experienced and dedicated professional in the Optical industry, boasting a career spanning over 35 years. Born and raised in the vibrant Miami area and educated at Miami Dade North Campus, Marlen has a deep commitment to serving the local community. Marlen has had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Dr. Beranek for the past 20 years. Throughout this tenure, she has excelled in providing exceptional optical care. The most rewarding aspect of the work is taking care of generations of families’ optical needs and making a profound difference in patients’ daily lives. This is achieved by meticulously ensuring that every aspect of the optical experience-from the prescription (RX) to the frame fit and style-is absolutely perfect. When not perfecting patient eyewear, Marlen enjoys a vibrant life centered around supporting the Miami Dolphins through every season, boating and embracing the South Florida lifestyle, sharing dinner with lifelong friends and savoring fine wine, and spending cherished time with her God Daughter, the “Apple of Her Eye.”
Phila – Optometric Technician
Phillippa Sanders was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and relocated to Florida over 35 years ago. She began her education at Spelman College, where she studied Business for one year before continuing her training at the Florida Educational Center with a focus on billing and coding. She later attended MedVance and became a Certified Medical Assistant. Phillippa spent 17 years working in home health and hospice care, gaining extensive hands-on experience and developing a deep commitment to patient wellbeing. For the past 11 years, she has been a dedicated team member at Beranek Optometry. Family is a central part of her life, and she takes great pride in both her loved ones and her long-standing dedication to her profession.
Samantha – Optician
Samantha began her optical career in 2006. Her deep commitment to excellence was underscored by her ABO and NCLE certification from 2009 to 2020. For over 19 years, Samantha has dedicated herself to mastering diverse areas of the optical field. Her passion for continuous learning has allowed her to significantly expand her knowledge in critical areas, including ocular anatomy and physiology, and the latest available technology in vision care. When Samantha is not focused on optimizing patient vision, she enjoys spending quality time with her loving husband and son, her sweet old doggy, and her two crazy cats. Additionally, Samantha is an active member of her community, channeling her passion for running into supporting various charitable causes.
Madisen – Receptionist
Maddie is our front desk receptionist and technician at Beranek Optometry, where she supports both doctors and helps ensure every patient has a welcoming, smooth experience. Born and raised in Hollywood, Florida, she brings a friendly, community-focused approach to her role and enjoys being part of a team dedicated to quality eye care. Outside of the office, Maddie has completed EMT school, expanding her medical knowledge and passion for helping others. In her free time, she loves spending time with her pride and joy-her dog, Monty.
Radha – Medical Scribe
The Face Behind Your Medical Documentation Originally from Peru, Radha is the medical scribe at Beranek Optometry, where she works virtually alongside the doctors to ensure every patient visit is accurately documented. By handling detailed medical documentation, she helps providers stay focused on what matters most-caring for their patients. Although she earned her degree in Corporate Communications and Image, Radha discovered her passion for medical scribing through her love of helping others and supporting healthcare professionals behind the scenes. She finds fulfillment in making each day run a little more smoothly for both the providers and the patients while contributing to a positive, compassionate care experience. As a member of the Beranek Optometry team, Radha values the welcoming, family-like environment and enjoys collaborating with colleagues who share the same commitment to exceptional patient care. Her goal is to help create a seamless experience so every patient feels cared for from beginning to end. Outside of work, Radha enjoys traveling, hiking, learning new languages, and exploring new cultures. She believes that curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning help her grow both personally and professionally.
Joy – Receptionist
The Face Behind “Hi! This is Joy from Beranek Optometry” For over 10 years, Joy has committed herself to the medical field, both academically and professionally. Receiving much of her education and training in the Philippines-her home away from home-she has adopted the culture, finding joy in serving others and making a difference in people’s lives. She brings her strong medical background into documenting patient encounters virtually, along with a warm personality and unique energy that shines through in every patient follow-up. Her goal is to help patients feel heard, supported, and cared for every step of the way. When she isn’t studying medicine or joining the Beranek Optometry team virtually, Joy spends her time giving back to her community through medical missions and outreach programs that serve underserved populations. These experiences continue to fuel her passion for healthcare and service. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, hiking, and practicing yoga.
