Born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, Dr. Julie Kells embarked on a remarkable journey that led her to become a respected optometrist. As a student-athlete at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, she excelled in both academics and volleyball while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Driven by her passion for eye care, she pursued a Doctorate of Optometry at the prestigious University of Houston College of Optometry, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a clinical letter of excellence. During her clinical rotations at Space Center Eye Associates and Bellaire Family Eyecare, she honed her skills in ocular disease management and specialty contact lens fitting, respectively. Complementing her expertise, Dr. Kells completed a rigorous one-year residency program at Clay-Rhynes Eye Clinic in Durant, Oklahoma, where she specialized in treating complex ocular conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetes. She also gained valuable experience in co-managing LASIK and PRK patients. In her free time, Dr. Kells finds joy in staying active outdoors, indulging in hiking, biking, and lake adventures.

Dr. Niddhi Patel is a compassionate and dedicated optometrist with a passion for improving the vision and quality of life of her patients. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia State University, graduating with honors, before pursuing her Doctor of Optometry degree at the esteemed Indiana University School of Optometry. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Patel developed a strong foundation in both the science and human aspects of eye care. Her commitment to helping others is exemplified by her mission trip to Jamaica during optometry school, where she provided eye care to children in need, ensuring they could see the world more clearly. Volunteering and community service continue to be a driving force in both her personal and professional life. Dr. Patel has a special interest in specialty contact lenses, particularly due to her personal connection with her husband, who has keratoconus. This condition holds a special place in her heart, and she is dedicated to helping patients with similar challenges achieve clearer vision. She also finds great fulfillment in treating dry eye, offering customized solutions to improve patient comfort and quality of life. When she’s not caring for her patients, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with her husband, shopping for new finds, and staying active with hobbies such as playing pickleball and hiking. She also loves relaxing with a good TV show and cherishing the moments of downtime.

Dr. Shiple has been practicing optometry in the South suburbs of Chicago for 28+ years. She completed her undergraduate education at Lewis University before obtaining her Doctorate of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry in 1996. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors, tend to her garden, and spend time with her family.

Dr. Victoria Nguyen was born and raised in Central Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Central Florida before moving to Downers Grove, Illinois, to pursue her Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry. With a strong foundation in the latest advancements in vision science, Dr. Nguyen is dedicated to delivering personalized, comprehensive eye care. She takes pride in helping each patient not only see more clearly but also gain a better understanding of their eye health. Dr. Nguyen enjoys building lasting relationships with her patients and is committed to making each visit a comfortable, informative experience. Outside the office, Dr. Nguyen loves spending time with family and friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling to new places.

Dr. Haidi Fouda is a residency-trained optometrist with advanced training in ocular disease and primary care. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from MCPHS and completed her residency at Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates, where she co-managed surgical cases alongside glaucoma and retina specialists. She provides comprehensive and emergency eye care for a wide range of ocular and vision conditions, and was honored with the William Feinbloom Low Vision Award for excellence in patient care and commitment to serving patients with visual impairments. Dr. Fouda has also contributed to clinical research as a sub-investigator in studies on dry eye disease, allergic conjunctivitis, and glaucoma. Her care approach blends clinical expertise with compassionate, personalized treatment.

Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia. Optometry School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. Certifications/Awards: Dean's List with Honors. Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Gardening, Weight lifting.

Dr. Haley Sparks was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma and graduated from Enid High School. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She graduated from the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry in May of 2020. Accomplishments include Optometric Student Association Member of the Year 2017-2018, Bausch & Lomb Student Representative 2019, Transitions Optical Student Representative 2018, Optometric Student Association Class of 2020 Outstanding Student 2018-2019, and SOLN Leadership Conference Certificate of Completion 2018. Hobbies include watching OU football games, baking, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

I am a Hoosier! I grew up in Indiana and attended Indiana University for eight years. The first four years were spent earning a BA degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. The last four years I attended IU Optometry School. My internship studies included time at the Cleveland VA clinic where I was introduced to various disease conditions. I was fortunate to receive the Irvin Borish Award for my published work concerning color vision in the Physiological Optics journal. Upon leaving IU, I searched Virginia for practice opportunities. After a one month search, I began in September, 1985 with Drs. Saxon and Angle in Rocky Mount, VA. After two years I took on my own practice in Chase City, VA and for the next 33 years practiced as a sole practitioner. I have practiced in Chase City, Keysville, South Hill, and South Boston, VA. Part of my practice life has involved supporting the VOA in our successful Diagnostics Procedures success and later in our TPA push for further procedures and prescribing abilities. I have always had a desire to serve God in ministry and, along with my wife, planted Willow Oak Christian Church in 2003 where I have served as a preaching elder to date. In 2007, I earned a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Leadership from Kentucky Christian University. Much of our time outside the office has been spent in ministry in some form. I also enjoy bluegrass and gospel music and playing a few instruments when the time allows. I’m a sports fanatic and otherwise, spend time on our farm enjoying the outdoors.

Dr. Moorehead was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio. He earned a B.S. in Physiological Optics and a Doctor of Optometry from The Ohio State University, graduating with honors. After graduation, Dr. Mike did post-graduate studies in binocular vision at the University of Houston College of Optometry. He practiced with his wife, Dr. Andrea (Walters) Moorehead in the Houston area for eight years. They then established the Hamilton Eyecare Center in Hamilton, Ohio. They currently have four married adult children, twelve grandchildren, and three “bonus” teenage boys. Dr. Mike enjoys regular fitness workouts, playing guitar and bass in his church’s band, teaching an adult Sunday school class, reading, and running his John Deere tractor and UTV around his farm.