Undergraduate Education: Southeastern Louisiana University - undergraduate degree in Pre-Medicine with a minor in Psychology. Graduated Magna Cum Laude. Optometry School: University of Alabama at Birmingham – 2009. The reason I became an optometrist is: I always knew that I wanted to be a doctor of some sort, however, I did not feel that surgery was the route I wanted to take. After studying about the brain and its functions in my psychology courses, I fell in love with the eyes. It’s amazing to know what can be detected by just looking into someone eyes. So, this was the perfect fit for me to help people stay healthy. My favorite part of helping my patients is: allowing them to see as best as they possibly can and ensuring that they continue to see that well for many years to come. In my spare time, I enjoy: Reading, exercising, spending time with my family.

Undergraduate Education: B.S. Biology from Christopher Newport University; Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University; P What drives your passion for optometry? My passion for Optometry came from interest in medical mission trips. I want to feel I've been able to help others. How are you helping patients live their best lives? Patients should leave the office knowing they matter. Helping provide clear vision can help individuals achieve their goals. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of all patients. Hobbies/Interests: Anything outdoors, playing volleyball, and enjoying the beach

Undergraduate Education: Arcadia University. Optometry School: Pennsylvania School of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? By providing comprehensive eye exams, diabetic eye exams, contact lens fitting, and diagnosis and management of ocular diseases. Hollies/Interests: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children.

Dr. Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the prestigious Indiana University School of Optometry. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry in comprehensive care and glaucoma. While in school, she was a member of Taylor University’s student chapter of the Lions Club and was Treasurer for IU’s Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO). She has made several trips to Central America to provide eye care to those in need. Dr. Nelson completed her residency in Primary Care/Ocular Disease at the VA system in Danville, IL where she specialized in diabetic eye disease, glaucoma management, and the treatment of other eye diseases. Dr. Nelson began practicing optometry in 2008.

Undergraduate Education: Miami University, BA; Pennsylvania College of Optometry, BS. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry, 2007. Professional Achievements and Associations: Member AOA; Member IOA; Member CIOS. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: AOA's Aviation Vision Certification. The reason I became an optometrist is: It sounds simple, but the noticeable improvement in my personal vision when I got glasses as a kid really stuck with me. Another one of my best memories was getting fitted into contact lenses when I was 13 years old and being able to see clearly again without having to wear glasses to play football and baseball. I wanted to be able to give that same experience to kids and adults alike. My favorite part of helping my patients is: I love seeing the joy on patient's faces when they put their new prescription glasses on, or put their contacts in, and they can see the world again clearly. I also truly enjoy seeing patient’s year after year and getting to know them and their families. In my spare time, I enjoy: Watching football, playing sports with my 2 kids, golfing, taking vacations to the mountains and hiking, and playing retro video games from the 1990's.

Undergraduate Education: King's College - BS in Biology with a minor in Neurology. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. Professional Achievements and Associations: Residency in Primary Eye Care at Salem VAMC; American Optometric Association; Virginia Optometric Association; Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Residency Trained with background in specialty contact lens fittings and ocular disease management. The reason I became an optometrist is: Optometry is the one form of medicine that impacts the quality and function of one's day to day routine. It allows me to know patients on a personal level, to know what their likes/dislikes are. I can tailor prescriptions to specific jobs or hobbies from a clarity and comfort standpoint. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Getting to know them on a personal level. These connections allow me to give the best care possible because everyone has unique wants and needs for their jobs or hobbies. In my spare time, I enjoy: Mostly spending time with my growing family. Also enjoys traveling to all 50 states and watching sports. Baseball is a big passion, was once upon a time scouted by the NY Mets.

Undergraduate Education: Eastern Michigan University, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Optometry School: Southern College of Optometry; Professional Achievements and Associations: AOA member, NCOS member, Publication: The relationship between central corneal thickness-adjusted intraocular pressure and glaucomatous visual-field loss, Optometry 2005 Apr;76(4):228-38; Clinical Certifications and Specialities: Houston School of Optometry Residency Certificate in Hospital Based Optometry; The reason I became an optometrist is because I was always interested in science and the healthcare field. When looking for a career that allowed me to explore my interests and include a balanced family life, optometry was a great choice. I love seeing and "maturing" with my patients year after year. My favorite part of helping my patients is that moment when you get "that grin" on a kiddo as they truly see the world around them for the first time. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and watching the Minnesota Vikings (the second part is enjoyable sometimes...).

Undergraduate Education: Colby College; Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Optometry School: The New England College of Optometry, 2006. Professional Achievements and Associations: VOA, AOA. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Specialty Contact Lenses. The reason I became an optometrist is: To preserve our window to the world. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Immediately improving their quality of life. In my spare time, I enjoy: Hiking the AT; Fishing; Being a Dad.

Undergraduate Education: Nova Southeastern University: Bachelors in Biology; Optometry School: Salus University; Clinical Certifications and Specialities: I specialize in soft contact lens evaluations and glasses, as well as treating eye disease including macular degeneration, glaucoma, foreign body removals, eye infections, dry eyes, punctal plugs, and diabetic retinopathy. I became an Optometrist because I enjoy very much the patient doctor interaction optometrists have with their patients. I feel if I can just make one person's day better with a positive interaction then that is a successful day. I also enjoy very much examining patients eyes and having the ability to serve them by prescribing the correct eye glasses, contacts or medication to help better their vision and eye health. My favorite part of helping my patients is seeing them leave happy with the service I provided. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, being outdoors, especially near large bodies of water; lakes, rivers, ocean. I also enjoy watching movies and eating good food.