Undergraduate Education: James Madison University, Bachelor's of Biology; Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry (Salus University); Professional Achievements and Associations: AOA, MOA; The reason I became an optometrist is because I have always enjoyed interactions with people and believed that I can go to school, train and make a small difference. In my spare time, I enjoy taking Orange Theory classes, running, cooking, reading, home remodeling, and new experiences when time permits. My favorite part of helping my patients is talking to my patients. When patients share their vision/medical concerns and personal stories, I can understand, empathize and better assist in giving them the best vision and recommendations. I appreciate seeing the same patients every year and and getting an update on their journey.

Undergraduate Education: Butler University, Bachelor's of Science in Biological Sciences; Optometry School: Indiana University, School of Optometry; Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association, North Carolina Optometric Association, South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association, Piedmont Optometric Society (NC), Catawba Optometric Society (SC); The reason I became an optometrist is because I have been wearing glasses or contacts since age 7 and, like many children, did not know what I couldn’t see until I got my first pair of glasses. I wanted to make a positive impact on others and help improve their quality of life, as my childhood optometrists did for me! In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family. My favorite part of helping my patients is helping patients live their best lives through good vision and providing education about their eyes. It’s very gratifying to fit a patient- either young or young at heart- in glasses or contacts for the first time and watch them smile simply because they can see better!

Undergraduate Education: Towson University--Bachelor of Science. Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry—2009. Professional Achievements and Associations: Member of the Maryland Optometric Association. The reason I became an optometrist is: To help people achieve their best vision and building lifelong relationships with patients. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Experiencing that instant gratification when patients first put on their glasses or contacts, and they are able to see clearly. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my family, traveling, hiking.

Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida, Tampa; Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry; Professional Achievements and Associations: Past President of Lake Region Optometric Association; Clinical Certifications and Specialities: Ocular Disease and Contact Lenses; The reason I became an optometrist is because vision is so important in our daily lives - I want to give my patients the best vision possible so they can live their best life. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my wife, Latrice. I also enjoy golfing and am a big Gator/Bucs fan. Go Gators! Go Bucs! I am also soon to be a Granddad, so excited.

Dr. Rikti Patel is a licensed optometrist who performs comprehensive eye exams and closely evaluates patients’ eye health for any ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. She was born in India and moved to the US when she was 9 years old. She attended the University of Georgia, where she graduated with a dual degree in Biology and Psychology. She then earned a Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she completed externships at the VA clinic in Tuscaloosa, AL, with a focus on ocular disease. She also completed externships in Houston, TX, which focused on all aspects of ocular disease, including cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye. ​She has been practicing for 15 years, and she is a passionate eye doctor who finds her profession to be rewarding. Dr. Rikti Patel has a beautiful family with two children and is a local to the Buford area. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, music, and zumba.

Undergraduate Education: State University of New York at Geneseo, B.S. Biochemistry. Optometry School: The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association; Virginia Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Advanced Practice Fellowship in Cornea and Contact Lenses. The reason I became an optometrist is: I enjoy helping others and have always been fascinated with the eyes and vision. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Improving vision and managing eye health to enhance quality of life. In my spare time, I enjoy: Travel; Sports.

Undergraduate Education: North Carolina State University. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? By prioritizing and individualizing care for each of my patients and for caring for them in the way in which I would want to be cared for. Hobbies/Interests: Faith, Family, Fitness.

Dr. Monica Reeves, OD attended East Carolina University as a student athlete and double majored in Exercise Physiology and Chemistry. Following undergraduate school she attended Salus University and graduated in 2006. She is an active member of the North Carolina Optometric Society. Skilled in a wide range of primary care optometry, her specialties include fitting specialty contact lenses, ocular disease management, sports vision, pediatric to geriatric general care, pre- and post- operative LASIK and cataract care and a certification in Myopia management. Dr. Reeves has provided over 15 years of exceptional optometric service to a wonderfully diverse patient base in the RDU area. She enjoys listening to patients, and helping to provide education and recommendations about their ocular health and vision needs. When she is not in the office she enjoy’s spending time with her husband and four children. She is passionate about foster/adoption and supporting families in the foster/adoption process. She is actively involved in her church through women and children’s ministries. On a special note, her favorite shoes are Air Jordan’s- the funkier the colors, the better!