Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology; Optometry School: The New England College of Optometry; Professional Achievements/Associations: Alois Alzheimer's Association Member , AOA, GOA; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disorders; What drives your passion for optometry? Our eyes allow us to experience the world around us fully. I have many relatives and family members who experienced many serious eye problems. From a very young age, I became very attuned to the impact our vision has on the quality of our life. How are you helping patients live their best lives? No two humans are alike, therefore my treatment plans and prescriptions are tailored for the individual. Helping a patient figure out their specific needs and coming up with solutions is very gratifying and can impact the quality of their day to day life. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? A patient should feel educated and empowered about their own eye health. Patient's should leave our office feeling taken care of and at ease about their eyes and vision. How are you impacting your local community? I am a proponent of holistic and preventative health measures. I love to guide individuals and my patients on mental wellness, meditation, breath work, and healthy lifestyles. I raise money for Alzheimer's prevention for the local community as well. Hobbies/Interests: Acting, Stand Comedy/Improv, Dancing, The Braves, Travel, Yoga, Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Health, Meditation, and Great Food

Dr. Ruby Patel received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from University of Houston and a Doctorate of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Patel completed her clinical rotations with a focus on primary eye care and ocular disease at Palo Alto VAMC in Palo Alto, CA and at Franklin D Roosevelt VAMC in Montrose, NY. Dr. Patel specializes in family eye care including pediatrics, diabetic eye exams, fitting contact lenses for adults and children, dry eye management, binocular vision problems, as well as diagnosing and treating various eye conditions and diseases. Dr. Patel is a licensed Therapeutic Optometrist and an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Dr. Patel has been practicing in Katy, TX for over a decade and it is now her hometown. She enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Dr. Bhagyashree Lad is a Therapeutic Optometrist and a certified Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Health from the University of Houston. She then went on to continue her Doctorate of Optometry degree at Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Lad completed her externship at Eye Center of Texas focusing pre- and post-operative management of cataract and other refractive surgeries, treating and managing ocular disease, Glaucoma, and retinal pathology. She also completed her rotation at VA Outpatient Clinic in Jacksonville Florida where she concentrated in primary care, fitting contact lenses and low vision. Dr. Lad enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling and trying new foods.

Undergraduate Education: University of South Alabama; BS in Mathematics. Optometry School: University of Alabama at Birmingham; 1990. Professional Achievements and Associations: Colorado Optometric Association; American Optometric Association; Key person for the Colorado Optometric Association 1999. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Certified to fit Corneal Refractive Lenses. I diagnose and treat glaucoma and we have the special equipment to follow retinal diseases that do not currently require treatment. The reason I became an optometrist is: I like to help people. I like the specialized equipment. As optometrists we make patients’ lives better every day. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Seeing patients every year. I know what’s happening with their eyes, but also in their lives. In my spare time, I enjoy: My husband, Australian shepherd and I like to hike and ski.

Undergraduate Education: Eastern Michigan University 1971. Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry 1977; Graduated Magna Cum Laude. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association; Michigan Optometric Association; Metropolitan Detroit Optometric society. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Diplomate, American Board of Optometry. The reason I became an optometrist is: To gain the ability to make lifelong positive changes to many lives. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Making people more confident about themselves by glasses or contact lenses or surgery. In my spare time, I enjoy: My wife and kids and grandkids, golf and exercise.

Undergraduate Education: Auburn University of Montgomery; Bachelor’s in physical science. Optometry School: University of Alabama at Birmingham; Doctor of Optometry. Professional Achievements and Associations: Diplomate, American Board of Optometry. The reason I became an optometrist is: During my 24-year career in the Air Force, I was cross trained from working with bombs to working with Ophthalmologists. I spent 9 years running the Ophthalmology clinic in Montgomery Alabama and developed a deep appreciation for eye care. After my retired from the Air Force, I completed my education to become an Optometrist and have enjoyed helping people see their best since. My favorite part of helping my patients is: I enjoy the education part of my job. I like informing my patients how different conditions effect the eye, or how their eye's ability to see changes as they reach their 40's and beyond. I also like to see the face of a child when they put their first pair of glasses on, and they see clearly. In my spare time, I enjoy: I'm a Disc golfer, played it since the early 1980's. Even at 64 I can still give the youngsters a run for their money! I also enjoy bike riding a good morning jog when I have time.

Dr. John Valle received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Michigan State University and his Doctor of Optometry from New England College of Optometry. He has acquired extensive clinical experience in treatment and management of ocular disease during his internship and residency at Omni Eye Services in Atlanta. During his residency, he took an active role in educating young eye doctors as an adjunct faculty member of ten Optometry colleges. He was selected as the Area Optometrist for Georgia and Alabama where he served as the Director of Clinics and was selected Optometrist of the Year by his colleagues. He is a Diplomate for the American Board of Optometry. He has worked alongside a local Atlanta refractive surgeon where he evaluated and treated patients for LASIK and PRK. Dr. Valle has published his research on Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and has served on panels for contact lens research and development.

Dr. Brian Mays received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University. After serving specialized clinics in Low Vision and Primary Health Care in Indianapolis, Dr. Mays completed his residency in Ocular Disease at Omni Eye Services in Atlanta. While at Omni, Dr. Mays served as chief resident over 25 interns from optometry colleges across the nation. He is certified in therapeutic treatment of ocular infections and disease, including glaucoma. He has served on several research panels investigating new visual field testing and contact lens materials. His research on a rare form of cataract and its detection was featured at SECO. He is the recipient of Ciba Vision's Innovation in Contact Lens and Patient Care Award. He is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association.

Dr. Julie Poteet received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia and her Doctor of Optometry degree from The New England College of Optometry. Upon completion of her residency with the Brockton and West Rosbury VA Medical Centers in Massachusetts, she worked with one of Harvard’s top ophthalmology professors in private practice in Peabody, Massachusetts. After returning to GA, Dr. Poteet has worked in private practice in the Acworth area and completed a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Pediatric Vision care is also a passion of Dr. Poteet’s as she believes in the value of treating the whole child and removing any barriers that prevent them from achieving their fullest academic potential. Dr. Poteet is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society.

Undergraduate Education: University of Maryland, B.S. and George Mason University, Army, Medical Service Corps; Air-Force, Command and Staff College, Air War College. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry, O.D. 1983. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? Provides comprehensive eye exams, diabetic eye exams, contact lens evaluations, binocular visual dysfunctions, special eyeglass problems, and ocular disease management. Volunteer for Lions Club Vision Screenings. Hobbies/Interests: Swimming, Tropical Fish, Music Ensembles.