Undergraduate Education: Carson-Newman College, BS Biology. Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry, 1974. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Soft Contact lens fitting and long-term care. The reason I became an optometrist is: The reason I became an optometrist is: At age 5, I was diagnosed with blurred vision in my right eye, prescribed glasses that did not clear my vision, and subsequently saw many eye care providers, and no one explained to me why I could not see clearly. I want my patient to understand their problem, why it occurred, and how we can best manage their needs short and long term. My favorite part of helping my patients is: My emphasis of eye care is helping patients and their family understand the presenting problem, solutions, and long-term care. Very important to help kids and their parents know they did nothing wrong, and they are not going blind. In my spare time, I enjoy: My John Deere lawn mower is my favorite partner in management of 16 acres. My passion is growing blooming plants, snow skiing, and eating.

Undergraduate Education: West Virginia University. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? I enjoy taking care of patients and getting to know others in my community and I look forward to continuing to provide eyecare for them and their families. Hobbies/Interests: watching my son play lacrosse, exercising, family movie nights.

Undergraduate Education: Cornell University, BA Economics; Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, OD, MS Vision Rehabilitation; Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association, NC Optometric Society; Clinical Certifications and Specialities: Master's Degree in Vision Rehabilitation/ Low Vision, Brilliant Futures Myopia Management Program certification; The reason I became an optometrist is because I grew up in an optometry family spending time at my father's and maternal grandfather's practice in New Jersey. I loved how they were able to help their patients see and educate people about their health. I am a problem solver and I love that optometry allows me to evaluate eye health issues and help people see their best. My favorite part of helping my patients is getting to know my patients and helping them find the best vision solutions for their needs. I have been caring for many of my patients for over 20 years and am thankful for the opportunity to participate in their health and vision care. In my spare time, I love to be outdoors: hiking, biking, enjoying nature. I also enjoy travel and the insight it provides into other cultures. I currently serve on the board of directors of Wayfinders, an organization that provides mentoring, summer camp opportunities and year round enrichment to high achieving low income students in Charlotte. Through Wayfinders, I am mentoring two teenage girls and I am sharing my passion for learning and exploration with them.

Dr. Divya Bhakta received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at The University of Georgia. She earned her Doctorate of Optometry from The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, where she was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. Dr. Bhakta has received excellent training from her mentors and has specialized training in contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, pediatrics, refractive and cataract surgery co-management, and ocular disease. She has also participated in various community service activities and has provided free vision care for low-income patients. She is currently an active member of the American Optometric Association as well as the Georgia Optometric Association. In her spare time, Dr. Bhakta enjoys traveling, photography, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two daughters. She looks forward to providing you and your family with comprehensive vision care.

Undergraduate Education: University of Florida. Optometry School: Nova Southeastern University School of Optometry. How are you impacting your local community or helping your patients live their best lives? Promoting eye health in my neighborhood, local businesses, and schools. Introducing patients to the newest treatment options based on their visual and lifestyle needs. Hobbies/Interests: Coffee, travel, reading, and making memories with family and friends.

Undergraduate Education: George Mason University; Optometry School: Inter American University of Puerto Rico; Professional Achievements/Associations: Member of American Optometry Association, Awarded Best of Arlington Magazine 2018; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Primary Care and Contact Lenses; What drives your passion for optometry? Helping patients to see better, knowing that each day will bring a new challenge. How are you helping patients live their best lives?: Giving them my 100% attention. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of all patients. How are you impacting your local community? See better. Live better! Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and travelling

Kaitlin Hawkins currently works at the Chatswoth, GA myeyeDr location alongside her husband. Originally from South Carolina, she has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Coastal Carolina University. She graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 2015 and then went on to complete an ocular disease residency at the Huntington WV, VAMC. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and Georgia Optometric Association. She provides comprehensive eye care to adults and children including diabetic exams, contact lens fittings, assessments of binocular visual dysfunctions, and ocular disease management. She loves helping people in her community see well in order to live their best lives. In her spare time she enjoys playing with her kids, hiking, triathlons, and reading.

Undergraduate Education: University of Florida; Optometry School: University of Alabama at Birmingham; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Primary Care Optometry

Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry; Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association, Southern Council of Optometrists, Armed Forces Optometric Society (formerly); The reason I became an optometrist is because as a teen in high school, I was very involved in photography and always interested in health care. I suppose this correlation with the visual system ultimately led toward my choosing optometry as a career. It truly became an art and science vocation. My favorite part of helping my patients is knowing that I have successfully met their visual and eye health needs and concerns to the best of my abilities with genuine empathy for all. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, golf , travel and Hokie sports.

Undergraduate Education: University of Houston - Downtown, Bach. of Gen. Studies (Pre-Medicine), Honors; Optometry School: University of Houston - College of Optometry; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Optometric Glaucoma Specialist, Therapeutic Optometrist; What drives your passion for optometry? People do! Making a difference, improving the quality of lives one person at a time. How are you helping patients live their best lives? Quality of life starts with vision, and helping them see their absolute best at every stage of their life. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Exceeding patient expectations by evaluating the totality of eye health and making a difference in their overall health whenever possible. How are you impacting your local community? I live in this community and helping make a positive difference in the vision, health and life of my community. Hobbies/Interests: Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, Public Speaking on topics on Holistic Approach to Eyecare & Wellness, Veganism, and Spirituality