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.

Undergraduate Education: University of Houston, Bachelor of Science with a Minor in Chemistry; Optometry School: University of Houston College of Optometry, magna cum laude Honors; Professional Achievements/Associations: Master of Science in Physiological Optics in the combined OD/MS program: Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Licensed Therapeutic Optometrist and a certified Optometric Glaucoma Specialist; What drives your passion for optometry? Her passion comes from being able to equip patients with the knowledge to protect their eyesight and overall health. How are you helping patients live their best lives? Her goal is to ensure that each patient has a thorough understanding of their ocular health. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring that every patient has a solution tailored to meet their needs. How are you impacting your local community? She finds joy in treating and building relationships with patients within the community that she grew up in. Hobbies/Interests: Dr. Pham loves watching movies and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.

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.

Dr. Shara Draper received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University. After completing her internships in primary care at Quantico Air Force Base in Virginia and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pensacola Florida, she began practicing in Atlanta, GA. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association.

Undergraduate Education: Augustana College; Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry; What drives your passion for optometry? The greatest moments in your life always come from affecting other people's' lives. Optometry give me away to do that. How are you helping patients live their best lives? We are the touch point for our patients to be made aware of incredible new technologies. They can rest assured that we will always connect them to the newest technology that applies to their quality of life. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? You have to connect your patient with the best solution for them, which changes all the time. An adjustment of what they have repeatedly done for years rarely affects anyone's life. I love to find the new tool that fits their needs perfectly. How are you impacting your local community? I have been a varsity football coach for the local high school for decades. My hope; to affect my players in a way that gives them direction in life, not football. Hobbies/Interests: Ride my wave runner until my legs fall off, and they have.

Undergraduate Education: Northeastern State University; Optometry School: Northeastern State University College of Optometry; Professional Achievements/Associations: American Board of Optometry Delegate, Illinois Optometry Association; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: American Board of Optometry Delegate; What drives your passion for optometry? My passion for helping people far exceeds my passion about optometry. Most procedures we do in optometry become routine over time, but people make it exciting and interesting. How are you helping patients live their best lives? It's the golden rule, treat others like you want o be treated. If you offer and give them the same options you would want for yourself, they also get the chance to live their best life. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? It means offering the best thing you can do or prescribe for a patient. It doesn't mean they have to opt for the best, but they at least have the right to know what could make the biggest change in how they see. How are you impacting your local community? I am very involved in the Gurnee community. I have volunteered at PADS, a couple of halfway houses, and the local food pantry. I am also very involved in Grace united Methodist Church. Hobbies/Interests: I teach fitness at the local park district. Classes include Spin, yoga, TRX, bootcamp, Gravity, foam rolling and Muscle Mashup. I have also spent the last 7 years training other doctors in contact lenses, practice management, and practice metrics.

Undergraduate Education: University of New Hampshire, Bachelor of Science. Optometry School: Salus University, 2015. Professional Achievements and Associations: Member of the AOA and the NHOA. The reason I became an optometrist is: To help to enhance people’s lives through their vision. In my spare time, I enjoy: Traveling, reading, and cooking.