I grew up in Americus and graduated from Americus High School in 1979. After 9 years of college, professional school and residency I returned home to Americus in 1988 — the place I’ve always considered home. That same year I married my wife, Dr. Valerie Moates, and we raised our 4 children in this wonderful community. I have been active at First Baptist Church of Americus since 1969 as a 9-year-old!
I have been blessed to experience a very high-quality education. One of the most rewarding things, professionally and personally, is the privilege of utilizing my education to care for the members of our community that mean so much to me and have poured their lives into me.
I thank Dr. Ray Williams for the opportunity he gave Valerie and me in 1988 to practice here. Dr. Williams has always been one of the best optometrists I’ve known, and his skills are only surpassed by his sterling character. We shared a similar vision from the very beginning: provide patients with the best care possible.
Our goal was to provide state-of-the-art patient care with the latest technology that at one time was thought to only be available in bigger cities like Atlanta. We also wanted to integrate the best of optometry and ophthalmology to provide for every need of our patients, from routine eyecare with glasses and contacts to high-tech surgery — all under one roof.
However, it was even more important to provide this care with compassion, professionalism, and integrity. As Dr. Williams has told me from day one, every decision we make will begin with one standard and question: “Is this best for our patients?” That is still what guides us at Regional Eye Center.
Many things have changed with now 6 doctors, including an eye surgeon, with multiple locations and one of the very few in-office surgical suites. But one thing will always remain the same: the admirable core principles Dr. Williams founded this practice upon.
Education:
B.S. in Chemistry (Honors) (1983)
Auburn University
Doctor of Optometry (Honors) (1987)
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
Ocular Disease Residency (1987-1988)
Hospital-based optometry
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
VA Medical Center
Baltimore, MD
Wilmer Eye Institute
Baltimore, Maryland
Board Certification
Georgia Board of Optometry
Diplomate
American Board of Optometry