As Primary Optometrist and Co-Owner of Eclectic Eye, Dr. Mike is in charge of diagnosing, treating and managing all conditions of the eye, including vision and health. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, he actively manages staff and serves as a teacher to all.
Background and Education:
Dr. Mike is a native Midtowner, having attended Vollentine Elementary, Snowden Middle, and Central High. Like father, like son, Dr. Mike started his optical career working in his dad’s practice when he was in high school. He attended Memphis State University, but returned to Midtown to complete optometry school at the Southern College of Optometry. Upon completion of his doctorate in optometry in 1996, Dr. Mike led his dad’s practice as the primary doctor until 2002 when he turned his eyes to the future.
Dr. Mike and wife Robbie began developing the concept of Eclectic Eye in 2000, and spent two long years finalizing architectural, business, and marketing plans before opening the store in 2002.
Interests and Hobbies:
When not working, Dr. Mike and Robbie are avid supporters of the University of Memphis Tigers and Memphis Grizzlies. But Dr. Mike’s interests go beyond sports – catch him biking around town or trying his hand at woodworking. And when it’s time to kick back, he’s not just mixing drinks; he’s a cocktail aficionado, transforming every pour into a tasteful experience.
Professional affiliations:
Dr. Mike is a member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians (TAOP) and the American Optometric Association (AOA). In 2019, Invision Magazine acknowledged his and his wife Robbie’s efforts at Eclectic Eye by awarding them first place in the America’s Finest Optical Retailer contest.
Always active in the community, Dr. Mike is also a member of the 2008 Leadership Memphis Executive Class, a program aimed at connecting Memphis leaders to each other and to the community.
Volunteer activities:
If you’re ever behind Dr. Mike on the road, you may notice his license plate, which reads “OPTOCOP.” Having recently retired after an impressive 29-year tenure as a reservist with the Memphis Police Department, Dr. Mike seamlessly blended his commitment to eye care with his dedication to public service. While he won’t be checking your eyes after a night out anymore, his years of service are a testament to his multifaceted commitment to both community safety and optometry.
What do you enjoy most about working at Eclectic Eye?
“I’m so proud to work with a team that can and will take the extra time that allows us to make a difference in people’s lives. Whether [that means] giving a patient better vision than they’ve been used to, solving a vision problem they didn’t know they had, [or] picking a new look that rocks their world.”