Visionaries at Work: Meet the Eye Doctors at Southern Illinois Eyecare
Our vision professionals in Illinois are collectively committed to expertise and compassion. Our diverse group of eye doctors have backgrounds spanning various specialties, and they actively participate in community engagement, fostering a culture of service and connection.
Our Compassionate Optometrists
Dr. Joseph Grasso is a 1975 graduate of Illinois College of Optometry. He married his wife, Bernice E. Fitzgerald, upon graduation in Chicago. He immediately left to serve four years in the army as an optometrist. Dr. Grasso served the entire tour with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC. After his daughter Kerrie and son Bud were born, Dr....
Dr. Lawrence Soellner is a 1990 graduate of Indiana University School of Optometry. His passion for vision research and neurophysiology at Purdue University began his education. He continues that calling to better understand the human eye and vision system by attending many advanced courses in ocular pathology, especially glaucoma. He also participates in investigative clinical trials for new innovative contact...
Dr. Carolyn Gibson graduated from the University of Missouri School of Optometry in 1995. Dr. Gibson also completed a hospital-based residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tacoma, WA, for ocular disease and low vision rehabilitation. During her time there, she enjoyed working with veterans. She was able to help them manage their vision problems from diagnosis and treatment...
Dr. Hopkins’ professional journey began with his graduation from Southern College of Optometry in 2011. Dr Hopkins practices full-scope comprehensive eye care with an emphasis on the prevention and management of ocular disease. His expertise spans a wide array of conditions, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, dry eye, cataracts, injuries, infections, and more. In addition to his comprehensive eye...