By J.R. Tidwell / Editor

The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce hosted an after business hours meet and greet for optometrist Justin Smith on Sept. 18.

Smith recently joined the team at EyeCare Associates in Clanton.

“I went to undergrad at Birmingham Southern as a business major,” Smith said. “I actually went back to school for optometry at UAB. I graduated in 2011.

While Smith may be new to the staff at EyeCare Associates, he is very familiar with Chilton County. He has been practicing in Clanton for seven years.

“I live in Pelham,” he said. “Employment with another group brought me here to Clanton. When I left that other practice, I wanted to stay close because the people are great. It’s a good group of citizens. I love the vibe and the people. I found this great group and decided to come here. I made the switch, and it’s been great. The staff is wonderful, and I get along very well with not only the staff but the patients as well. It’s a good feel.”

No matter what a patient’s needs might be when it comes to eye care, Smith can help.

“I run the full range in optometry, everything from pediatrics to your standard run of the mill glasses and contacts exams,” he said. “I get into diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. I’ve seen it all. That’s what I love about optometry; there’s something new every day. It keeps one well rounded.”

EyeCare Associates is located at 1100 Lay Dam Rd. in Clanton.