Our Doctors

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Dr. William "Will" Smith, an accomplished Optometrist, educator, and proud member of the Beaches community, has a dynamic professional journey and a heart for service.

Originally from Greenville, SC, Dr. Smith pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, where he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cellular Biology while also competing as a placekicker for the football team. His journey continued with distinction at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry. Dr. Smith further honed his skills during a residency at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital, focusing on specialty contact lenses, low vision, and ocular disease management.

Previously, Dr. Smith served as the Optometric clinic director at Advanced Vision Care in Beverly Hills, California, where his focus encompassed Anterior Segment Disease, Therapeutic Contact Lenses, and Surgical co-management. Engaged in various clinical studies, such as Avedro corneal-crosslinking, Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT), Humanoptics Artificial Iris Transplant, and meibomian gland dysfunction, he contributed significantly to the advancement of eye care. Dr. Smith's commitment to knowledge dissemination is evident through his peer-reviewed publications and lectures on anterior and posterior eye diseases.

Outside his professional endeavors, Dr. Smith dedicates his time to volunteer work with organizations like Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), Special Olympics, WeCare, and Camp Abilities. He actively contributes to the Southeastern Congress of Optometry (SECO) as a member of the planning board and remains an integral part of the Northeast Florida Optometric Society and American Optometric Association.

When not immersed in the world of eye care, Dr. Smith finds joy in water sports and embarks on adventures with his beloved wife, Christie, and their daughters, Shea and Andie.

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Dr. Stephen Pullen, an alumnus of The Bolles School, continued his education at The University of Alabama. He earned his doctorate in Optometry from The Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was honored with the VSP Clinical Excellence Award. Initiating his Optometry career in Kingsport, Tennessee, Dr. Pullen opened a solo private practice, with a primary emphasis on primary care and children's vision.

After eight years in Tennessee, Dr. Pullen returned to Jacksonville, succeeding his mentors, Drs. James Watts and Donna Sherrill, in the Mandarin area. Over more than two decades, Pullen Eye Care has prioritized an efficient patient experience using LEAN principles, emphasizing personalized care with state-of-the-art technology and a highly skilled staff.

Areas of clinical interest include specialty contact lenses, glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, binocular vision issues, and preventative eye care. Actively involved in professional organizations, Dr Pullen is a member of the Northeast Optometric Society, as well as the American Optometric and Florida Optometric Associations.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Pullen and his wife Kelly are the proud parents of three adult children. When he is not at the office, you'll find him embracing his inner pit master, and enjoying activities like fishing, boating, and golf.