Relationship and purpose. These are key words in how Dr. Southerland practices optometry and lives life. Originally from Orlando, Florida, and the son of two entrepreneurs, Dr. Southerland grew up watching his mother and father operate a printing and marketing services firm. After working in the family business for a number of years, he set out to pursue a career in Optometry, hoping to one day have his own practice.
Dr. Southerland is a University of Florida alumnus, majoring in Zoology and specializing in marine systems. He received his bachelor’s degree in 2003. He then attended Pennsylvania College of Optometry. After serving as class president for four years and training under Dr. Andrew Gurwood, Dr. Southerland graduated and moved to Charleston, South Carolina.
While in Charleston, Dr Southerland trained under Dr. Robert Lopanik, and received extensive experience fitting contact lenses of all kinds, including gas permeable and other specialized lenses. Contact lens fitting remains a passion for him today.
In 2010, Dr. Southerland and his family moved to Greenville, and he eventually started his own practice, where he worked for 11 years. During that time he partnered with TLC laser center and managed hundreds of Lasik procedures, and also served as the president of the Piedmont Optometric Society for two years.
When he is not at work, Dr. Southerland loves to serve at his church, North Hills Church. He also loves to fish for redfish in the low country marshes and hunt for deer in the Upstate. He loves spending time with his wife and two daughters. You might even find him coaching girls softball for Northwood Little League.
