- Primary CareA native of Florence, Alabama, Dr. Johndra McNeely graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Alabama in Professional Biology. She received her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 2009 where she graduated with honors and received the VSP Excellence in Primary Care Award for her graduating class. Dr. McNeely completed an externship at the Tuscaloosa VA hospital focusing on eye disease and primary care and she has been in practice in the Upstate since 2009. She is a Past-President of the SC Optometric Association. She was awarded the SC Young Optometrist of the Year in 2016 and the UAB School of Optometry Young Alumnus of the Year in 2019. Her special interests in optometry include diabetic eye disease and children’s vision. When not in the clinic, she enjoys hiking, birding, reading, Braves Baseball, and spending time with her dogs and cat.
- Family PracticeA native of Greenville, South Carolina, Dr. Smith graduated from the University of South Carolina in Biological Sciences and received her doctorate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Smith completed her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham specializing in Family Practice Optometry and Urgent Care. She finds Urgent Care rewarding. In her free time, she enjoys cooking new recipes and spending time with her husband, Andrew, and dog, Toby.
- Emergency Care
- GlaucomaGlaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss. It is the second leading cause of blindness.
- Macular DegenerationAge-related macular degeneration, often referred to as AMD, is a medical condition that usually affects older adults. This vision-stealing disease is the result of degeneration to the macula. It results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field because of the damage to the retina. It occurs in dry and wet forms and is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in adults over the age of 50.
- Laser Eye SurgeryA retinal tear is a small break in this inner lining. Retinal tears can have many causes and can happen at any age. Aging, eye trauma, eye surgery, or being drastically nearsighted may cause retinal tears or detachments.
- CataractsA cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that leads to a decrease in vision. Left untreated, it is the most common cause of blindness and is conventionally treated with surgery. Vision loss occurs because opacification of the lens obstructs light from passing through and being focused on to the retina at the back of the eye.
- Cataract SurgeryMultifocal Intraocular Lens Implants (multifocal IOLs) are a relatively new phenomenon in the world of vision correction, with the first FDA-approved lens hitting the market in 2005. Don’t be swayed by the seemingly recent developments; multifocal IOLs are an effective way to expand your range of vision, with little to no post-surgical complications. Working as a substitute for traditional single-lens IOLs during cataract surgery, these premium lenses offer patients additional options when it comes to their vision enhancement.
- Eye ExamA comprehensive eye exam includes testing with eye charts that help the doctor determine the sharpness of your vision. We will check your visual acuity, or how well you are able to identify details. This is generally done with charts like the Snellen eye chart.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic retinopathy is an ocular manifestation of diabetes, a systemic disease, which affects up to 80 percent of all patients who have had diabetes for 10 years or more. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher his or her chances are of developing diabetic retinopathy.
- UltrasoundOriginally, the procedure to remove a cataract involved using a diamond blade to make a small incision in the cornea, the clear outer coating of the eye. The surgeon would then insert a small, ultrasound wave-emitting probe to soften the cataract enough to be suctioned out of the cornea. Once the cataract was cleared, only the thin outer membrane of the cornea—the lens capsule—remained. An intraocular lens (IOL) would be inserted onto the lens capsule, allowing light to once again safely pass through to the retina. (Note: Though laser technology is gaining widespread acceptance, traditional cataract surgery is still a common and modern procedure.)
- Eyelid SurgeryThere are many treatment options. They include over-the-counter remedies and prescription eyedrops and ointments. Occasionally, minor eyelid surgery is necessary to remove cysts when topical treatments are unsuccessful. In rare cases, ongoing treatment may be required to keep the eyes comfortable and symptom-free. Eyelid hygiene can help maintain eye comfort and appearance. Routine care includes frequent face washing, cleaning the scalp, eyelid scrubs, and sometimes doing a soak or warm compress.
- Skin CancerFrom sunburn to skin cancer, almost everyone is aware of the damage ultraviolet (UV) radiation can inflict on their skin. However, very few understand the dangers of UV exposure to their eyesight. In fact, while more than eight out of 10 Americans know that extended UV exposure can cause skin cancer, fewer than one out of 10 know it can harm their eyes. Additionally, 20 percent of Americans mistakenly believe that UV damage is reversible.
- Acne Treatment
- Cyst
- EczemaVarious types of bacteria can cause blepharitis. It may be chronic or acute in presentation. People with skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema are more prone to have flare-ups. Poor facial hygiene can also be a contributing factor.