MADISON, MS – Dr. Steven Reed of Southern Eye Care of Vicksburg recently became the first Mississippian to be installed as President of the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Reed has served on the AOA Board of Trustees since 2016 where he has held numerous roles. He serves as a member of the Executive Committee, the Advocacy Roundtable Committee and as a liaison trustee to a variety of committees and foundations. He previously served as president of the Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA).

“The AOA is focused on making vision care and eye health accessible to all Americans regardless of family income or access to insurance. It is an honor to represent doctors of optometry across Mississippi and the nation in our efforts to make this a reality,” Reed said.

Throughout his 30-year career, Reed has been committed to educating the public on the need for comprehensive eye care beginning with eye screenings for students in Simpson County schools. He is also a participant in the InfantSee program that provides no-cost, comprehensive eye assessments for infants six to 12 months of age.

A graduate of Southern College of Optometry, Reed is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a BS in biochemistry. He is the 2010 and 2016 recipient of MOA’s James P. Brownlee Optometrist of the Year Award. In addition to Southern Eye Care of Vicksburg, Reed co-owns and operates Southern Eye Care Clinics in Clinton, Forest, and
Flowood and is owner of Family Vision in Magee, Collins, and Prentiss.

MOA officials said Reed has been committed to community service since beginning his career. He is past president of the Magee Chamber of Commerce and the Magee Lions Club. He is a member of the Simpson County Economic Development Foundation. He is the father of two children, Calder and Emily. He and his wife Kendra are active members of Goodwater Baptist Church where he has served as chair of the Budget Committee and the Long-Range Planning Committee, a Sunday School teacher, and a deacon.