What is your hometown?

Gallion, Alabama, which is in rural Marengo County, the “suburb” of Demopolis, Alabama.

When did you graduate from UAB School of Optometry?
May 18, 2009 (a date I’ll never forget)

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment outside of the field of Optometry?
Completing the Mercedes Half Marathon (13.1 miles of “fun”)

Your Career in Optometry

Name of your employer(s)/Practice and title, including location.
I’m the proud owner of Morris Avenue Eyecare located in downtown Birmingham, Ala., on Morris Avenue, the historic cobblestone street. UABSO alumnus, Dr. Donna Matthews, hired me upon my graduation from optometry school; she sold the practice to me on December 20, 2013 (another date I’ll never forget).

Why did you choose a career in Optometry?
My 8th grade English teacher, Mrs. Allie D. Lewis, instructed us to write a research paper on the career we wanted to pursue. I chose Optometry due to the fact that I had been wearing glasses since the second grade and my optometrist, Dr. John Mackey, seemed a lot cooler than the town’s pediatrician, pharmacist and dentist. And, I must admit that the Lord has always worked everything out since then.

Where do you hope to see your optometric career in 5 years?
I see myself having grown Morris Avenue Eyecare to a premier brand of thorough, comprehensive eyecare.

Which optometric issues concern you the most?
I’m concerned that insurance companies will continue to downgrade the importance of eyecare and decrease our reimbursements to an all-time low.

Your UABSO Experience

What were your most memorable moments at UABSO?
My besties, Erica and Kayla, allowed me to practice on them morning and night, days upon days, for CEVS; Class of 2009 Rocktober, and Andrew May and company’s optometry songs and music videos.

Who were your mentors at the School of Optometry? Why?
Everyone was awesome! Dr. Simon and Dr. Vaughn taught me how to be practical. Dr. Janene Sims taught me how to multitask, and Dr. Rutstein taught me how to be the proclaimed “kid whisperer.” And most importantly, Mrs. Brenda F. Carter sent up her loving prayers for me all throughout school.

What is one piece of advice you would give current UABSO students?
Take it one day at a time, one test at a time, and it will be over before you know it!

Fun Facts about Dr. Wells

What is something that few people know about you?
I can fall asleep anywhere for any amount of time (and it’s not narcolepsy). My odd sleeping habits started as a young child. My bedtime was 8:00pm, but my parents would often find me awake at 3am reading a Beverly Cleary book. In fact, it’s currently 3:33am as I’m typing this response!

If you could have a superpower what would it be?
To fly, then I’d never have to worry about Birmingham traffic!

If you were not an optometrist, what would you be?
A talk show host/reality TV star (in my mind).