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1115 South Elm St., Commerce, GA 30529

706-335-5139
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Our Eye Doctors

Eye care professionals specialize in understanding how the human eye really works, as well as diseases and conditions that affect your vision – many of which do not have obvious symptoms. Eye doctors know how age and risk factors affect vision over time for young and old, and they understand the benefits and features of corrective lenses including eyeglasses and contacts.

Our optometrist takes the time to explain the results of your eye exam, describe your options and listen to your eye care needs. Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing and treating potential vision problems.

Meet our doctor:

drgenedoss

Dr. Gene Doss

Dr. Doss graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, in 1998. He completed his internships in ocular disease, low vision and vision rehabilitation. Dr. Doss has been practicing optometry in Commerce for 20 years. He has served as President and Treasurer of the 9th District Georgia Optometric Association (GOA), was selected for Leadership GOA and was appointed as Chairman of the Members Benefit Committee and a member of the Elections Committee. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association. Dr. Doss is married to Shelia and they have one daughter, two sons and three grandchildren. They love camping and fishing.

Dr. Derek Haden

Dr. Derek Haden

Dr. Haden is a native of Carnesville, GA. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in 2014 with a degree in Biological Sciences. Dr. Haden received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. While in school, Dr. Haden was involved in many student organizations and served as President of the Beta Sigma Kappa optometric honor society. Following his graduation from Optometry school, Dr. Haden completed a residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation and Geriatric Optometry at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. His clinical interests include Low Vision Rehabilitation and management of ocular disease. Dr. Haden is eager to transfer the training and experience gained at the Birmingham VA Medical Cent to serving the community of Commerce, GA and surrounding areas. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and is currently a candidate for fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Haden resides in Athens, GA with his wife Erica and their two dogs. They  enjoy traveling as well as time spent outdoors, hiking, camping, golding, and relaxing at the lake. 

Dr.Walter Sams

Dr. Walter Sams

Dr. Sams is an Athens, GA native. He graduated as Valedictorian of Presbyterian College with a B.S. in Biology. After receiving his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia where he graduated with highest honors in Alpha Omega Alpha, he completed an internship at Baptist Hospital System in Birmingham, Alabama. He completed a residency in ophthalmology from the University of Virginia at Charlottesville where he was chief resident during his final year. Dr. Sams became a partner of the practice in December, 2009, and he is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who treats and performs surgery on diseases affecting the eye. He specializes in anterior segment surgery, including cataract surgery using the newest technology of implantable intraocular lenses. He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology.