A local eye doctor from Albany has just agreed to join Associates in Eye Care.

Heather Brown-Conner, a 1995 graduate of Clinton County High School, will begin seeing new patients in mid July according to Dr. Gary Upcurch of AEC. “I am excited beyond expression with Dr. Brown-Conner joining Associates in Eye Care,” Upchurch said. “She is experienced with caring for patients of all ages from birth on.”

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work in my hometown,” said Brown-Conner. “Growing up, Dr. Upchurch was our family Optometrist and I am honored to have the chance to work with him.”

“I love the opportunity to help people see things they’ve never seen or haven’t seen in a long time. It is very rewarding when a patient tells you they are amazed by the leaves on a tree or when a child goes from having poor grades in school to honor roll after getting glasses.”

Brown-Conner says a common misconception is that people don’t need to visit their eye doctor unless they have symptoms or notice changes in their vision, but for those age 40 and older, it’s important to get an eye exam at least once a year.

“There are many eye diseases and even systemic diseases that can be diagnosed on a routine eye exam prior to noticeable changes in vision,” she says. “Many of these, if caught early, can be treated before they cause permanent damage. If you wait until you notice a problem, it may be too late to correct or may take a much more lengthy and/or invasive treatment.”

Dr. Brown-Conner graduated with honors from Western Kentucky University in 1999, and earned her Doctorate in Optometry in 2004 from Indiana University School of Optometry. She is married (Toby) with two children, Isabella and Kayden. She will begin seeing patients July 15th.