OPTOMETRIST
Dr. Derek Black, OD
2013
DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY
Captain
U.S. ARMY
Cum Laude
B.A. CHEMISTRY
ABOUT DR. BLACK
Dr. Derek Black began his education at Young Harris College before completing his degree at the University of West Georgia. In 2008, he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry and a minor in biology.
Throughout college, Dr. Black worked as an optician, where he developed his passion for eye care. That passion led him to attend the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.
During his training, Dr. Black gained valuable experience in retinal, corneal, diabetic, and glaucoma eye diseases at the VA Hospital in Memphis, TN.
While attending optometry school, Dr. Black was awarded the Health Professions Scholarship by the U.S. Army. In 2013, he graduated from the Southern College of Optometry, earning his Doctorate of Optometry.
Shortly after graduation, Dr. Black was commissioned as an officer with the rank of Captain in the United States Army. During his military career, he held positions as Staff Optometrist, Director of Optometric Education, and Chief of Optometry at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Dr. Derek Black, OD
Doctor of Optometry, 2013
Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN
B.A. Chemistry, Minor in Biology — Cum Laude
University of West Georgia, 2008
U.S. Army — Captain
Former Chief of Optometry, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital
EDUCATION & CAREER
From undergraduate chemistry to Chief of Optometry in the U.S. Army.
2008
UNDERGRADUATE
Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry
Graduated with a minor in biology, after beginning his studies at Young Harris College. Worked as an optician throughout college, where he developed his passion for eye care.
2013
DOCTORATE
Doctor of Optometry
Army
COMMISSIONED CAPTAIN
Captain, United States Army
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE
RETINAL DISEASE
Evaluation and monitoring of conditions affecting the back of the eye.
CORNEAL CARE
Diagnosis and management of corneal health and surface disease.
DIABETIC EYE CARE
Screening and management of diabetes-related vision changes.
GLAUCOMA
Early detection and ongoing treatment to protect long-term vision.