Our Doctors

Dr. Gilbert-Spear graduated with honors from Auburn University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences and obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health- Epidemiology from UAB School of Public Health. She earned her Doctorate of Optometry from UAB. In 2019, she graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law with her Juris Doctorate degree with a concentration in Health Law and Compliance. She is a licensed attorney in Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee.

She moved to Pensacola, Florida in 2004, where she helped grow a multi-location Optometry/Ophthalmology office. She is also the founder and director of The Visual Performance Center, which has conducted numerous research studies, over the past decade, in contact lenses, solutions, dry eye, and visual performance. She is a consultant and speaker with various eyecare companies. Dr. Gilbert-Spear currently serves on the Board of Optometry for the state of Florida and is the chair of the Probable Cause Panel.

Dr. Gilbert-Spear is married to Dr. Carl Spear. They have five children, one daughter-in-law, one dog, and two cats. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.  

Dr. Laird is originally from DeFuniak Springs and knew one day, she would to return to the community that helped raise her— so she is back! 

She graduated from Troy University I’m 2016, UAB Optometry School in 2020, and then completed a one year residency in ocular disease and low vision at the Veterans Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She is from a big family that stretches to all corners of Walton County and has one daughter, Brynci. She enjoys being outdoors/on the water, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Dr. Charles Gordon Stevenson graduated with honors from University Alabama Birmingham – School of Optometry in 1988. Dr. Stevenson has extensive experience serving the DeFuniak Springs area for more than 34 years. Dr. Charles Gordon Stevenson lives in DeFuniak Springs and with his wife they grew his private optometry practice right down the main road, you could say. Dr. Charles Gordon Stevenson has made lifelong friends and has created a phenomenal patient base that looks forward to seeing him when they come in for an appointment. As an Optometrist, Dr. Charles Gordon Stevenson can detect any vision problems or diseases; with the newest technology he is able to test his patients for many eye health issues.

Dr. Ashlyn Garcia is a passionate optometrist dedicated to providing exceptional eye care to her patients. Her journey into optometry was deeply influenced by her father, a respected optometrist in Cambridge, Ohio. From a young age, Dr. Garcia admired her father's commitment to improving the vision and quality of life for their community, inspiring her career path in optometry. She graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2024, where she developed a strong foundation in clinical practice and patient-centered care.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Garcia and her husband enjoy spending quality time together exploring new places and spending time outdoors hiking, playing beach volleyball, and pickleball. Dr. Garcia also loves to read, spend time at the beautiful white sand beaches, experiment with new recipes, and bake delicious treats for family and friends. Faith is a cornerstone in Dr. Garcia's and her husband's lives, guiding their personal and professional endeavors with steadfast commitment and purpose. Their commitment extends to serving the community, seeking opportunities to glorify God in all they do.

As a professional, Dr. Garcia is known for her compassionate approach to patient care, striving to build lasting relationships based on trust and understanding, and tailoring her services to address their visual needs best while managing ocular and systemic health. Her additional passion lies in fitting specialty contact lenses, recognizing the profound difference they can make for patients struggling with vision in glasses and standard contact lenses. She is committed to staying current with the latest advancements in optometry to ensure her patients receive the highest standard of care tailored to their individual needs. Her genuine passion for optometry and her heartfelt care for her patients makes her a valued member of the healthcare community, continuing her father's legacy of excellence in eye care.

Dr. Christopher Polk is a dedicated optometrist originally from Pensacola, Florida. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Florida State University before going on to graduate with honors from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2025.

During his training, Dr. Polk completed several intensive externships focused on specialty contacts, pediatrics, and ocular disease. One of the most enriching was at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Eye Clinic in Bethel, Alaska, where he provided care to underserved populations and managed complex ocular conditions.

Dr. Polk has a clinical interest in the role of advancing technology for enhancing patient outcomes. He is especially focused in the areas of dry eye diagnostics and treatment, as well as tools for low vision rehabilitation. He stays actively engaged in emerging research and technologies to bring the latest, evidence-based solutions to his patients.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Polk enjoys spending time with his dog, Lulu, playing tennis, and hunting for unique finds at estate and yard sales.