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. 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.