Dr. R. Bryan Boozer established Boozer Eyecare Associates more than 40 years ago. It's a well-known, highly respected practice, and it's made all the more special because of the family legacy within its walls. Boozer's son, Dr. Spencer Boozer, joined his dad in the practice in 2017. And just last year, the younger Boozer took ownership of the family business, giving his dad (who is still on staff), more time to relax and enjoy some family time.
In this Q&A, get to know a little more about the history of Boozer Eyecare, and the direction it's heading.
Can you tell me a little bit about Boozer Eyecare Associates' founding and history?
"Boozer Eyecare was founded in 1984 by my dad, when my parents moved to Cullman from Enterprise. He began his practice in a small building near the railroad crossing near the new Monograms Plus location. Over time, his practice grew and required larger spaces to accommodate the eye care needs of a growing community. In 1990, Boozer Eyecare built its first standalone clinic near Merchant’s Bank on Second Avenue – this is also the year I was born. For the next 29 years, Boozer Eyecare remained at that location and expanded from a single-doctor practice to a four-doctor practice at our newest location on Field of Miracles Drive at present. We are so grateful to the community for their trust and support in us, which has allowed us to continue to deliver the latest in eye care products and technologies for the past 41 years."
Did you always know you wanted to be an optometrist like your dad?
"Actually, no. I was fortunate to have his support to pursue my interests without feeling pressured to pursue a career in optometry. I originally considered a career as a cataract surgeon. As I began my undergraduate studies at Auburn University, I enrolled in a pre-health care professions orientation course as a required elective for any prospective health care professional. Each meeting, we heard from a variety of different doctors, pharmacists, dentists – and during a session with a doctor from the UAB School of Optometry, I had a realization that the career of a cataract surgeon didn’t provide the opportunities for building a long-term bond with your patients that I was seeking. I knew I wanted to specialize in some particular field of health care, and optometry provides me with the chance to build those lasting relationships while practicing a specialty. Looking back, I am very pleased with the decision to follow in his footsteps."
What's it like working with your dad in the family business? What's that dynamic like?
"It has been an adventure! When I joined Boozer Eyecare in 2017, we were still in our former location where VisionAmerica is today. Not only have we practiced optometry alongside each other, we have been through the grueling process of designing, constructing and moving of an office. While some of our opinions may differ here and there, we share a common vision. Without each of our efforts, none of what you see today would be possible, and we are both very proud to be able to bring our vision to light, together. In 2024, I assumed ownership of Boozer Eyecare and dad began to reduce his time in the clinic in order to spend more time with family and out on a golf course. Most days in the clinic don’t provide us much time to interact, but it is nice knowing that he’s usually just down the hall as an added layer of support."
Boozer Eyecare Associates is located at 1639 Field of Miracles Drive SW, in Cullman.
www.boozereyecare.com
Where do you see Boozer Eyecare and yourself in 10 years?
"In 10 years, I hope to look back and see that I have continued to maintain a state-of-the-art optometry practice that provides a stable work environment for staff and a great opportunity for the next generation of eye doctors in our community. I also want to make a positive impact in my profession by helping to advance legislation that hasn’t seen an update since I was 4 years old. Today’s doctors of optometry across the country are graduating at a higher skill level than what the state of Alabama allows them to practice; therefore, we see a lot of talent leave our state in order to practice to their highest level of training. I am hopeful that my next 10 years will see a meaningful change to the way eye care services are provided for the citizens of our state and community."
Dr. Spencer Boozer
Boozer Eyecare Associates
"I love to travel to new places and enjoy a unique experience along the way. I feel like some of life’s most important lessons are best learned while traveling to a place outside your comfort zone, so with any free time, I would probably choose to spend it exploring a new destination. I love snow skiing, and I try to make a trip to the mountains at least once a season to stretch my ski legs. I was fortunate to get to spend time in Colorado to complete my training while attending UAB so the mountains are a special place for me. While I’m home, I enjoy spending time at Smith Lake with friends and family."
Boozer received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 2017. He is a member of the Alabama Optometric Association and the Leadership Institute of the American Optometric Association.
"Looking back, I am very pleased with the decision to follow in his footsteps."