Dr. Gray Friedrichs, OD
Dr. Gray Friedrichs began practicing in Martinsville in 1999 after graduating from the Southern College of Optometry. He holds an undergraduate degree from Bridgewater College. From utilizing the most up-to-date technology, to implementing the most progressive standards of optometric clinical care, Dr. Friedrichs has always been dedicated to providing the highest level of eye care to the patients in his practice. Dr. Friedrichs practices full scope optometry but has particular clinical interest in glaucoma, dry eye, diabetic eye evaluation, macular degeneration and co-management of cataract and refractive laser surgeries. He lives in Bassett with his wife, Dr. Jill Christian-Friedrichs, and their children. Dr. Friedrichs primarily practices at the Martinsville location but is available to regularly see patients at the Chatham location as well.
Dr. Jill Christian-Friedrichs, OD
Dr. Jill Christian-Friedrichs joined Friedrichs Family Eye Center in 2004. She is a graduate of Delaware Valley College and received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2003. Dr. Christian-Friedrichs provides full medical optometric care, but especially enjoys pediatric eye care and fitting contact lenses. She lives in Bassett with her husband, Dr. Gray Friedrichs, and their children. Dr. Christian-Friedrichs primarily practices at the Martinsville location.
Dr. Mary Kathryn Zak, OD
Dr. Mary Kathryn Zak attended Indiana University for both her undergraduate degree and doctor of optometry degree. Dr. Zak joined Friedrichs Family Eye Center in 2016. Dr Zak practices full scope optometry; consisting of medical optometry, including diabetic care and glaucoma management, and routine vision with a special interest in contact lens fitting. When not at work, you can find Dr. Zak on a body of water somewhere. She enjoys fly fishing with her husband and dogs, white water sports, and paddle boarding. Her primary location is in the Danville office.
Dr. Michael Jennings
Dr. Michael Jennings is originally from Virginia Beach and began practicing at Friedrichs Family Eye Center in March of 2021. He attended Texas Tech and obtained his optometry degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Jennings enjoys full scope optometry focusing on ocular disease and contact lens care. Dr. Jennings enjoys outdoors and cycling. He provides eyecare primarily in the Rocky Mount and Martinsville locations.
Dr. Casey Ramirez-Cortes
Dr. Casey Ramirez Cortes began practicing at Friedrichs Family Eye Center in June 2021. She grew up in Bracey right outside of South Hill, VA. She attended James Madison University and received her optometry degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Ramirez Cortes enjoys full scope optometry for people of all ages. She provides care at both Chatham and Martinsville locations.
Dr. Michael Ford
Dr. Ford graduated from the Suny College of Optometry in 2001. He has been practicing at Sterling Optical in Danville, VA for the past several years. He joined the Friedrichs Family Eye Center family in September 2023. He brings more than 20 years of experience to the FFEC family. Dr. Ford practices in primarily in the Danville location. He does fill in for other doctors in our Martinsville and Chatham locations.
Dr. Nigel Bethel
Dr. Bethel is a resident intern at Friedrichs Family Eye Center. He graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He began his residency with our practice in July 2023. Dr. Bethel has served as a research intern in a number of programs throughout his educational career ranging from cardiovascular sciences to synthetic biology programs. His focus on research has given him a well-rounded approach to the health of the eye. Dr. Bethel is board eligible and in the process of taking his Doctor of Optometry boards.
Dr. Peyton Simpson - Coming July 2024!!!
Dr. Simpson received his Optometry degree from the University of Houston in May 2018. Dr. Simpson has been serving in the US Army an Optometrist. He was commissioned to the U.S. Army Reserve as 2nd Lieutenant in March 2016. He was later commissioned to the U.S. Army as Captain on active-duty in July 2018. Dr. Simpson served as staff optometrist and refractive surgery liaison at GLWACH, and OIC of the Reception Station Optometry Clinic. Dr. Simpson had the honor of providing superior quality eye care to army trainees and their beneficiaries annually. He lead the optometry staff to conduct comprehensive eye care to detect and treat a wide scope of vision disorders, diseases, and injury in addition to full range pre- and post-operative care for refractive surgery candidates and patients. Dr. Simpson is excited to begin civilian life once again in the great area of Southern Virginia with his family. He looks forward to helping care for our patients and their needs.