Eye Care Professionals
A family owned and operated optometric practice based in Athens, Georgia, Thomas Eye Center was opened in 1951 by Dr. Gerald M. Thomas. His son, Dr. Stuart J. Thomas, later joined the practice. After 50 years in practice, Dr. Gerald M. Thomas retired in 2004.
Dr. Stuart J. Thomas
Dr. Stuart J. Thomas has been providing ocular health care at Thomas Eye Center since 1984. He received his Bachelor Of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia in 1979 before going on to earn his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1984. He is a long-standing member of the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association, for which he has served in various leadership positions including President. Dr. Thomas also served as President of the SECO, International.
He is a member of the Athens Touchdown Club, the Georgia Coliseum Club, and Central Presbyterian Church. In addition, Thomas Eye Center holds membership in the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Thomas’ wife Sharon, also an optometrist, is a Clinical Project Manager for CIBA Vision. They are the parents of two daughters, Paige and Mary Stuart. Dr. Thomas is passionate about his family, and spends his free time enjoying football, basketball, and cooking.
Ellen B. Goad, LDO
Ellen Byrum Goad, Practice Manager, is a Licensed Dispensing Optician who has been with Thomas Eye Center since 1998. Ellen is a 1989 graduate of The University of Georgia, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Educational Psychology. She has extensive experience in the ophthalmic field, and has worked with several vision specialists in the Athens area. She currently is a member of the Optician’s Association of Georgia, the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners.
Ellen also has been a lecturer for the American Heart Association. She is married to Stephen Goad, and is the mother of two children, Mason and Jackson. Ellen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, UGA football, and music.