The ceremony was attended by members of the community including King’s Daughters Medical Center CEO Alvin Hoover.

“I am extremely pleased and honored by the award,” said Dr. Worth Simmons, clinic owner.

A comprehensive ophthalmologist, Dr. Simmons has overseen the clinic at 121 Railroad St. for the last eight and a half years. He performs cataract surgeries, as well as comprehensive eye exams. The clinic averages five-to-eight cataract surgeries a week. Consultation is done at the downtown clinic, and operations are performed at KDMC.

Simmons takes pride in returning vision to his patients, some of whom have gone years without surgery. “That’s the best thing. The surgery is 15 to 30 minutes. But the change is immediate, especially for those who have come to accept their impaired vision. To see the change in their lives is very rewarding,” Simmons said.

Simmons oversees a staff of three employees. Future plans are to expand the clinic to accommodate more persons.

“We have outgrown the space here and are looking to expand the business. Business has been great,” he said.

Simmons is originally from Jackson but moved to Brookhaven, where his wife Kristie grew up. Simmons and his wife have three boys and one girl. Three of their children attend Brookhaven Elementary, Mamie Martin and Faith Presbyterian.

“That’s probably the best thing about Brookhaven, I think. It’s a great place to raise a family,” Simmons said.

Finding spare time apart from the business is a difficulty all its own, Simmons noted, however, he said “just about all extra time is spent with the kids. Other than that, I enjoy running, hunting and fishing.”

Simmons is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology.