WINTER PARK VISION SPECIALISTS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Member of the Central Florida Society of Optometric Physicians

Dr. James Podschun was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas and graduated as an All-American running athlete from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. Graduating with a double major, Dr. Podschun received a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Chemistry from Southwestern College. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Podschun attended the University of Houston where he graduated with honors with a Doctor of Optometry degree. Following the University of Houston, Dr. Podschun served as a Naval Officer at the Navy Orlando Training Hospital where he received four years of experience in family eye care as well as in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease. In addition to his Florida Optometry Board Certification, Dr. Podschun has also completed advanced training in ocular therapeutic medications, ocular disease diagnosis, and ocular disease management overseen by the International Association of Boards of Examiners in Optometry. Dr. Podschun is a member of the Central Florida Society of Optometric Physicians, the Florida Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association (A.O.A.), the Sports Vision Section for the A.O.A., and a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry. As past president and current board member of the Winter Park Rotary Club, Dr. Podschun enjoys serving the local community, has traveled internationally to provide eye care to impoverished people, as well as being active in his local church. Dr. Podschun has three grown children and enjoys spending time with his wife and Jack Russell dog, Pipkin. He enjoys running, hiking, snow skiing and most outdoor activities.

Job Titles:

• Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry

Dr. Marguerite Ball-Thomas grew up in Central Florida and has been in private practice for over 25 years in this community. After attending Stetson University in DeLand, FL where she received a B.S. in Biology, she attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN and graduated with honors with her Doctor of Optometry degree. Prior to private practice, Dr. Ball-Thomas was a staff optometrist for four years at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, often called the "Johns Hopkins of the South" where she received extensive training in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease. She specializes in all aspects of eyecare including the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, contact lenses, and comprehensive family eye care to patients of all ages. She is a provider for many insurance panels and is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Ball-Thomas is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, the Florida Optometric Association, the Central Florida Society of Optometric Physicians, and VOSH-Southeast (Volunteer Optometric Society to Humanity). Dr. Ball-Thomas has completed 9 international mission eye trips to impoverished areas, providing free eye care to those who otherwise could not afford it. As past president and board member of the Casselberry Rotary Club, Dr. Ball-Thomas serves the local community and beyond as well as being an active member and past officer in her church. Dr. Ball-Thomas enjoys spending time with her husband and son, as well as music, running, cycling, and traveling.