SIMMONS EYE CARE CLINIC - Key Persons

Made of moderately flexible plastics, GP lenses offer sharp vision and correct most vision problems. They are more durable than soft contact lenses and can be easier to handle and care for but require a longer adaptation period and consistent wear to maintain adaptation.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Doctors & Staff

Dr. Jennifer Zierlein joined the Simmons Eye Care team in 2012 and is the third generation of Simmons family to practice optometry. Dr. Jennifer received her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, and went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN in 2011. While in school she completed an externship in primary eye care at Mertins Eye Care in Fayetteville, AR as well as an externship in refractive surgery co-management at Lasik Plus in Denver, CO. Dr. Jennifer practices full-scope optometry, but especially enjoys seeing children. Dr. Jennifer is a member of the Arkansas Optometric Association as well as the American Optometric Association. In her free time Dr. Jennifer enjoys golfing with her husband, Steele, and spending time with her children Wesley, Ruby and Laine.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Doctors & Staff
• Administrator of Vision Source for Arkansas

Dr. Rusty Simmons joined the Simmons Eye Care practice in 1983. He received his undergraduate degree from Ouachita Baptist University and his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. His training included primary care optometry, pathology, glaucoma management and emergency care. He likes working with difficult contact lens cases including bifocal and astigmatic contact lens fittings. His general practice of optometry includes treating and managing glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts, Lasik and other refractive surgeries. Dr. Rusty works closely with several cataract, retinal and refractive surgeons to ensure the best outcomes. He has served on the board of the Arkansas Optometric Association, and on numerous committees, and served as the chairman of the nominating and awards committees. He has served on the Association's PAC board and is currently the Career Guidance Chair as a doctor/student liaison and contact for current and graduating students. Dr. Rusty assisted in creating a new Lifetime Excellence Award for the state association and received the Distinguished Service Award for Optometry in 2012. He is a strong supporter of Optometry Giving Sight, a worldwide organization to provide eye care and educate doctors in developing countries. Dr. Rusty is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations. A strong supporter of our local athletics and, of course, the Arkansas Razorbacks - Woo Pig Sooie! Dr. Rusty currently serves as the Administrator of Vision Source for Arkansas. He lives in Benton with his wife Karol, sons Bradley and Will, and daughter Brynne. In his free time he likes to fish and spend time with his family.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Doctors & Staff

Dr. Steele joined Simmons Eye Care in 2012. He received his Bachelor's degree from Kansas State University. Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Steele graduated with honors from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN in 2010. He elected to complete an additional one year residency in Ocular Disease and Family Eyecare at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, AR. Dr. Steele specializes in comprehensive family eye care, contact lenses, and the treatment and management of ocular disease. Dr. Steele is originally from Smith Center, KS. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and children Wesley, Ruby, and Laine. In his spare time you can find Dr. Steele playing golf and cheering on his Kansas State Wildcats.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Doctors & Staff

Dr. Burroughs is a native Arkansan, born and raised in Paragould, Arkansas. His passion for science and helping others led him to pursue an education at Arkansas State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee where graduated at the top of his class. Dr. Burroughs prides himself on providing the highest level of optometric care to his patients. His interests include performing contact lens fittings and managing ocular diseases including dry eye disease, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Dr. Burroughs is a member of the Arkansas Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. In his spare time, Dr. Burroughs enjoys spending time with his friends and family. He enjoys playing golf and is an avid duck hunter. Dr. Burroughs is now accepting new patients at our Benton and Little Rock locations.