Dr. Jesse S. Hicks has spent nearly two decades building a reputation as a dedicated optometrist and business owner. The founder of SeePort Optometry in North Port, Florida, he is driven by a passion for vision care that began when he was fitted for glasses as a child. In awe of the simple beauty of leaves on a tree, Hicks knew he wanted to give the same feeling to as many people as he could. Now a career professional bolstered by a powerful work ethic, Hicks has lived his dream of helping others achieve clear vision and helps to lead the field toward new, more advanced treatments.
Creating a Place for Better Sight in the Community
After earning a Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in 2004, Hicks worked in a variety of settings before realizing that a private practice would give him the best opportunity to deliver the level of patient care he aspired to. He opened SeePort Optometry in 2009, starting with a small clinic that quickly grew as more patients came to appreciate Hicks’ commitment to service.
Through years of dutiful work, Hicks was able to help his community see much more of the world around them. His work earned him multiple Readers’ Choice Awards and a Helen Keller Award, as well as recognition as one of Florida’s Top Optometrists by the National Top Doctors of America.
Leading the Field Toward New Treatments Through Neuro-Optometry
In addition to his success in general optometry, Hicks is an expert in myopia control — various techniques that help to manage the progression of nearsightedness — and the growing field of advanced neuro-optometry. This new field has significant potential to allow optometrists to treat neurological conditions such as migraines and double vision. Hicks is particularly passionate about the impact of optometric care on migraine sufferers, a group that often has trouble finding relief through traditional methods.
Hicks is excited by the possibility of using simple but effective tools, such as the basic lens technology that those in the field call prisms, to address much more complex issues. By realigning the way the eyes and brain communicate, Hicks hopes to offer patients a much-needed solution for migraines and double vision.
These patients all too often have a history of failed treatments that leave them feeling hopeless. Hicks is hopeful neuro-optometry can offer solutions that directly improve the quality of life for those suffering from these difficult conditions.
Turning Honesty and Hard Work Into Lasting Impact
As a business owner, Hicks takes pride in the transparency and communication that define SeePort Optometry. He does great work to keep his community healthy and seeing clearly, but he also has a personal hand in keeping his business growing and contributing to the overall welfare of the community. He credits his success to his persistence. “Persistence is the number one thing in life,” says Hicks, “Life is really complicated… It’s as exciting as it can be, but it’s also very complex. It’s passion, persistence and communication.”
Hicks looks forward to exploring new business opportunities and potential partnerships. His strong work ethic pushes him to build bigger and better for himself, his community, and his family. “I don’t have hobbies,” says Hicks. “I’m a man of God, a husband, a father, a doctor and a business owner. Those are my hobbies.” His dedication to optometry and neuro-optometry leaves a lasting impact on his patients and his field, creating opportunities and advancements that will benefit many for years to come.
