BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - A Birmingham eye doctor is making history as the first Black president of the Alabama Optometric Association.

Dr. Valencia Wells, who has been helping patients see clearly for more than a decade, said the role is about more than representation.

“I’m actually the first black male or female to serve as president of the Alabama Optometric Association. And it’s really just been a blessing from above,” Wells said.

Advocating for statewide eye care access

Wells owns Morris Avenue Eye Care and has been a fixture in Birmingham’s downtown community since 2009. She will now lead the association that advocates for doctors and patients across all 67 counties.

“Talking to our legislators and making sure that all patients, everyone in public, has good eye health and go

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