Vision for the future

Optometrist honored for helping children

Credit: Contributed

Peggy Freeman (left) presents the award to Shelton.

By: From Staff Reports | McDowell News
Published: August 23, 2009

This year, the McDowell County Partnership for Children & Families has presented the Champion for Children award to a member of the community who has helped make a difference in the lives of young children.
Briana J. Shelton, a local optometrist, was selected as the 2009 award winner. The award was presented at the Partnership's annual meeting and election of officers Wednesday at Countryside BBQ in Marion.
Peggy Freeman, director of McDowell County Head Start, nominated Shelton, who has made it a priority to serve children.
"For many years, Dr. Briana Shelton screened all Head Start children who needed vision screens at no cost to the program," said Freeman. "She has spent many hours being patient with 3- and 4-year-olds who are not always very cooperative in unfamiliar situations."
According to Freeman, once Head Start was financially able to purchase equipment so that staff members could perform the screenings, Shelton freely gave her expert advice on the type of tools to buy. The doctor also volunteered her time to train staff members in the use and care of the equipment and offered technical assistance at any time.
Shelton is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her Doctorate of Optometry from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She is a fellow member of the American Academy of Optometry. Shelton has been the owner of Professional Vision Center in Marion since 2003.
Shelton serves on the McDowell County Head Start Health Advisory Committee and is also active in other agencies in the community. She is a member of the Marion Lion's Club, serving also as the western North Carolina zone chairperson for District 31-B; the Marion Rotary Club; and the N.C. National Guard Family Support Group. She serves as the optometrist for Marion Correctional Institute and is a McDowell High School Academic Award Sponsor.
A few of the many community awards and recognitions that Shelton has received includes Marion Lion's Club Lion of the Year 2008, McDowell County's Best Optometrist/Ophthalmologist Award 2005 and 2008, Marion Rotary Club New Rotarian of the Year 2005 and the Laser Center Commitment to Excellence in Patient Care Award 2005.
As Freeman stated in her nomination, "Dr. Shelton has proven to be most deserving of the Champion for Children Award this year."

Vision for the future

Optometrist honored for helping children

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