Dr. Gray Friedrichs
Dr. Gray Friedrichs began practicing in Martinsville in 1999 after graduating from the Southern College of Optometry. He holds an undergraduate degree from Bridgewater College. From utilizing the most up-to-date technology, to implementing the most progressive standards of optometric clinical care, Dr. Friedrichs has always been dedicated to providing the highest level of eye care to the patients in his practice. Dr. Friedrichs practices full scope optometry but has particular clinical interest in glaucoma, dry eye, diabetic eye evaluation, macular degeneration and co-management of cataract and refractive laser surgeries. He lives in Bassett with his wife, Dr. Jill Christian-Friedrichs, and their children. Dr. Friedrichs primarily practices at the Martinsville location but is available to regularly see patients at the other locations as a fill-in doctor as well. In his spare time, Dr. Friedrichs enjoys running and practicing karate.
Dr. Jill Christian-Friedrichs
Dr. Jill Christian-Friedrichs joined Friedrichs Family Eye Center in 2004. She is a graduate of Delaware Valley College and received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 2003. Dr. Christian-Friedrichs provides full medical optometric care, but especially enjoys pediatric eye care and fitting contact lenses. She lives in Bassett with her husband, Dr. Gray Friedrichs, and their children. Dr. Christian-Friedrichs primarily practices at the Martinsville location. When not working, Dr. Christian enjoys being a "band mom" and focusing on her family.
Dr. Mary Kathryn Zak attended Indiana University for both her undergraduate degree and Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Zak joined Friedrichs Family Eye Center in 2016. Dr Zak practices full scope optometry; consisting of medical optometry, including diabetic care and glaucoma management, and routine vision with a special interest in contact lens fitting. When not at work, you can find Dr. Zak on a body of water somewhere. She enjoys fly fishing with her husband and dogs, white water sports, and paddle boarding. Her primary location is in the Danville office.
Dr. Michael Jennings is originally from Virginia Beach and began practicing at Friedrichs Family Eye Center in March of 2021. He attended Texas Tech and obtained his optometry degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Jennings enjoys full scope optometry, focusing on ocular disease and contact lens care. Dr. Jennings enjoys outdoors, cycling, concerts, and he has never met a stranger. He provides eyecare primarily in the Rocky Mount and Martinsville locations.
Dr. Casey Ramirez Cortes began practicing at Friedrichs Family Eye Center in June 2021. She grew up in Bracey right outside of South Hill, VA. She attended James Madison University and received her optometry degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Ramirez-Cortes was exited to return to Virginia after college. When not taking care of patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter on the beach. Dr. Ramirez Cortes enjoys full scope optometry for people of all ages. She provides care at both Chatham and Martinsville locations.
Dr. Michael Ford - Now Taking Appointments
Dr. Ford graduated from the Suny College of Optometry in 2001. He has been practicing at Sterling Optical in Danville, VA for the past several years. He joined the Friedrichs Family Eye Center family in September 2023. He brings more than 20 years of experience to the FFEC family. Dr. Ford practices in primarily in the Danville location. He does fill in for other doctors in our Martinsville and Chatham locations. In his spare time, Dr. Ford enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
Dr. Bethel is a resident intern at Friedrichs Family Eye Center. He graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He began his residency with our practice in July 2023. Dr. Bethel has served as a research intern in a number of programs throughout his educational career ranging from cardiovascular sciences to synthetic biology programs. His focus on research has given him a well-rounded approach to the health of the eye. Dr. Bethel is board eligible and in the process of taking his Doctor of Optometry boards. We are excited to have Dr. Bethel join us and look forward to him beginning his own clinic as a board-certified optometrist.
Dr. Peyton Simpson, O.D., FAAO, is an accomplished optometrist with academic and military experience. He joined FFEC in July 2024. He speaks English and Spanish fluently and loves to connect with folks with a good laugh. He received his optometry degree from the University of Houston in 2018, and later completed his residency at Brook Army Medical Center and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry in 2022. He currently practices at Friedrichs Family Eye Center, providing primary eyecare with a focus on complex visual requirements, including medical contact lenses for various conditions such as keratoconus and corneal degenerative disorders and post-operative care for cataracts and refractive surgeries. He actively manages chronic conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and ocular complications associated with diabetes and high blood pressure. Dr. Simpson's military career included service as an active-duty optometrist and Commander of the 176th Medical Detachment Optometry, at Fort Cavazos, TX. During his military service, he provided comprehensive eye care to thousands of military personnel, ensuring vision readiness and timely management of ocular trauma. Dr. Simpson is excited to begin civilian life once again in the great area of Southern Virginia with his family. He looks forward to meeting the needs and helping care for our patients and becoming an active part of the community.
El Dr. Peyton Simpson, O.D., FAAO, es un optometrista destacado con experiencia académica y militar.Habla inglés y español con fluidez y le encanta conectar con la gente con una buena risa.Recibió su título de optometría de la Universidad de Houston en 2018 y más tarde completó su residencia en el Centro Médico del Ejército Brooke, convirtiéndose en miembro de la Academia Americana de Optometría en 2022. Actualmente trabaja en Friedrich’s Family Eye Center, brindando atención primaria ocular con un enfoque en requerimientos visuales complejos, incluidos lentes de contacto médicos para diversas condiciones como queratocono y trastornos degenerativos de la córnea, y cuidados postoperatorios para cataratas y cirugías refractivas. Maneja activamente condiciones crónicas como degeneración macular, glaucoma y complicaciones oculares asociadas con la diabetes y la hipertensión arterial. La carrera militar del Dr. Simpson incluyó servicio como optometrista en servicio activo y Comandante del 176.º Destacamento Médico de Optometría en Fort Cavazos, TX. Durante su servicio militar, proporcionó atención ocular integral a miles de miembros del personal militar, asegurando la preparación visual y el manejo oportuno de traumas oculares. El Dr. Simpson está emocionado de comenzar una vez más su vida civil en el área del sur de Virginia con su familia. Espera con entusiasmo conocer las necesidades y ayudar a cuidar de nuestros pacientes y convertirse en una parte activa de la comunidad.