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Dr. Jason Sullivan, center, and Renee Stewart, right, prepare to examine a patient’s eyes at the Eye Clinic, P.C.

Being raised in a family of engineers, Dr. Jason Sullivan certainly deviated from the norm when he made the decision to pursue a career in medicine. Growing up in Chattanooga influenced by a father who instilled in him a good work ethic, Sullivan extends that into both his professional and personal life. 

“I went to college to pursue a degree in biology with the intent of going to medical school,” said Sullivan. “Hailing from a family with plenty of engineers in it, I just always knew engineering would be my back-up plan should I not do well enough to make it into medical school.” Sullivan earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech, where he graduated magna cum laude.

He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee, Memphis College of Medicine, where he also served his residency and completed his surgery training.  Sullivan remained in Memphis to complete an internship at Methodist Hospitals of Memphis. He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is licensed to practice medicine in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.

“When I entered medical school, I had no idea what specialty I would choose,” said Sullivan. “I was drawn to medicine originally because I really enjoyed the thought of interacting with people all day, communicating with people. Ophthalmology certainly afforded me that opportunity.  I think the ability to restore something as special as eyesight to someone is very rewarding and the patients are very grateful.”

 After two years in private practice in Memphis, Sullivan joined the Eye Clinic, PC, in 2001 and relocated to Jackson. In addition to his general ophthalmology experience, he brought to West Tennessee extensive training in the treatment of glaucoma. Sullivan treats a wide variety of glaucoma cases, ranging from basic problems to the more complicated, including the surgical treatment of advanced glaucoma. “I see a great deal of these in my practice,” he said. 

The Eye Clinic is a full-service eye care group, offering the latest surgical procedures, comprehensive eye examinations, contact lens fitting, full service optical shop, and vision screenings. “I wanted a broad scope of patients in my practice, to be in a clinic that provided complete ophthalmology care for the entire family, from kids to adults,” he said. “In my practice at the (clinic) I get to do a good mix of everything from general eye exams to complicated surgeries. I also get to treat the full spectrum of eye diseases including complex glaucoma issues as well as the diabetic eye.”

Sullivan likes to stay on top of the latest developments in associated diseases and treatment of the eye. He recently attended a national meeting in South Carolina where he received updated training in advanced cataract and refractive surgery, including LASIK. He was also the first physician in the Jackson area to perform a new surgical procedure involving premium cataract implant lenses. The technology received approval from the Federal Drug Administration in 2005. “A regular cataract implant lens allows the eye to focus only on objects that are far away. The patient still requires reading glasses to be able to focus up close,” said Sullivan. “The new premium type implant eliminates the need to wear glasses because it allows the patient to focus regardless of distance.”

Sullivan also lends his medical talents and knowledge to help those in need, as well as educating the public and medical community. He has supported and volunteered as a physician for Jackson’s Health and Healing Clinic since it opened in 2006. The clinic’s mission is to provide a healthcare home for working, low-income residents of Madison County who have no insurance. It is a medical resource and help for people who have jobs and are trying to provide for themselves. 

He is also actively involved educating the public on eye care and related topics. He has spoken at many local civic organization meetings, including Kiwanis and Rotary, in addition to continuing educational meetings for medical personnel. Last year he completed a four-year term on the Board of the Tennessee Academy of Ophthalmology. 

When the self-proclaimed hard worker is not involved in caring for patients at the Eye Clinic, Sullivan can be found on the golf course, working with his wife Jamie renovating their home, built in 1929, or in the middle of a wide range of family activities.

An avid football fan, Sullivan returns to his alma mater to catch the Hokies in action each year. “I am a huge college football fan, even though it is not that easy to follow the Atlantic Coast Conference when you live in the heart of the Southeastern Conference,” Sullivan said. Vacations for the Sullivan family include extended family and a trip to the beach. 

Sullivan met and married his wife while in medical school. The couple has three girls, Natalie 8, Sarah 7, and 2-year-old Corinne. Many weekends find Sullivan on the soccer field or basketball court coaching one of his daughters’ teams. Even with a busy household, the Sullivans housed two freshman students from Union University displaced by the February tornadoes. 

Sullivan is also actively involved in First United Methodist Church where he recently served on the church’s finance committee. He and Jamie also teach elementary Sunday school. “We have done it for several years and really enjoy it,” he said.

“Moving to Jackson was the best decision for our family,” said Sullivan. “It is a great community that Jamie and I are happy to raise a family in. The best thing about what I do and where I live…is the people.” 



July 2008

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