Meet Our Optometrist / Eye Doctor in Newberry FL

Dr. Hedges

Dr. Stephen Hedges opened Hedges Eye Care in the Gainesville, Jonesville, and Newberry area in 2020. His practice integrates vision and medical eye care with fashion-forward eyewear in a comfortable, safe, and modern setting.

He is a licensed therapeutic optometrist who completed extensive training in treating all primary eye care conditions including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Some of his training included time at the Army installation in Stuttgart, Germany, and the Yakima Indian Health Service Center in Yakima, Washington. He has a passion for managing dry eye syndrome, and fitting specialty contact lenses for conditions such as keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. Dr. Hedges also co-manages both Lasik and cataract surgery with some of the best surgeons in our area.

Dr. Hedges is excited about creating a practice culture that is centered on patients feeling welcomed, cared for, and educated on how to live better with better vision. He is a friendly, outgoing person who spends the extra time required so patients fully understand their ocular health and how it can affect their general health.

Dr. Hedges lives to spend time with his family, friends, and church community. He married his high school sweetheart and loves parenting his two kids. He also enjoys food, cooking, music, and making memories with people. He is excited to have the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Gainesville, Jonesville, Newberry, and the surrounding areas and cannot wait to develop lasting positive relationships with his patients.

Danny

Practice Manager

Danny Madrid joined the Hedges Eye Care family in 2021. As Practice Manager, he is passionate about providing the highest level of service and creating a welcoming atmosphere for every single patient. As a former manager of Sunglass Hut, he has a knack for finding the right pair of glasses for anyone, and sharing the fun while doing it!

Danny’s previous work as the General Manager of Gainesville’s top-rated Hilton hotel has also uniquely prepared him to create hospitable experiences that are tailored to each patient’s needs. He shares Dr. Hedges’ vision for creating a people-oriented culture where the patient is empowered to make the right decisions to optimize their health and wellbeing.

Outside the office, Danny enjoys spending time with his wife Kathryn and their church family. He loves watching Liverpool Football Club, spending time with the youth group, playing any kind of sport, and exploring the natural beauty of the north-central Florida area.

Jose

Optical Specialist

Jose Bello-Delgado joined Hedges Eye Care as the optical specialist in February 2022. He has over 22 years of experience in opticianry. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his career there by completing his optical school training and certifications. He has lived in Florida since 2012. On the weekend you might find Jose mountain-biking at San Felasco State Park, or tinkering in his garage with his two sons. His dream vacation would be to the Canary Islands, where his family originated.

Debbie

Patient Care Ninja

Debbie Richards began her career in the optometry industry in 2001 after spending 20 years in broadcasting. She joined the Hedges Eye Care family in June 2022. Since she truly does it all, she has been dubbed with the job title “Patient Care Ninja.” Her primary responsibility and greatest joy is providing excellent service to the patients who visit us for their eye care needs. Debbie excels at making each and every patient feel like family and her warmth and laughter keep everyone entertained. She also assists in helping patients discover the perfect frames for their lifestyle. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys quilting, reading and spending time with her husband TJ and their red-tick coon hound Red.