Meet the Team
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.
Dr. Suggs
Dr. Candace Suggs is a compassionate and attentive optometrist committed to providing personalized and comprehensive eye care. Born and raised in North Central Florida, it was an easy decision for her to attend the University of Florida where she earned her degree in Microbiology. She then went on to earn her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Houston, where she honed her clinical skills and deepened her passion for helping patients maintain healthy vision.
Dr. Suggs believes that no two eye exams should be alike, but rather tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Her clinical interests include specialty contact lenses including scleral lenses, myopia management, and dry eye disease. Her expertise allows her to provide solutions that improve both vision and quality of life for patients facing unique eye health challenges. As a practitioner, Dr. Suggs takes pride in fostering long-term relationships with her patients and delivering care that is both thorough and efficient.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Suggs is a family-oriented individual who enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. Her hobbies include weightlifting, Florida Gator athletics, and being outdoors. She is excited to be a part of your journey to better vision and looks forward to helping you and your family see the world more clearly.
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.
Monday
8:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday
8:30am - 6:00pm (updated hours)
Thursday
8:00am - 6:00pm
Friday - Sunday
Closed
Powered by 
