Dillingham Optical
Welcome Home, Dr. Hunter Chapman
D
ILLINGHAM OPTICAL HAS BEEN serving the Monroe/West Monroe area since 1950, when Dr. Hunter Chapman’s great-grandfather Claude Dillingham started the practice. Followed then by Hunter’s grandfather Max and finally his uncle Ben, Dillingham’s rich history spanning four generations is centered on family tradition. For 66 years, all internal decisions have been based on maximizing the patient experience, to where Dillingham is recognized as always putting patients first, providing care that is both efficient and effective. Since Dr. Chapman’s return to the area after optometry school, people constantly come into Dillingham, witness the transition and say, “Man, you remind me so much of your grandfather.” Hunter takes pride in this recognition and is honored to carry on the Dillingham tradition of familiarity. Born and raised in Monroe, Dr. Hunter Chapman graduated Valedictorian at River
Oaks School before attending LSU and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. While in Baton Rouge and Memphis, Hunter involved himself with legislation on the state and federal level, traveling to Washington, D.C. up to twice a year to meet with members of congress and lobby for bills that affect patients, even receiving a pen from the governor at the signing of a bill. While in Memphis, Hunter was appointed to the American Optometric Student Association Board of Trustees, the largest student association in optometry with over 6600 members from the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Hunter served for two years as a Trustee member. After his two-year term, he was elected President in San Francisco. The opportunity allowed Hunter to represent almost 100% of all optometry students in North America on an international level and focus his efforts on lobbying for bills to provide better access to patients for optometric care. The experience allowed him
an opportunity to lead, connect with other leaders and make a difference in his profession and healthcare, and now he is bringing that experience back home. Since his return, Dr. Chapman is again active in supporting the River Oaks Mustangs and the LSU Tigers. He is also active in North Monroe Baptist Church and traveled with church members to provide aid in Moore, Oklahoma. He continues to work with industry partners to better understand and provide what optometry patients want and need. In the meantime, Hunter never tires of Dillingham patients coming through the door saying, “My grandmother has been coming to y’all since…” Dr. Chapman is humbled by the reception and pledges to continue the tradition of optimal optometry care for Ouachita Parish. Dillingham Optical is open Monday -Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in Monroe and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in West Monroe. Monroe (318) 855-4860, West Monroe (318) 325-4467
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