MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Gregory Charles Eakins Jr. and Aubrey Vernon Fulton were among 123 students recently awarded the doctor of optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis.

A native of Fayette, Eakins is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Eakins of Fayette.

He is a graduate of Jefferson County High School and Mississippi State University, where he earned a bachelor of science in biology.

A native of Natchez, Fulton is the son of Vernon Fulton and the late Cathy Fulton.

He is a graduate of Natchez High School and Mississippi State University. Fulton graduated summa cum laude.

Optometrists are independent, primary health care providers who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases/disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions.

Southern College of Optometry was established in Memphis, Tenn., in 1932. SCO is an independent, not-for-profit institution of higher education with nearly 500 students from 40 states.