Every father creates a legacy in his own way. But only a select few establish a dynasty. For Dr. Michael Campbell, Sr., a dynasty was never really the end goal. He just wanted to bring high quality vision care to the South Carolina Lowcountry in a time when options were few and far between.
Speaking modestly, he attributes his successful 35-year career at the helm of Optical Solutions to, “a lot of luck.” Luck may have played some part in it but arriving on the island in 1987 when it was still somewhat in its nascency had a role in it. “It just seemed to be a good fit, and when I looked more into the area, I found there was one optometrist and one ophthalmologist. Both were very friendly and said, ‘We’d love to have you share this town with the two of us.’”
From there, Optical Solutions grew as not just one of the first, but one of the most advanced optometry practices in the area. Never one to rest on his laurels, Dr. Campbell has consistently worked on the forefront of his profession, adding new techniques and technologies the moment they became available.
As to adding new doctors, that sort of took care of itself. Dr. Michal Campbell, Jr., joined the practice several years ago, rising to partner. And now, Michael Sr. and Jr. welcome younger brother Dr. Kevin Campbell to the professional side of the family.
“I’m excited to be joining Michael and my dad,” Kevin said. “Michael has been out in Bluffton really making those connections in the community, and I can’t wait to start making my own connections.”
While he’s thrilled to be able to bring both sons into the practice, the elder Dr. Campbell never pushed either of them into the business he founded with his wife, Maureen. “To be honest, mom and dad weren’t the type of parents would say you need to go be an optometrist,” Kevin said. “But during my undergrad at Clemson, I started shadowing a bunch of doctors, and as much as I told myself I wanted to expose myself to as many fields as possible so I could see what interested me the most, it kept going back to eyes.”
To the delight of his dad and brother, Kevin made the decision during his junior year to focus on optometry, working his way back to the family business. And while both Campbell brothers will lead the company forward, they are hardly doing so on their own. Soon joining the Bluffton location, Dr. Jessica Sirak has practiced in the area for seven years. And overseeing the Shelter Cove location, Dr. Haley Bowles brings a wealth of experience to the practice.
When asked what drew her to Optical Solutions, Dr. Bowles replied, “The high standard of care. We have all the technology to basically do anything within our field and scope.”
Practicing here since 2014, Dr. Bowles enjoys the family environment at Optical Solutions, saying, “It’s a really great opportunity.”
In some situations, it can be a tightrope walk when family and business intersect. But at Optical Solutions, the Campbells are keeping a clear vision of the dynasty they can build as a family.
“I think combining Michal’s personality and his way of seeing optometry with my personality, is going to be really beneficial for Dad’s practice,” Kevin said.
The man who established this dynasty agrees. “They’re going to be just fine,” Michael, Sr. said. “They complement each other and want to grow. And they already have a good head start.”
And that’s what a dynasty does. It turns a good run—35 years at the forefront of optometry—into a good head start for the next generation.
For more information or to request an appointment, visit drmichaelcampbell.com.
