A distinguished fellowship of African American optometrists, united to advance excellence, empower practices, and uplift communities through vision and leadership.
The Ebony Eagles are a distinguished and influential network of African American Doctors of Optometry, united by a shared vision to advance excellence in both patient care and practice ownership. This organization was founded on the belief that representation, collaboration, and mutual support are essential for long-term success—not only for each individual practice, but for the broader communities we serve.
At the heart of our mission is the commitment to private practice ownership—to not only sustain but to elevate minority-owned optometric practices in an increasingly competitive healthcare environment.
We recognize that ownership is more than a business venture; it is a profound act of leadership, legacy-building, and empowerment. By striving to create thriving, profitable, and respected practices, Ebony Eagles ensure that quality eye care is delivered with cultural understanding, clinical expertise, and deep community impact.
We recognize that ownership is more than a business venture; it is a profound act of leadership, legacy-building, and empowerment. By striving to create thriving, profitable, and respected practices, Ebony Eagles ensure that quality eye care is delivered with cultural understanding, clinical expertise, and deep community impact.
Every Ebony Eagle is guided by an unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care, delivering the highest clinical standards with compassion and innovation. At the same time, members are equally committed to ensuring the profitability and sustainability of their practices, understanding that financial strength is what enables reinvestment into advanced technologies, staff development, and expanded services for patients.
Ultimately, the Ebony Eagles embody what it means to be not only exceptional doctors but also visionary entrepreneurs, respected community leaders, and advocates for health equity. Each member strives to build a distinguished optometric clinic within his or her community—practices that stand as beacons of excellence, pride, and possibility for the next generation of minority healthcare professionals.
At the heart of our mission is the commitment to private practice ownership—to not only sustain but to elevate minority-owned optometric practices in an increasingly competitive healthcare environment.
We recognize that ownership is more than a business venture; it is a profound act of leadership, legacy-building, and empowerment. By striving to create thriving, profitable, and respected practices, Ebony Eagles ensure that quality eye care is delivered with cultural understanding, clinical expertise, and deep community impact.
We recognize that ownership is more than a business venture; it is a profound act of leadership, legacy-building, and empowerment. By striving to create thriving, profitable, and respected practices, Ebony Eagles ensure that quality eye care is delivered with cultural understanding, clinical expertise, and deep community impact.
Every Ebony Eagle is guided by an unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care, delivering the highest clinical standards with compassion and innovation. At the same time, members are equally committed to ensuring the profitability and sustainability of their practices, understanding that financial strength is what enables reinvestment into advanced technologies, staff development, and expanded services for patients.
Ultimately, the Ebony Eagles embody what it means to be not only exceptional doctors but also visionary entrepreneurs, respected community leaders, and advocates for health equity. Each member strives to build a distinguished optometric clinic within his or her community—practices that stand as beacons of excellence, pride, and possibility for the next generation of minority healthcare professionals.
The Ebony Eagles organization was founded in 2008 by Dr. Paula Newsome, in recognition of the stresses and lack of resources available to minority-owned practices and in honor of a dear friend and classmate who had passed away.
The very first meeting was held in Charlotte, NC, at Dr. Newsome’s office, with ten trailblazing attendees (names in alphabetical order):
Openly discussing what’s working and what’s not in private practice.
Providing a trusted space for mentorship, accountability, and encouragement.
Strengthening members through access to exclusive resources, vendor partnerships, and collective wisdom.
Gathering twice a year to engage, learn, and recharge.
Leveraging strong relationships to unlock unique opportunities and deals for members.
Offering an environment of honesty, respect, and professional kinship for Black optometrists nationwide.
