Dr. Michael Taft... DO, is an Alabama board certified Ophthalmologist and Osteopathic surgeon. He is the founder and president of Valley Eye, PC in Florence, AL. Dr. Taft opened the practice in Florence as South Central Ophthalmology, a solo practice, in 1989. He purposely did not include his name in the practice name in anticipation of future growth and his desire to honor subsequent partner’s integrity. His dream was to create a Vertically Integrated Eyecare Delivery System with clinical, surgical, optical, and educational services. The desire to create a Center of Excellence in Eyecare has been lovingly built over the last 18 years.
Dr. Michael O. Stutts... OD, is an Optometrist. Dr. Stutts joined Valley Eye in 1997. His primary location is at our Muscle Shoals office at 102 Physicians Dr. He also serves our patients in the Florence office two days of each month.
Dr. Stutts graduated from Hackelburg High School in 1976 in Hackelburg, AL. He attended the University of North Alabama and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1984.
Dr. Kathryn Elizabeth Thigpen... OD, is an Optometrist. She joined Valley Eye in 2003. Dr. Thigpen primarily serves our patients in our Florence office at 201 Rosa Lane. She also serves patients at the Muscle Shoals office two days each month.
Dr. Thigpen attended Samford University in Birmingham, AL and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biology in 1999. While at Samford, she received a National Merit Scholarship and a semester abroad in London, England.
Dr. Taft’s education began in 1975 at Albion College in Albion, MI. There he obtained his B.A. in Biology. He then graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with a Master of Science degree in 1979. From there he received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO in 1985. Dr. Taft worked on his post graduate training at three different facilities. He obtained his Internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, MI. He gained his first residency through Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary with The Lancaster Basic Science Course in Ophthalmology at Colby College in Boston, MA and Waterville, ME. His second residency came from Ohio University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Grandview Hospital & Medical Center in Dayton, OH. Dr. Taft’s academic affiliations have included: Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Primary Course Instructor-Introduction to Ophthalmology, and Pikeville College, School of Osteopathic Medicine from 1998 to 2001. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators, American Society for Quality Control, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology, Alabama Osteopathic Association, and the Lauderdale County Medical Society.
Dr. Taft married his wife, Mary Beth Trimble Taft, May 28, 1984. They have two beautiful children, David, born in 1992 and Lauren, born in 1997. Dr. Taft enjoys water sports, fly fishing, wilderness survival, reading, and most importantly serving his patients and GOD.
In 1988 he graduated from the University of Alabama, School of Optometry in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Stutts is a member of the Alabama Optometric Association. He and wife, Beth C. Stutts, have two children, Lauren and Nicole.
Dr. Thigpen was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa Optometry Honor Society while at the University of Alabama, School of Optometry. She completed externships with UAB Clinic Rotations, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Canton Eye Care, and Pelham Eye Care. She was a member and Vice President of SOSH (Students in Optometric Service to Humanity). With this organization, she made service trips to Peru and Guatemala. Dr. Thigpen graduated from Optometry school in 2003. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association, Alabama Optometric Association.
