Dr. Robert Penland grew up in nearby Watkinsville.  He attended the University of Georgia where he graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry in 1996.  In 2001 he completed his doctorate of optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.   He enjoys geocaching, travel, and board gaming in his spare time. Dr. Penland and his wife Heather have three children Robert, Andy, and Emily. They reside in Watkinsville.