Doctors & Staff
Meet the experienced and friendly doctors and staff who make Southlake Optometry Group the leading provider of vision care products and services in Hoover.
Tracey L. Mercer, OD
Dr. Tracey Mercer is a native of Demopolis, Alabama. She received her BS degree from the University of South Alabama in 1995. Since her graduation from UAB Optometry School in 1999, she has been in private practice optometry in North Shelby County. Dr. Mercer opened her own office in January 2015 in the Hoover area. She enjoys seeing patients from infancy to seniors.
When she is not at work, Dr. Mercer enjoys spending time with her husband Robert and two children. She is active in her church at Asbury United Methodist as well as supporting the schools and their activities.
Women of Hoover Dr. Tracey Mercer from Tracey Mercer on Vimeo.
Natalie Simons, OD
Originally from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Dr. Natalie Simons is a dedicated optometrist with a passion for providing comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she also went on to complete her Doctor of Optometry degree.
Following optometry school, Dr. Simons pursued advanced training through a residency at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center and the Moran Eye Center. There, she specialized in primary eye care and custom contact lens fitting, gaining extensive experience managing complex cases, including patients with keratoconus and other corneal irregularities.
Dr. Simons is especially passionate about helping patients who require specialty contact lenses, while also providing routine eye care to individuals and families. She welcomes new patients, from infants to seniors, and is committed to making every visit a comfortable, personalized experience.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Simons enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, McColl, and their dog, Ferb. Specifically, they love hiking together at Moss Rock near their house in Bluff Park. The couple loves traveling, exploring new places, and cooking homemade meals together from their garden. They are active members of Mountaintop Community Church in Vestavia Hills, where Dr. Simons has attended since birth. Together, they volunteer in worship and student ministries, serving their community with joy and dedication.
You will know this office is different from the moment you walk through the door. The smiling faces that greet you and the relaxed atmosphere are a welcome change to the sterility found in most offices.
Connie Gleason
Connie Gleason is an eyewear stylist/ optician with 30 years experience in the industry. Connie’s mantra is that every patient deserves to see their best and look their best. her goal is to make every patient’s experience fun, informative and fulfilling. Make no mistake, her enthusiasm is real and her passion is genuine.
Kendall Carter
Kendall is one of the voices you will hear helping you through scheduling, insurance information and checking out at times. Kendall is currently pursuing a degree in Radiation Technology.