Back Row: Louanne James, Marry Ellen Ionas, Londa Hladky, Rita Tippens Front Row: Gina Cowley, Shannon Mattson, Phil Mattson

About Us

Vision Development Specialists is a group of optometrists and vision therapists dedicated solely to the practice of professional vision therapy. Through post-graduate training, conference attendance, and participation in year-round continuing education, they are able to implement the most advanced and effective vision therapy programs available to meet the needs of both children and adults.

The professionals at Vision Development Specialists are dedicated to working with patients to improve the use of their eyes through vision therapy. Working in tandem with the optometrist husband-and-wife team of Phil and Shannon Mattson, the therapist staff has worked with both children and adults to achieve great results.

Dr. Phil Mattson, O.D. Dr. Phil attended Cedarville University in Ohio for his undergraduate studies, followed by the New England College of Optometry, where he received his Doctor of Optometry degree. He has been practicing as an optometrist since 2001.  At the 2005 national convention of the College of Optometry and Vision Development, Dr. Phil was fascinated by what he learned about the neuroscience behind modern vision therapy. He and his wife, Dr. Shannon, were drawn to the field of vision therapy because of the significant impact it has on the lives of those that suffer from developmental vision problems.	Dr. Shannon Potts Mattson, O.D. Dr. Shannon attended Mississippi College for her undergraduate program and received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2006. While in graduate school, Dr. Shannon decided to specialize in pediatrics and vision development.  She had the privilege to extern under Dr. Sharon Snider, a leading developmental optometrist in the Birmingham area, where she was inspired by the life-changing impact that vision therapy can have on children and their families.
Office Staff: Mrs. Gina Cowley, Office Manager – A school teacher by vocation, Mrs. Gina is very knowledgeable in vision development and also has had personal experience in the area.  Both of her daughters have benefited from vision therapy. Vision Therapists:  All of the therapists at Vision Development Specialists have approximately 6 months of hands-on training and study with the doctors.  They are gifted teachers who are skilled in the art and science of vision therapy and are able to effectively work with patients of all ages.  The therapists and doctors attend periodic continuing education classes through the College of Optometrists in Vision Development to learn the latest techniques in quality vision therapy. Mrs. Mary Ellen Ionas – A former educator, Mrs. Mary Ellen taught English as a second language to pre-kindergarten through adult students for over 15 years in Greece. She has also helped patients in numerous health care settings across the United States. Mrs. Rita Tippens – For two decades she has worked with many special needs children and adults, including those with autism, serving previously as the administrator of the Three Springs therapy facility in Huntsville. Her work with special needs individuals was recognized with being named the 2006 Humanitarian of the Year for Madison County. Mrs. Londa Hladky – Having served as a high school teacher as well as a tutor, she has worked with children of all ages both in classroom and one-on-one settings.  Mrs. Londa also served as the Child Care Coordinator in her church for more than ten years.