Dr. Stephen R Rice

Steve is very involved in his chosen profession as he has previously served as the President of the Greater Ozarks Optometric Society, Trustee of the Missouri Optometric Association, and Chair of the Clinical/Educational Affairs Committee, Chair of the Missouri Optometric Political Action Committee, and Board Member of the Missouri Optometric Foundation. In addition, Steve is the State Administrator for Vision Source and was recognized as the Vision Source Administrator of the Year in 2008. He was awarded the Missouri Optometric Association's highest honor in 2012 when he received the Optometrist of the Year Award. His past community involvement includes: Springfield Catholic Schools Development Board (member 1996-2000); Junior League Community Advisory Board (member 2001-2004); United Way (past Optometry Chair, Professional Division); Easter Seals (former Telethon VIP Chair); Cub Scout Den Leader and Assistant Scoutmaster; Ozark Trails Council Executive Board; Youth Baseball and Basketball Coach; and Leadership Springfield Graduate-Class VIII. He is a Past President of Springfield Southeast Rotary Club (1991-present) and he currently sits on the Springfield Southeast Rotary Endowment Committee. Steve holds membership in the American Optometric Association, Missouri Optometric Association, Greater Ozarks Optometric Society, Heart of America Contact Lens Society, and Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity (VOSH). VOSH is a volunteer group that travels to third world countries to deliver free eye care (exams, eyeglasses, and medicines). Dr. Rice has provided free eye care for patients in Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Bolivia, Honduras, and Panama. His most proud accomplishment was being honored with Rotary International's 'Service Above Self' Award. This award is Rotary's most esteemed award as it is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts on a continuing basis. There are over one million Rotarians worldwide. In addition, in 2014, he received Springfield Southeast Rotary's highest award when he was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award. His family includes his wife, Karen; his son, Kevin; his daughter-in-law, Sandy; and his daughter, Stephanie. Drs. Kevin, Sandy, and Stephanie are all optometrists and work at the Vision Clinic! To say that he is proud would be an extreme understatement. The family enjoys bike riding, snow skiing, sports, travel, and time spent together.