Erica S. Ballard, OD

I grew up in Manchester in Clay County in the southeast region of Kentucky. I attended Eastern Kentucky University and obtained a BS in pre-medical biology before setting off to Birmingham, Alabama for optometry school at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Optometry. After living in the big cities of Birmingham and Lexington (and Richmond was pretty big to me too!) I now live in Georgetown, KY with my husband.

Personal Statement

Growing up in Appalachia, I've always had a strong desire to serve others, especially those in the community I grew up in and around. Whether it's the middle school kid trying to see the board at school or the sweet grandmother struggling to thread her embroidery needle, our vision plays a huge role in everything that we do. Optometry, both in the Primary Eye Care and Low Vision clinics, has been an awesome way to meet people where they are and treat the whole person, not just a pair of eyes. I love getting to treat common (and not-so-common) eye conditions and supporting my patients through all phases of their ocular and systemic health. I hope to provide the small-town feeling of friendliness and support even in a busy setting like UK.

Outside of eyes, I love live music and vinyl record collecting and have been known to travel quite a distance for a good show. I love my mountains, my family, and my Kentucky Wildcats (with an honorable mention for my EKU Colonels and UAB Blazers). Food is also important to me, whether it's the dishes I cook with my husband at home, the variety of the Lexington and Georgetown food scene, or the hearty meals my family make when I return home to Clay County.

Faculty Rank