Doctors & Staff
Meet the experienced and friendly doctors and staff who make Vision Plus Eye Care the leading provider of vision care products and services in Rainsville.
Dr. Martin L. Habel — CEO
Doctor Habel graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Optometry in 1978. He opened his general practice of optometry (Vision Plus Eye Care) in Rainsville, Al in Jan. 1979.
He is married to Sandra Brandon Habel formerly of Scottsboro, Al. They have 3 children: Matthew, Andrew, and Jenny Habel.
He resides in Rainsville, Al and over his lifetime has served the community as President of the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rainsville Lions Club, member of the Rainsville City Athletic Board, and Rainsville youth league baseball coach. He serves as an Elder at Grace Presbyterian Church.
He has also served the State of Alabama as President of the Alabama Board of Optometry, President of the Alabama Optometric Association, and President of the U.A.B. School of Optometry Alumni Association. He was voted by his peers as Alabama’s Best Optometrist in 1992.
Dr Habel considers his best accomplishment, aside from his family, as founding the organization S.O.S.H. (Student Optometric Services to Humanity) in 1977. This organization still exists today and has provided mission eye care to over 70,000 indigent people in Central and South America.
Dr. Matthew H. Habel — Staff Doctor
Doctor Matt graduated from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in 2002, the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Optometry in 2007, and completed a residency in Hospital Based Primary Care Optometry with an emphasis in Ocular Disease at the Tuscaloosa VA and overseen by the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Optometry in 2008.
Doctor Matt has participated in four different mission trips to Central American and Caribbean countries providing eye examinations, glasses, and eye care to the indigenous populations. He has also worked not only in private practice and in the corporate world but also served four years as a DoD employee for the Army at Fox Army Health Center as their Chief of Optometry.
Doctor Matt tries to keep the practice and its patients jovial with his comedic attitude, while striving to create a care experience that would be suitable for one of his own family members. He enjoys athletics, the outdoors, and spending time with his two children: Magda Grace and Shepherd Leo who both currently attend Plainview High School.
Sandra B. Habel — Lead Optician and Office Manager
Sandra is our office manager and lead optician. She is available to every patient to discuss any office concerns.
Sandra’s personal optical motto is: “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good!”
Sandra frames your face with 35 years of optical experience using face shape, skin tone, & the most current lens technology relative to your eyeglass prescription & lifestyle needs to produce your best look and feel in your new eyewear. Sandra enjoys playing bridge weekly, sewing, and spending time with her five grandchildren at every opportunity. She loves being a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Sheila Bell — Billing and Insurance
Sheila began her career at Vision Plus Eye Care in 1980. Shortly afterward, she completed training to become a Certified Paraoptometric Assistant. Although she has worn many hats at Vision Plus Eye Care, she now works primarily in insurance and collections. Sheila is an active member of Robertson Chapel Methodist Church. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and watching sports.
Patricia Underwood — Optician and Paraoptometric Technician
She has been in eyecare for over 40 years. She is cross-trained and eager to help wherever she is needed in the office, be it in the exam room, styling patients in the optical, or adjusting and repairing eyeglasses. Patricia also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren who tend to keep her very busy.
Jeanie Bryant — Front Desk Receptionist
Has been with us since 2016. Jeanie’s bubbly personality welcomes patrons to our office with a smile. Her efficiency in scheduling and office coordination keeps our patient’s wait times to a minimum. She brightens the atmosphere with her energy and takes pride in her hospitality to our patients.
Selena Dean — Paraoptometric Technician
My name is Selena Dean, I have been a Paraoptometric Technician for 6 years now and I am also a Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I help gather preliminary data and testing that build the foundation for a thorough eye examination process. I have a passion for optometry and how our nutrition directly correlates with ocular health.
Kylie Lowman — Paraoptometric Technician
Kylie is a Sylvania High School graduate and has been a paraoptometric technician with us since April 2023. In her role, she assists in collecting initial examination data and tests that are crucial for a comprehensive eye examination. Her pleasant attitude along with her kind-hearted nature creates a relaxed and caring environment for our patients.
Patricia Harper – Staff Accountant
Pat Harper has served as a financial accountant since 2011. When all accounts are balanced, bills are paid and employees are compensated, she resides on a small farm with hubby, Mike, along with Murphy, Earl Grey, and a herd of hairy Highland cows. She loves God, and her family and friends, and enjoys singing, cooking, traveling, and playing Bridge.