meet the Doctors

Optometrist

Dr. John Mills O.D.

John M. Mills, O.D. attended Coastal Carolina University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree with emphasis in Chemistry. He went on to attain the Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry where he graduated within the top ten of his class in 2004.

Dr. Mills’ clinical experience includes an externship with the Birmingham VA Hospital Optometry Clinic, as well as the Simon-Williamson Ophthalmology Clinic located within the Princeton Baptist Hospital. Dr. Mills is licensed to practice optometry in both North and South Carolina, and beginning with the year 2000 he is a proud member of both BSK, Beta Sigma Kappa National Optometric Honor Society as well as a the AOA, American Optometric Association. Dr. mills has served as the president of the waccamaw optometric society within the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association. He is a member and supporter of the South Strand Lions Club.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Dr. Mills enjoys living along the coast near family and friends. He has a beautiful wife Jennifer, whom is a dental hygienist in Surfside Beach at South Strand Dental http://www.southstranddental.com/

Dr. of Optometry

Dr. Katherine Hickman, O.D.

Katherine Hickman, O.D., from Princeton, West Virginia, graduated with two Bachelor of Science degrees from Wofford College in 2021, one with degree in Biology and the other in Art History. She then went on to attend Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated in May of 2025.

She is certified by the National Board of Optometry in Primary Care Optometry and treatment and management of ocular disease. She is an active member of the South Carolina Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Hickman is thrilled to be working at a practice as focused on patient care and hospitality as she is.

Personal information: Dr. Hickman enjoys living in Surfside Beach, with family nearby, and loves spending her weekends on the beach.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday
9:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday
9:00am - 5:00pm

Wednesday
9:00am - 5:00pm

Thursday
9:00am - 5:00pm

Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday & Sunday
Closed

Mills Vision Care

3013 Newcastle Loop
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

(843) 215-5300