Our Team

Leigh Kimball, OD, joined Dr. Blount’s practice in 1996. She was born and raised in the piney woods outside of Jasper, Texas. Dr. Kimball received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1989. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 1993, she practiced in Austin for three years before coming to Beaumont to be closer to home and family. Over her 25 year career in Beaumont, she has had the opportunity to see many of her patients grow up, and is now treating some of their children, while still taking care of the parents and grandparents. At TSO, we are truly a family practice. Dr. Kimball has two children: David and Sophie. Her time away from the office is primarily spent with her kids and dog, Roux. She is also the proud mom of 10 “kids” as she is an amateur fainting goat farmer. She has recently started training for bee-keeping, so keep her in your prayers. When time allows, she enjoys traveling or  just relaxing and enjoying the company of friends and family.

Samir Patel, O.D. has been practicing optometry since 2008. He is a therapeutically licensed optometric glaucoma specialist. He is passionate about myopia management and is currently leading four clinical trials.  Born in Houston and raised in Fannett and Houston, he is a 2004 graduate of Texas A&M, with a degree in biomedical science. He studied at the University of Houston College of Optometry where he received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 2008. Dr. Patel practices full scope medical optometry, including primary care and contact lenses, but he is especially interested in pediatric optometry. Dr. Patel is one of a very few doctors in the area who fit specialty scleral lenses for patients with diseased or scarred corneas. He enjoys meeting new people, getting to know his patients, and helping improve their lives by meeting their vision care needs. When not in the office, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with his wife, Dipali, their daughter, Anaya and son, Shaan. He is also an avid fantasy football player, sports fan, and a diehard Texas Aggie.

Joshua Rhodes, O.D. is a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry. He is a therapeutically licensed optometric glaucoma specialist. He was born and raised in Vidor, Texas, and received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Lamar University in 2012 before continuing his education. As a therapeutic glaucoma specialist, Dr. Rhodes is excited to be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular conditions, including glaucoma. Dr. Rhodes is especially interested in the fitting of scleral contact lenses for patients with atypical corneas, such as kerataconic or post-refractive surgery patients. Dr. Rhodes and his wife Heather have three children: Grace, Beau, and Beckham. Whenever he is not working, he enjoys playing guitar and singing at his local church, and can usually be found outdoors enjoying activities with his family.

Dr. Brian Blount is a 1980 graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry. He was born and raised in Gulfport, Mississippi, but he has been a Texan since graduating from the University of Houston. He is a past President of the Texas Optometric Association,. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association and a diplomate in the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Blount is a family practice optometrist who is licensed to practice therapeutic and glaucoma specialties. While he may be best remembered for his sense of humor and his fun-filled nature, he has practiced optometry in the most technologically advanced manner possible since receiving his license in 1981. His wonderful chair-side manner is equally matched by his clinical skills. Dr. Blount and his wife, Rose, have two grown children and two grandchildren. He is an avid audiophile; in his spare time, he enjoys playing keyboards and listening to music on his one-of-a-kind sound system. 

Gurpartap Dhillon, O.D. is a board-certified therapeutic optometrist and an optometric glaucoma specialist. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2022. Born in Kolkata, India, he has been a Texan since 2007. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in General Biology from Baylor University in 2016 before continuing his optometric education. Dr. Dhillon practices full-scope medical optometry. In addition to improving vision using glasses and contact lenses, he is proficient in the diagnosis, treatment and management of various ocular injuries as well as diseases, including Diabetes and Glaucoma. His special field of interest is dry eyes. He enjoys incorporating multiple treatment options to create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Dr. Dhillon is a member of the Beta Kappa Sigma International Optometric Honor Society, Texas Optometry Association, American Optometric Association, and Contact Lens & Cornea Section. Dr. Dhillon's favorite part of being an optometrist is talking with and getting to know his patients every day. When he is not treating patients, he enjoys working out, hosting game nights, and spending time with friends and family.