About Eye Center South
The History Of Eye Center South
In 1980, Drs. Marnix Heersink and John Fortin established an ophthalmology practice in downtown Dothan. Quickly outgrowing their initial location, they relocated to the intersection of Ross Clark Circle and Fortner Street, where Eye Center South stands today. Over the years, the original building has undergone numerous renovations, expansions, and additions, evolving into the bustling Health Center South campus, housing various thriving businesses.
Eye Center South serves as the cornerstone of the campus, alongside Surgery Center South and The Medical Tower, which accommodates Vision Center South, the Optometric Division of Eye Center South. Meticulous planning and design have shaped our campus, offering comprehensive general eyecare and pioneering surgical treatments at Alabama’s premier Outpatient Surgical Center.
Originally erected in 1974, the current Eye Center South building attracted Drs. Heersink and Fortin in 1982 due to its strategic position between Dothan’s two hospitals. By 1984, the addition of an outpatient surgery center, then named Eye Surgery Center, solidified the facility’s role as Surgery Center South.
From its modest inception with two operating rooms in 1984, Surgery Center South has flourished into a state-of-the-art facility boasting twelve fully equipped operating rooms, two procedure rooms, and ample space for future endeavors.
In 2006, Hearing Center South joined the roster of services offered by Eye Center South, enabling patients to address both their eye and hearing needs in one convenient location.
The distinguished Dutch-inspired architecture of Health Center South pays homage to Dr. Heersink’s Dutch heritage, earning it the affectionate moniker “The Castle” among locals and visitors travelling along Ross Clark Circle.
Eye Center South’s commitment to exceptional eyecare extends beyond Dothan, with expansions into communities across the Southeast since 1985. Presently, Eye Center South proudly operates six locations, spanning from central Alabama to the Florida panhandle.
