Meet the Optometrists
Shane E. Ford, O.D.
Dr. Shane Ford is a native Arkansan who grew up in the small communities of St. James and Sulphur Rock. Mentorship from an educator in high school first sparked his interest in the field of optometry. He went on to earn his B.S. in Biology from Lyon College before graduating cum laude from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 2000.
Following graduation, Dr. Ford launched his professional career by revitalizing established optometric practices, by modernizing facilities, enhancing patient experiences, and focusing on high-quality care. As the clinics grew, Dr. Ford and the other doctors have developed the practice into a three-location eye care group with seven exceptional optometrists serving patients across the region.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ford has also been deeply involved in advancing the profession of optometry statewide. He has served as President of the Arkansas Optometric Association and as Vice-President of the Arkansas State Board of Optometry. His leadership and service have been recognized with the Arkansas Young Optometrist of the Year Award and the Special Service Award for contributions to the field.
Dr. Ford believes strongly in giving back. He volunteers his time through national programs including InfantSEE, VisionUSA, the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, and various local community service organizations, such as Bethlehem House, that help ensure access to eye care for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Ford values family time and the outdoors. He and his wife, Monique, share a blended family of five amazing children—Olivia, Ella, Peyten, Alex, and Zoe. He enjoys traveling, working out, hiking, and fishing, and he feels blessed to care for his family’s ranch and cabin, a place that has been part of his family’s story since the 1800s.
Eric M. Robbins, O.D.
Born in Sacramento, California, Dr. Eric Robbins has proudly called Arkansas home since the age of five. Raised in Fayetteville, he was deeply involved in his school and community, excelling both academically and athletically. He earned All-State honors, was recognized as a scholar-athlete, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout—reflecting his strong foundation in discipline, service, and leadership.
Dr. Robbins attended the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), where he continued to thrive as a student-athlete and campus leader. He served as fraternity president and participated in student government, all while earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology. These formative years helped shape his passion for service and his commitment to excellence.
Dr. Robbins received his professional training at the Southern College of Optometry. There, he cultivated a deep understanding of both the medical and clinical aspects of eye care. He is passionate about all facets of optometry—from routine eye exams to complex medical and surgical care—offering comprehensive services tailored to every patient’s needs.
Dr. Robbins has been married to his college sweetheart, Holly, since 1998. They have two sons, Luke and Zack, and enjoy spending time together exploring the beauty of the outdoors. Whether it’s floating the Ozark streams in search of smallmouth bass or hiking national parks out west, the Robbins family cherishes every adventure. At home in Conway, Arkansas, Dr. Robbins is an active member of Summit Baptist Church, where his faith plays a central role in his life.
From his early achievements to his current practice, Dr. Eric Robbins is dedicated to serving others. Whether he’s caring for patients, mentoring future professionals, or enjoying life with his family, Dr. Robbins brings integrity, compassion, and excellence to all he does.
R. Hunter Scaife, O.D.
Dr. Scaife is a proud native of eastern Arkansas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Arkansas in 1995, followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 2000.
As a board-certified Optometric Physician, Dr. Scaife is a dedicated member of both the American Optometric Association and the Arkansas Optometric Association. With over a decade of experience serving the Conway community, he is passionate about providing quality eye care and building lasting relationships with his patients.
Dr. Scaife and his wife, Metra, are the proud parents of three children—Marlee, Lyndee, and John Hunter. Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his family and giving back to the community he calls home.
Airiell Schwab, O.D.
Dr. Airiell Schwab is a proud Arkansas native and graduate of Cabot High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lyon College in 2002, followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in 2006. Since then, she has been dedicated to providing exceptional eye care to patients across central Arkansas and joined Arkansas Eye Care Group in 2018.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Schwab serves as the Clinical Director for Special Olympics Opening Eyes Arkansas. Her dedication to this role earned her the Special Service Award from the Arkansas Optometric Association, recognizing her commitment to inclusive vision care.
Dr. Schwab and her husband, George, enjoy an active family life with their two daughters, Thea and Ruby. On weekends, you’ll often find them at a soccer game, biking or running the Tucker Creek Trail, exploring Arkansas on road trips, camping, or tending their home garden.
Maci Papera, O.D.
Dr. Maci Papera is a dedicated optometric physician who has provided full-scope optometric care, specializing in ocular disease management, pediatric eye care, contact lenses, and comprehensive vision examinations.
A Conway native and graduate of Conway Christian School, Dr. Papera went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from Ouachita Baptist University where she graduated magna cum laude. She then attended Southern College of Optometry where she graduated summa cum laude in 2020 and was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society.
Deeply committed to community service, Dr. Papera has been involved in several optometric outreach mission projects including Project Homeless Connect, Mission of Sight in Jamaica, Eye Spy at the Zoo, and Fellowship of Christian Optometrists.
Dr. Papera is an active member of the Arkansas Optometric Association, serves on the Convention Committee and has been instrumental in supporting Arkansas Act 579, expanding the scope of optometric practice. She is also affiliated with the American Optometric Association, the American Optometric Student Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists.
In her spare time, Dr. Papera enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, and her daughter, Reid.
Bryan Scott Koontz, O.D.
Dr. Bryan Scott Koontz joined Arkansas Eye Care Group in 2025, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in medical optometry. A native of Morrilton, Arkansas, Dr. Koontz earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Central Arkansas in 1995. He went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry degree, graduating magna cum laude from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 1999.
Throughout his career, Dr. Koontz has worked in an ophthalmology setting with a strong focus on medical eye care. He has extensive experience in managing ocular injuries, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and contact lens-related complications. He also enjoys working with children of all ages and takes pride in making their eye care visits comfortable and effective.
Dr. Koontz is a member of both the American Optometric Association and the Arkansas Optometric Association. He is also a former president of the Morrilton Lions Club and currently serves as an auxiliary member of the Conway Noon Lions Club.
Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Koontz is dedicated to helping his patients not only see better but feel better. He values building long-term relationships with patients and their families.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Koontz is an avid golfer who enjoys traveling to play new courses. During the winter months, he spends time in the deer and duck woods or cheering on the Razorbacks with his family. He lives in Morrilton and is the proud father of three children and a grandfather to one.
Alex Foree, O.D.
Dr. Alex Foree is a proud Arkansas native committed to delivering the highest quality of care to his patients and community. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2025. While at NSUOCO, he was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society and participated in organizations such as AOSA, SVOSH, and the Practice Management Club. He also worked alongside Dr. Nate Lighthizer on research focused on selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and volunteered at events like the Heart of America Conference and Five State Symposium.
Dr. Foree received the Outstanding Clinical Excellence Award for his dedication to exceptional patient care and clinical skills. He holds active optometric licenses in Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Utah, and is trained in advanced laser procedures such as YAG capsulotomy and SLT for post-cataract and glaucoma management.
Before entering the field of optometry, Dr. Foree earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tulsa, where he was a member of the men’s basketball team and recognized for both his athletic and academic achievements. His engineering background gives him a unique perspective in optometry—combining precision, analytical thinking, and a passion for improving vision and quality of life.
When he’s not in the office, Dr. Foree enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active, spending time with his wife Addy and son Lachlan.