Meet the Doctors

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

“I’ve worked and studied hard to get to where I am today. My education is ongoing, because I want to make sure I can offer my patients the best vision care possible. In the field of eyecare there are new developments daily. In light of this, I regularly attend continuing education courses, to keep current in the latest procedures and treatments in ophthalmology.”

B.S., University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Magna Cum Laude, 1976

M.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1980

Internship, Marshfield Clinic, St. Joseph Hospital, 1980-81

Residency, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 1981-1984

Continuing Education, 50 hours of accredited ongoing education each year

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

“Professional group memberships are another way I work to keep current on new developments in ophthalmology. And more important, my board certification is a way my patients can be assured that I’m providing them with a level of care they can feel good about.”

Board Certified, American Academy of OphthalmologyMember, American Society of Cataract and Refractive SurgeryMember, American Medical AssociationMember, American Society to Prevent BlindnessMember, Michigan State Medical SocietyMember, Barry County Medical Society (Past President)Member, Michigan Ophthalmic Society

AUTHOR AND LECTURER

“To enlarge knowledge – whether it is of my peers or of the public, by word of mouth or by the written word-is a responsibility I feel obligated to fulfill because I was privileged to graduate from medical school where others taught their knowledge and experience.”

Author, Articles for Ophthalmology (professional journal)Lecturer, Numerous community lectures on diabetes, cataracts, and glaucoma“If you know of any group or organization that would like to have me come and speak about any of these, or other eye related topics please feel free to let the staff or myself know and I will be happy to make arrangements to make a presentation.”

SERVING HIS COMMUNITY

“We do not live on an island, isolated and insulated from those around us. A doctor must give as well as receive. I am proud of the effort I have made to help my fellow man.”

In his community:

Hastings Lions Club: Member 20 years, President 2 years

State Diabetic Awareness Program for Lions Club Chairman 5 years

Boy Scouts Committee Chairman 8 years, District Finance Chairman 4 years

Coordinator of Cub Scout Day Hike in Hastings, Michigan 15 years

Venture Crew Advisor 5 years

QDMA: President 4 years

Helping others abroad: travels to Honduras and El Salvador to perform surgery for individuals in need.

Dr. Harrell is an American Board of Ophthalmology board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon. He has been in practice for over twenty-five years and spent eight years in the U.S. Army on active duty. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA, and performed his medical internship at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam in Houston, TX prior to completing his residency in ophthalmology also at the Brooke Army Medical Center. Dr. Harrell originally received his undergraduate from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.

Dr. Harrell loves spending time with his family. He has two daughters. Emily is teaching third grade in Borculo, MI and Keira is a high school student. His wife Susan is teaching at Ada Christian School. In his spare time David is learning Mandarin and loves to play racquetball. He also enjoys running, kayaking, and reading.

Dr. Weller received his Bachelors of Science in Sports Science from the University of West Florida in 1999. He graduated with his Optometry degree from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2006. Dr. Weller has worked in both a private practice and chain locations practices in the Kalamazoo area. He is happy being back in private practice care with the AEP team and mainly works out of our Hastings location.

Dr. Weller has extensive experience in contact lenses, including multifocals, bifocals and monovision. He is a 2 time Above and Beyond Award Recipient, and has participated or been a member of: Optometry Student Government, Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, a Mission Trip to Nigeria 2003 for Evangelism and Eye Care, Vision Awareness Month Participant, and Special Olympics Vision Care Participant

Dr. Weller has lived in the Portage area since 2008 before moving back to Hastings. He has two middle school aged daughters. He enjoys family time, being outdoors, sports, hunting, fishing, and anything that involves a DIY remodel.

Dr. Weller enjoys helping the vision care needs of the Hastings area and surrounding communities.

Dr. Sam McNeill graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vision Science in 2020, and more recently with his Doctorate of Optometry from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2023, graduating with honors.

During his years of school, Dr. McNeill received training in a variety of clinical experiences. He completed an optometric externship at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center, receiving training in management of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and pre and post-operative patient care. He also was trained in a variety of contact lenses and anterior segment disease management at Eglin Air Force Base in Walton Beach, Florida, and Normandy Optical in the Detroit area. While a student, he was involved with mission trips to provide eyecare to Dominica with the Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) organization, and was treasurer for the Michigan College of Optometry chapter.

Dr. McNeill graduated from Lakewood High School in 2016 and is glad to be working within the community he grew up in. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with his family.