PRESS RELEASE: GREAT LAKES EYE CARE WELCOMES TWO DOCTORS: ??DR. JENNA STODDARD (OD) AND DR. ALEX STODDARD (MD)

Media Contact:

Alex Gaytán

Practice Development Coordinator

agaytan@greateyecare.com

269-428-3300 Ext. 266

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 2, 2026

SAINT JOSEPH, MI — Great Lakes Eye Care is proud to announce the addition of two new doctors. Dr. Jenna Stoddard, OD, and Dr. Alex Stoddard, MD, to their team of dedicated eye care professionals. 

Dr. Jenna Stoddard was born and raised in West Michigan. She graduated with honors from Calvin University: majoring in Biology and minoring in Public Health. As an undergraduate student, she cultivated her passion for eye care by working as a technician for a renowned LASIK surgeon and through research on antioxidants for use in dry eye treatment. 

She continued her education at Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. In addition to graduating cum laude, she continued pursuing her research interests in refractive surgery.

Following optometry school, she finished her ocular disease residency at the Baltimore VA Medical Center in Maryland. Residency is an optional year of continued education and experience that only 1 in 4 optometrists achieve. During her residency, she acquired extensive experience in treating ocular pathology including: dry eye, glaucoma, and co-managing surgical cases. She also studied under top eyecare specialists in Baltimore including some at the world renowned Johns Hopkins. After completing residency, she obtained her fellowship at the American Academy of Optometry. Becoming a fellow involves rigorous clinical and educational competencies. It is a designation achieved by less than 10% of optometrists in the United States. 

While her husband, Dr. Alex Stoddard, completed his military service, she worked at private practices in North Carolina and Northern Virginia for 7 years. She and her husband recently moved back to Michigan with their two children, Anne and Calvin. She is interested in permaculture gardening, learning to play golf, and sewing. She is looking forward to serving the St. Joseph and Niles communities. 

Dr. Alex Stoddard is a comprehensive ophthalmologist with a special interest in cataract and refractive surgery. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dr. Stoddard graduated from Canterbury High School before attending Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he earned a B.S. in Biology. While at Calvin, he conducted research on corneal epithelial cells and met his wife, Jenna.

Dr. Stoddard completed his M.S. in Medical Physiology and earned his M.D. at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. He then completed his internship and residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he served as chief resident during his final year. Most recently, he served as Chief of Ophthalmology at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. At Womack, he performed cataract, LASIK, PRK, and ICL surgeries for service members, including those in the 82nd Airborne and Special Operations Command.

Outside of his professional practice, Dr. Stoddard enjoys golf, hockey, and gardening. He lives in St. Joseph with his wife, Jenna, and their two children, Anne and Calvin.

For more information, visit www.greateyecare.com

About Great Lakes Eye Care

Founded in 1987, Great Lakes Eye Care provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and preventive eye care to the communities of Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana. With a team of six ophthalmologists and five optometrists, the practice is supported by a highly trained staff committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care. Great Lakes Eye Care operates modern facilities in St. Joseph, Niles, and South Haven, Michigan, with a satellite office in Mishawaka, Indiana.

In addition to offering a full-service optical department, the practice is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology. Great Lakes Eye Care is also deeply committed to service beyond the exam room—both locally and globally. Through partnerships with Vision Outreach International, its doctors and staff regularly volunteer their time to deliver eye care in underserved regions around the world.

About the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber: The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is a non-profit business advocacy and collective-impact organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Established in 1954, the Chamber works to strengthen regional assets, advocate for regional priorities, and cultivate an economic ecosystem that prepares the region for future opportunities.

Connect with us

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber

811 Ship St., Ste. 303, St. Joseph MI 49085

269-932-4042 | info@smrchamber.com | www.smrchamber.com