Now retired, Dr. Hayes is a graduate of Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. Jerry’s practice in Vicksburg, MS was named in the ‘Top Two Percent’ nationwide, and he left practice after thirteen years to start several eyecare related businesses. This included Hayes Marketing, Inc, HMI Buying Group and Prima Eye Group, all of which were sold to Private Equity firms.
In addition to many community activities and senior leadership roles in the Mississippi Optometric Association, Dr. Hayes served an eight-year term on the Board of Trustees at Southern College and received SCO’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. He remains active with his Alma Mater through The Hayes Center For Practice Excellence based at SCO. A seasonal resident for 22 years in the Highlands Cashiers area, Cris and Jerry have two children and four grandchildren and spend their winters in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
