Dr. Surratt was born and raised in Rock Hill, SC, receiving his Bachelor of Science in genetics from Clemson University in 2009. Dr. Surratt attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry and earned his doctorate in 2013. His internship was at the University of Alabama School of Optometry where he saw patients in primary care, pediatric, binocular vision, cornea, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation and ocular diseases. While there, he screened approximately 1,000 pediatric and geriatric patients for community vision services and low vision patients from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.
Dr. Surratt was awarded the United States Air Force Health Professions Scholarship while attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He earned his laser certification, and injections and minor surgical procedures certification during this time as well.
After graduating from UAB, Dr. Surratt relocated to Colorado in 2013 to become an optometrist for the United States Air Force, USAF Academy, spending extensive time in both the Medical Group and Cadet optometry clinics. Dr. Surratt managed cataracts, glaucoma, post-refractive surgery patients, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments and dry eye in the arid Colorado climate.
As the Element Chief of the Cadet Clinic, Dr. Surratt performed Initial Flying Class Physicals on over 1,000 cadets and managed aeromedical cases relating to defective stereo and color vision. Dr. Surratt continued on to the optometry concussion clinic where he examined injured NCAA student athletes and coordinated their vision therapy, resulting in an expedited return to playing action.
On the weekends, Dr. Surratt worked at Rocky Mountain Eye Care in Colorado Springs, gaining experience with cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes. In 2015 Dr. Surratt was awarded Company Grade Officer of the Quarter for Squadron from the Air Force.
