Meet Our Team

Dr. Simmons is the proud owner of Griswold Eye Care. She purchased the practice from Dr. Zuckerbraun January 1st, 2022. Dr. Simmons grew up in Griswold and now lives in Voluntown with her husband Mark and their dog Lexi. She went to Western New England University in Springfield, MA for undergraduate and New England College of Optometry in Boston for Optometry school. Dr. Simmons did her clinical training as an optometrist around the Boston area. She trained at the West Roxbury VA, South End Community Health Center, Boston University Eye Associates, and various other locations. She then worked at Optometric Associates in Waterford, CT. She specializes in primary care optometry, contact lenses, and other medical conditions of the eye. Dr. Zuckerbraun was her mentor throughout the process of applying to schools, deciding clinical rotations, and is a large part of her journey to become an Optometrist. She is thrilled to continue his legacy of family friendly eye care for Jewett City and the surrounding areas. 

Chelsea has been in the optical field since 2011 traveling from the greater Hartford area to the shoreline. From working behind the scenes in multiple labs making glasses, assisting doctors as an Optometric Tech and helping patients on the floor selling glasses she has really done it all. She loves uncovering patients needs and helping them find the perfect pair of glasses that fits their personality! She currently resides in Niantic with her husband, daughter Ava and two dogs Mookie and Bentley.

Vanessa is an experienced professional who brings more than 15 years of medical administrative experience to her role as office manager. She wishes to inspire others with their infectious enthusiasm, passion, and zeal to make things work and succeed. She resides in Bozrah with her husband, son, and daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys her flower gardens and frequent trips to the beach with her family.

Madison comes to us from a past in the restaurant industry. Her outstanding customer service skills and ability to relate to patients makes her the perfect person to greet you as you come into the office! In her free time she loves to spend it outside with her dog.

Dr. Joel Zuckerbraun grew up in the town of Preston graduating from the Norwich Free Academy in 1974.  He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Clark University in 1978 and his doctorate in optometry from the New England College of Optometry in 1982. In addition he trained at the Veteran’s Administration Outpatient Clinic in Boston and the Imogene Basset Hospital in Cooperstown New York.   Dr. Zuckerbraun has been in practice in Jewett City for over 38 years having first partnered with his father Dr. Leonard Zuckerbraun.

Dr. Zuckerbraun is a member of the Connecticut Association of Optometrists and the American Optometric Association.  He holds  advanced practice certification which allows him to provide eyecare at the highest professional level.

Dr. Zuckerbraun is very involved with the Lions Clubs organization having provided many vision screenings with them over the years.

Dr. Zuckerbraun resides in Waterford with his wife Cindy and their dog Bandit.