PROFESSIONALS

Dr. Sylvia L. Jones, OD, MS

Optometrist

Divine Family Eyecare

Dr. Sylvia Jones was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She is an optometrist and owner of Divine Family Eyecare. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The Ohio State University. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry with a dual degree, Doctor of Optometry and Masters of Vision Science.

She is nationally renowned for her master’s work. Her groundbreaking research surveyed primary care physicians as well as practicing optometrist who care for diabetic patients. From this research she was able to develop a tool that improved the accuracy of communication, across the diabetic patient’s health care team. This form was officially adopted by the American Optometric Association in 2006. This tool is still in use today and has been used across the country to improve and save the vision of thousands of diabetic patients.

Dr. Jones is the founder of Violet Eyewear, the World’s 1st Social Selling Eyewear Company. Her innovation is helping to unlock the $140B optical industry, allowing women and people of color to own their own eyewear business for less than the cost of one pair of glasses. She is known as “The Queen of Vision,” an international motivational speaker, helping others clarify the vision God has for their life. She is a bestselling author and leader of the Millionaire Faith Movement. A movement designed to help Christian Entrepreneurs grow their businesses and prosper using kingdom principles.

Dr. Jones is happily married to her husband of almost 20 years, Demetrius Jones. She has 3 beautiful daughters, Lily, Jasmine, and Iris. In her spare time, she enjoys home decorating, attending church, and making Tik Toks- please follow.

Dr. Heather R. Bowen-Jones, OD

Optometrist

Divine Family Eyecare

Dr. Heather Bowen-Jones was born and raised in Quincy, Illinois. A graduate of Illinois State University, she majored in Chemistry & Biochemistry Molecular Biology. Dr. Bowen-Jones was fortunate to study Mix Metal Catalysis with mentor Dr. Lisa F. Szczepura.

Dr. Bowen-Jones completed an ocular disease residency at the Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Administration & Chillicothe Veterans Administration. In addition, spent a year teaching at the The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

Dr. Bowen-Jones sees a variety of patients at multiple locations with varying conditions, which often cultivates curiosity and fosters further exploration within ocular disease. Dr. Bowen-Jones continues to enhance her skills by attending numerous conferences and seminars around the country

Dr. Portia J. Bell Dentist

Dentistry may be considered an odd aspiration for a 14-year-old girl from East Saint Louis, Illinois, but the future Dr. Portia J. Bell has always had a vision of service and smiles. Setting her sights on education, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Science from Indiana State University in 1980 and later moved to Columbus, Ohio. She then graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1984, being only the eighth Black woman to do so in the program’s long history. Keeping to her vision, in 1987 Dr. Bell opened her general dental practice in Northeast Columbus and has enjoyed nearly 40 years of providing dental services to the Greater Columbus community.

As the daughter of a high school principal, education and betterment have always been imperative. Whatever she set her mind to, she was encouraged to go as high as she could and bring her people with her. “We often don’t consider the impact the health of our mouths has on our total body health”, she said. “My desire is to change that way of thinking.”

Since its opening, Portia J. Bell, D.D.S. Inc., has provided health-centered comprehensive dental care in an atmosphere that encourages awareness and growth. As both an entrepreneur and a Dentist, Dr. Bell has had her share of long nights, but being an example for those with similar passions has continued to inspire. Her office frequently supports young aspiring Dental professionals by keeping her doors open for shadowing opportunities and internships. Her commitment to the dental profession has included serving on the advisory board for the Fort Hayes Career Center Dental Assisting program, the Columbus State Community College Dental Hygiene Advisory Board, and the National Dental Association’s House of Delegates.

Dr. Portia J. Bell’s dedication to service and smiles extends to volunteer work as well. Her practice frequently joins with the Greater Columbus community through health fairs, workshops, and other speaking events. In 2018 Dr. Bell introduced the Children’s Oral Health Institute’s “Lessons in a Lunchbox” pediatric program to Columbus Public Schools and continues to support the African American Male Wellness Walk annually!

The phenomenal patient base Dr. Bell has cultivated over her long career speaks to the quality of her care. “The most fulfilling part of practicing dentistry for me has always been the people. I love hearing their stories, the latest news about their children, lending an ear during difficult times, and celebrating their accomplishments! Watching patients grow from childhood to adulthood, then seeing their children as patients, has been an extraordinary experience. I am honored that they choose me to provide their dental care.”

Dr. William J. Hicks

Retired

Dr. William J. Hicks has been a physician in the Columbus community for over 35 years within the specialty of oncology/hematology. His impact on patients within the black community of Columbus is legendary; words fail to describe the profound reverberations his bedside manner continues to have on the lives of all the patients and families who witnessed his exceptional medical care.

Dr. Hicks owned and operated his own private medical practice at Grant Medical Center for 23 years before being recruited to The Ohio State University, James Cancer Hospital as Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine, Co-Director Diversity Enhancement and Director of Outreach Services. Following the implementation of the Diversity Enhancement Program, minority participation in Clinical Trials increased by 40%. Dr. Hicks retired from The Ohio State University in 2013 and continued to provide occasional clinical services several years thereafter.

Dr. William J. Hicks II Co-Director

Ohio Health, Riverside Methodist Hospital Stroke Center

William J. Hicks II, MD (“B.J.”), is a neurologist specializing in vascular neurology. As a vascular neurologist, Dr. Hicks specializes in conditions of the cerebrovascular system, namely ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. His main areas of interest include rapid access to acute stroke rescue therapies and clinical trials. Dr. Hicks serves as the Co-Director of the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center. He’s been a key leader for OhioHealth’s “StrokeNetwork”, bringing stroke expertise to the bedside of roughly 30 Hospitals and Emergency Rooms throughout Ohio. In addition, his groundbreaking work as the OhioHealth Physician Lead of Columbus’ Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit has helped usher in a unique stroke treatment to the city. Considering these and other accolades during his years at Riverside, he currently serves as President of the Medical Staff for a 2-year term ending in 2024.

In addition to his clinical role at OhioHealth, Dr. Hicks is an active member in the Central Ohio medical community. He was recently the President of the Columbus American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), marking the first time a Neurologist had served in that role. He is now the President of the Board of Directors for the 13 state Midwest Region Affiliate of the AHA/ASA, one of their 5 regional boards in the United States. Dr. Hicks also pours his passion into clinical research and volunteering for equitable health related public service. As a result of his work, he’s been awarded Columbus Business Firsts’ “40 Under 40”, along with the inaugural class of Columbus CEO’s “Future 50”. He’s also a Board member for OhioHealth and a member of the Board of Governors on behalf of The Columbus Foundation.

Aside from work, Dr. Hicks enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, extended family in the area, and his faithful German Shepherd.