About Us
Superior Optical was founded in 1990 by industry veterans Jon Jacobs and Hal Walker. Hal is a service disabled veteran that spearheaded Superior's push into providing eyewear to the VA network, and managed that process for several years before retiring.
The current management team of Superior Optical is made up of highly experienced industry professionals that are dedicated to delivering their very best to our employees and customers. Derek Bodart, our president, continues the tradition of having a veteran in leadership. As a Service Disabled Navy Veteran, Derek is "all hands on deck" when it comes to the services we provide to our veteran customers.
For status updates on your glasses or questions and concerns, please call the VA where you ordered your glasses or customer service at 800-476-2285.
Derek Bodart
President & CEO 228-875-3796Derek is a Veteran of the United States Navy where he served for a total 8 years and was recognized with a Southwest Asia Medal and National Defense Medal for serving in a wartime theatre. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and the University of South Florida where he earned a BS in Finance and MBA, respectively. Derek went on to achieve a successful career in the banking industry and as the Director and Vice President of a pharmaceutical wholesale/private label distributorship. As a Service-Disable Veteran, Derek’s primary focus at Superior is ensuring that his fellow veterans receive quality eyeglasses in a timely manner.
Tony Jones
Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer 228-875-3796Tony has enjoyed a career spanning nearly 25 years in the biotech, pharmaceutical, medical supply, and molecular diagnostics industries having held numerous sales and sales management positions. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a BS in Marketing Communications and went on to earn an MBA from the University of South Florida. Tony has led sales teams in complex therapeutic categories such as solid organ transplantation, immunology, tissue engineering, and vaccines. At Superior he is focused on providing the VA and its patients with eyewear that utilizes the most advanced products made with the latest technologies available in the optical industry.
Braxton Walley
National Director Dispensary Services 228-875-3796With over 30 years of optical industry experience, Braxton is an asset to all his clients. With 15 years as an Optician, In-House Lab Manager, and Optical Practice Manager, it is not unusual for Braxton to be assisting a practice in the dispensary with patients, in their lab edging lenses or consulting the office manager and Doctor on goals and how to achieve them. As an ABO certified optician and an ABO Speaker, Braxton is often conducting product seminars and on-site trainings to keep you and your staff up-to-date on the latest technology the optical industry has to offer.
James Moline
Optical District Manager VISN 6 828-450-5365James is a native of Asheville, NC and has worked in the optical industry for over 10 years. He is a North Carolina licensed optician and has American Board of Optometry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Certifications. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. James is the District Manager for VISN 6 covering North Carolina and parts of Virginia and West Virginia. He is committed to veterans and their families, ensuring they receive superior service.