A native of Rocky Mount, Dr. Bill Shepherd joined Watson Eye Associates in 1993. Dr. Shepherd has been practicing optometry since 1982.

Dr. Shepherd graduated with a B. S. degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where he was a James M. Johnston Scholar.

Upon graduation, Dr. Shepherd entered the Pennsylvania College of Optometry earning a B.S. degree in 1979. For his academic and civic achievements while in school, he was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa-International Optometric Honor Fraternity. He was awarded his Doctor of Optometry in 1982. After serving several internships, Dr. Shepherd entered the U.S. Air Force as chief of eye care services at the USAF Hospital in Columbus, Mississippi.

Dr. Shepherd is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Southern Council of Optometrists, and is a past president of the Northeastern District Optometric Society. He has served as a trustee for the North Carolina State Optometric Society and has exemplified excellence in his profession by becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

His special interests in optometry include family vision care as well as the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and ocular urgencies.

On a personal side, Dr. Shepherd is an active member of First United Methodist Church. He enjoys music, playing golf, and woodwork.