Lowcountry Eye Care - Summerville

F. Wes Shealy, O.D., FAAO, is an award-winning optometrist who is passionate about improving his patients’ lives through comprehensive eye care. He’s a trusted practitioner that helps patients achieve vision clarity with services like thorough eye exams and eye disease management.

Dr. Shealy was born and raised in a military family and spent most of his childhood traveling to bases and cities throughout Texas. Now happily settled in the Lowcountry with his wife and two sons, he spends his spare time with family and enjoys reading, going to the beach, staying active, and watching sports—especially college basketball!

Awards & Accolades
While in the Air Force, Dr. Shealy was decorated with several awards, including Air Mobility Command Company Grade Optometrist of the Year in 2006, 6th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year in 2006, and Distinguished Graduate at Commissioned Officer Training School. Dr. Shealy became an American Academy of Optometry fellow in 2007 and is also a member of the South Carolina Optometric Physician Association, the American Optometric Society, the Coastal Carolina Optometric Society, and the American Academy of Optometry.

Educational Background & Experience
Dr. Shealy was driven to pursue eye care after working as an optometric technician while he earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from the College of Charleston. After graduating cum laude, he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. There, he was involved as the dean’s student representative to the Academic Affairs Committee, and president of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists.

Along with earning his Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Shealy graduated with several notable achievements, including the college of Optometrists in Vision Development Award for excellence in Vision Therapy, the Gas Permeable Lens Institute Award for Clinical Excellence in the Field of GP Contact Lenses, the School of Optometry Dean’s Award, the UAB Dean’s Award for Excellence, and the Beta Sigma Kappa Silver Star for highest GPA
After completing optometry school, he served his country and fellow Air Force members as a staff optometrist at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, where he achieved recognition and developed his eye care expertise. Today, he strives to make his patients feel at-ease and confident in the services he provides, including contact lens exams with personalized fittings, and myopia management with MiSight® One Day contacts..

Katie Young, O.D., is a compassionate optometrist who provides her patients with a personal approach to eye care at our Goose Creek location. She takes the time to understand her patients’ eye health needs and customizes her services, like contact lens fittings, to help them see clearly.

A native of Fishers, Indiana, Dr. Young attended school and university in her home state and then moved to South Carolina with her husband in 2018. When not taking care of her patients at Lowcountry Eye Care, she spends her time at the beach, traveling, working on home projects, exploring Charleston, and relaxing with her family and friends!

Awards & Accolades

Dr. Young is a member of the American Optometric Association and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association.

Educational Background & Experience
For her undergraduate education, Dr. Young attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, earning a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry and graduating summa cum laude. She went on to attend optometry school, where she was an active member and president of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society. After achieving her Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University School of Optometry, Dr. Young practiced in Indianapolis, specializing in primary care, dry eye disease, and contact lenses.

Joe Pitcavage, O.D., is a Board Certified optometrist known by his patients and industry colleagues as a knowledgeable, friendly eye doctor. He is a full-service eye care provider who’s highly skilled in pediatric eye care, specialty/scleral contact lenses, and more.

A Raleigh, N.C., native, Dr. Pitcavage has called Charleston his home and place of practice ever since he fell in love with the Lowcountry during college — where he also met his wife, Mandy! They live in Mt. Pleasant with their four kids and zoo (two black labs and three cats) When he isn’t at the Lowcountry Eye Care office, Dr.Pitcavage is training for a triathlon or racing his sailboat, Spectacle.

Awards & Accolades
Dr. Pitcavage is a member of the American Optometric Association and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association.

Educational Background & Experience
After his undergraduate at The College of Charleston, Dr. Pitcavage was driven to serve his community through eye care. He moved up north to attend the New England College of Optometry in Boston, earning his Doctor of Optometry.
Wanting to return home — and after weathering the long, cold, snowy winters — he came back to the Lowcountry and has remained here ever since. Dr. Pitcavage regards eye and vision health as integral parts of one’s wellness. And to provide patients with best care possible, he takes his time to understand their unique needs and cater to them using advanced technology, like MiSight® One Day contacts. In addition to managing myopia, Dr. Pitcavage specializes in working with children, contact lenses, and other valuable services.

Katie Young, O.D., is a compassionate optometrist who provides her patients with a personal approach to eye care at our Goose Creek location. She takes the time to understand her patients’ eye health needs and customizes her services, like contact lens fittings, to help them see clearly.

A native of Fishers, Indiana, Dr. Young attended school and university in her home state and then moved to South Carolina with her husband in 2018. When not taking care of her patients at Lowcountry Eye Care, she spends her time at the beach, traveling, working on home projects, exploring Charleston, and relaxing with her family and friends!

Julie Wasack, O.D., is a board-certified optometrist seeing patients in Goose Creek and West Ashley. Known for her thoughtful approach and attention to detail, Dr. Wasack provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, with a special focus on contact lenses and ocular disease management. 

Originally from Middletown, NJ, Dr. Wasack earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University before completing her Doctor of Optometry at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Her clinical training includes time at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and a private practice in Nashville, giving her a strong foundation in both routine and advanced eye care. Outside the office, she enjoys running half marathons, reading on the beach, playing tennis, and cheering on the Auburn Tigers and New York Giants. 

Dr. Jacqueline Wills is a dedicated optometrist seeing patients at Lowcountry Eye Care’s West Ashley location. She provides thorough, compassionate care to patients of all ages, with experience treating everything from routine vision needs to complex eye conditions.

Originally from the town of Mountainside, New Jersey, just outside New York City, Dr. Wills brings a strong commitment to patient connection and a deep passion for helping others to her work in the Lowcountry.

Dr. Wills is a proud member of the American Optometric Association and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association. She is passionate about providing personalized care that makes patients feel informed and comfortable, whether it’s their first exam or a follow-up visit.

When she’s not in the office, Dr. Wills enjoys relaxing with a good book, taking beach trips around Charleston, and spending time with her close-knit group of family and friends. She’s excited to be part of the Lowcountry Eye Care team and looks forward to welcoming both new and returning patients.

Dr. Baley Petersen is an optometrist and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients of all ages. Known for her compassionate approach and precise attention to detail, she has proudly served the Charleston community since 2013.

From the beginning of her career, Dr. Petersen has been passionate about helping people see clearly and comfortably. Her commitment comes from a genuine love of connecting with patients, solving complex vision challenges, and ensuring that every individual feels supported in their eye health journey.

Dr. Dejan Varagic is a dedicated optometrist providing personalized care to patients in the Lowcountry. He grew up in Portland, Maine, and now provides personalized eye care for patients of all ages with a welcoming approach to care and a strong background in clinical eye health.

Dr. Varagic is a proud member of the American Optometric Association and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association. He’s passionate about helping every patient feel confident and comfortable, from first-time eye exams to ongoing care for chronic conditions.

When he’s not in the office, Dr. Varagic enjoys fishing along the South Carolina coast, checking out Charleston’s food scene, and spending time with family and friends. He values being part of the Lowcountry Eye Care team and looks forward to welcoming both new and returning patients to our Lowcountry Eye Care Goose Creek office.