Born in Darlington, South Carolina, Dr. Hunter R. Stokes, Jr. has followed in his family footsteps as an ophthalmologist practicing in Florence.

Dr. Stokes enjoys the offshore fishing, bow hunting, and vegetable gardening that the southern lifestyle offers. He and his wife Elizabeth have two daughters, Laura and Helen.

Dr. Stokes has had the advantage of growing up in a family where ophthalmology is not just a career, but also a way of life. His grandfather, Dr.Howard Stokes; father, Dr.Hunter Stokes, Sr.; and uncles: Dr. J. Stokes and Dr. Parker Stokes, all ophthalmologists, spent their careers building Stokes Regional Eye Center. Dr. Stokes continues the custom set before him. "I contribute my career decision to my family's long standing tradition in the field of ophthalmology. I strive to continue the tradition that has become the Stokes Regional Eye Center. I have a hard act to follow."

Dr. Stokes enjoys the "clinical and surgical combination" that ophthalmology has to offer. He asserts that the McLeod Ambulatory Surgery Center operating room staff "has made and continues to make" his surgery days enjoyable. "The quality and efficiency of the surgery done in the center receives praise from patients on practically every surgery day," notes Dr. Stokes.

Dr. Stokes finds "improving and maintaining vision" extremely rewarding. When asked by his daughter, Laura, what his next job was going to be, his response was simple: "I don't know how to do anything except ophthalmology, besides I don't want a different job. I enjoy what I do."