The Gautier Press
Nov. 24, 2004
Meet Your Neighbor
By KATIE SLADE
The Mississippi Press
GAUTIER — Being a "people person and wanting to help others" is a way of life for Dr. Vivian Fountain
and her views helped lead her to the medical field as a career.
She earned her bachelor's degree in biomedicine and her master's degree in molecular biology from the University
of South Alabama. She continued her education at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, earning her doctorate
of optometry. Fountain began her optometric practice five years ago and she said she feels close to her patients.
"I like to get to know my patients, listen to them and talk to them as a friend," Fountain said.
"I believe in treating the whole person, not just their singular problem. One thing that seems to bring me closer to people,
is understanding about the hardships of life, because I have lived them myself."
Fountain was born in Houston, Texas, and currently resides in Biloxi. She has future plans to move
to Gautier, where her optometry practice is located.
"I recently combined my practices at Wal-Mart in Ocean Springs and Wal-Mart in Pascagoula, to one central
location at Sears in Singing River Mall," Fountain said.
As a busy professional and the mother of two young children, she finds her spare time somewhat limited. Fountain
has two sons, 3-year-old Lowell Edgar Fountain and 2-year-old Avery Charles Fountain. "I enjoy spending time with my family,
I enjoy my children and I like to cook," Fountain said.
Fountain wants to eventually do research, particularly, research dealing with immune dysfunctions concerning
vision.
"I want to live a long and happy life, keeping my family together," Fountain said.
