Our Doctors


Michael Southam- Reno, NV Optometrist and Winnemucca, NV Optometrist

Dr. Southam graduated from South Fremont High School in St. Anthony Idaho where he served as student body president his senior year. He then went on to fulfill a full time two-year LDS humanitarian mission to Vladivostock and Magadan Russia. After returning home, he enrolled at Utah State University in Logan, Utah where he served as a College of Science Ambassador, volunteered and taught at the local Red Cross, served at the local Child and Family Support Center as a house parent, and participated as an official translator for the Russian Olympic team during the 2002 winter games.

After receiving his B.A. in biology along with minors in both Russian and chemistry, Dr. Southam enrolled at Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia. During his time as a student at PCO, Dr. Southam was awarded first place in his class for his poster on the ophthalmic manifestations of HIV. Dr. Southam also completed a rotation through the Philadelphia Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center (low vision) with honors and distinction.

In addition to primary care optometry, Dr. Southam’s particular interests and specialties at Black Rock Vision Center include pediatric optometry, vision development/ vision therapy, low vision/vision rehabilitation, and specialty contact lenses. Dr. Southam is certified to treat glaucoma. Dr. Southam is a member of the Nevada Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). Dr. Southam volunteers with the Lions Club and the Remote Area Medical team to provide vision care to the local underserved population of Northern Nevada.


Rylee M. Ziegler - Reno, NV Optometrist and Winnemucca, NV Optometrist

Dr. Rylee M. Ziegler was born in Las Vegas but claims Reno as her home. After graduating from Reno High School, she attended the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) where she earned her degree in General Science with an emphasis in Biology and Chemistry. Her journey with Black Rock Vision Center began in 2017 when she started working as a technician and scribe for Dr. Southam in order to gain experience and learn more about the profession of Optometry. It was here at Black Rock that her love of Optometry grew.

Dr. Rylee graduated from the University of Missouri, St Louis College of Optometry where she had the pleasure of learning from an expert faculty and close group of peers. While in St. Louis, she was given many opportunities to serve underpriviledged groups through school screenings, a mobile eye clinic, and a dedicated community service rotation. In addition to improving her clinical skills in primary care optometry, Dr. Rylee spent time working with specialty contact lenses and working with children in vision therapy and she looks forward to continuing to grow in both specialties.

When she isn't looking at eyeballs, Dr. Rylee enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. She is excited to be back in Northern Nevada and looking forward to the many ski trips and lake days ahead.