Dr. Lonnie Randolph, who ran a private optometric practice in Columbia for over 40 years, has been a significant contributor to optometric services. His work extended beyond his regular patients, as he also provided care to individuals in the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
In addition to his practice, Dr. Randolph founded the free eye clinic at Palmetto Health, which provides care for K-12 students. He also served on the board of the Columbia Free Medical Clinic and participated in the Diabetes Task Force of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Dr. Randolph’s prominence in his field is evident from his recognition as Optometrist of the Year by the South Carolina Optometric Association, which also elected him to its president. He served as the chairman of the South Carolina Consumer Affairs Commission, providing over 30 years of distinguished service. His contributions earned him the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his efforts to improve the lives of others.
Dr. Randolph has a long and distinguished record of community service. He was instrumental in the Campaign for Dignity in South Carolina, focusing on removing the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina State House grounds. He also played a key role in organizing the first King Day at the Dome march in Columbia and served as president of the South Carolina Conference of the NAACP and its Columbia chapter for over a decade. A Columbia native and Dreher High School graduate, Randolph earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Benedict College before obtaining his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry.
Dr. Randolph is married to Patricia Reuben.
Presented through a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Education and South Carolina ETV.
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