Our Vision Care Team

Dr. Eric Helwig, Optometrist

I was born in Tucson Arizona.  During my childhood, my family and I moved to Germany.  I attended a local german school for 3 years.  While living there, I picked up the German language, played soccer, and had the opportunity to visit many other European countries.  We then moved to Marietta GA where I attended school at Wheeler High.

After high school, I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree at Kennesaw State University.  While going to undergraduate school, I worked in the optical industry as an optical manager, retail eyeglass consultant, and eyeglass fabricator.  During this time, I also obtained my certification for the American Board of Opticianry, the National Contact Lens Examiners as well as my License for Dispensing Optician in the State of Georgia 1n 1996.

I furthered my optical education by attending the Southern College of Optometry, a private school in Memphis TN.  I graduated in 2004 and currently have a full scope private optometry practice.

I have since moved to Lafayette GA.  I am currently married with 2 lovely children, Gabriela and Isaac.  I enjoy spending my free time with them and also working out. 

My staff and I have several years of experience in the optical field.  We look forward to serving all of your Eye care needs!

Lisa Powell - Office Manager/Certified Optician

I was born in Rossville GA.  I graduated from Rossville High school in 1978.  I went to Northwestern technical school where i took architectural drafting.  I married Eddie Heard in 1981 and had two wonderful boys, Chad and Travis.  After the death of my first husband, I married my current husband, James Powell.

I began working in optics 7 years ago.  I have been the office manager for North Georgia Eyecare since it opened.  My hobbies are line dancing.  I have been line dancing for the past 8 years.

Angelica Helwig - Insurance Billing Coordinator

Joyce Beeman - Insurance Billing Coordinator

Joyce was born in Coffeyville, Kansas and grew up in Baxter Springs, Kansas.  After college and having 2 great sons, Joyce worked 23 years with IBM.  While working with IBM, Joyce moved to a number of different states, eventually moving to West Germany.  During the three years living in Germany, her sons became bilingual through instruction in the German school systems, and became totally immersed in the German culture.

This gave further opportunities of Europe travels, as well as becoming a liaison officer between the IBM Germany Lab Director and American assignees. After returning to the states, Joyce created the first Atlanta, GA IBM American Liaison position for German assignees, in addition to working in the software development contracts department.

Upon retiring from IBM, Dr. Helwig recruited Joyce to submit and input medical claims.

Saundra Upton - Licensed Dispensing Optician

I was born on July 9, 1957 in Lafayette GA.  I have 2 brothers, the late Dennis Nicholson and Mike Nicholson.  I have always lived in the Lafayette area and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1975.  I married Steven B. Upton on June 14, 1975. I have 3 children, Stephanie Upton, Serina Upton and Zachary Radetski.

At age 19, my first job was for Battlefield Optical, working for Judie Gilliland.  While at Battlefield Optical I apprenticed as an optician and became a Licensed Dispensing Optician in the State of Georgia in 1980.  Since then, my work experience has taken me to several different offices over the years.  While working at East Ridge Eye Center from March 1996 til September 2005 I acquired my certification for the American Board of Opticianry, the National Contact Lens Examiners and also obtained my Tennessee State License for Dispensing Opticians.

My family and I attend church at Center Grove Baptist in Rock Spring, GA where I enjoy playing in the orchestra, singing in the choir, and working with children in the Awana program.

Stephanie Upton - Ophthalmic Techician/Sales Consultant

Stephanie Upton was born and raised in LaFayette, Ga with a younger sister and a younger brother.  She graduated from LaFayette High School in 2000, where she was in the band, dance team co-captain, and flag team captain.  She graduated from Northwestern Technical College in 2002 with a degree in Cosmetology.  After working in salons for several years, she decided to take a brake to take care of her grandmother.

She started working for Dr. Helwig in April of 2008.  Stephanie is happily engaged to be married in March of next year to Jonathan Lewis.  When she isn't at work, she likes to hang out with her friends and spend time at church, where she is in the orchestra, a member of the choir, and enjoys helping with the children's ministries.