Dr. Simmons is a fourth-generation Californian. He was raised in Riverside and attended the University of California at Riverside, where he received a degree in Biology in 1977. He continued his studies at the University of California at Berkeley where received his doctor of optometry degree in 1982.  Immediately after graduation he accepted a position as staff optometrist at the Eye Medical Center in Fresno and spent five years managing the visual needs of pre and post-surgical patients.

In 1987, Dr. Simmons and his family relocated to Santa Cruz, establishing a solo practice.  While establishing his practice, Dr. Simmons became the consulting optometrist for the Doran Low Vision Resource Center, now the Vista Center, and spent five hears assisting low vision patients achieve more productive lifestyles.  After the devastating earthquake of 1989, a vacant lot became available and proved to be an excellent location for a new practice.  In 1995 in a combined move with Dr. David Farberow, Plaza Lane Optometry was established.

Dr. Simmons has been pleased to be an active member of the Santa Cruz community for the past quarter century. He is past president of the Santa Cruz Kiwanis Club, past member of the Board of Directors of Shakespeare Santa Cruz and of the Santa Cruz Downtown Association. He has been a member of the Monterey Bay Optometric Society since arriving in the area in 1987 and has been a continual member in the COA and AOA since his student days in Berkeley.  He is currently serving as president of the MBOS.

Dr. Simmons enjoys spending his free time with his family, hiking, biking, snowboarding, playing guitar and relaxing in the beautiful Sierra Nevada.