Dr. William R. Steigerwald is a graduate of Belmont Abbey College (2002). Dr. Steigerwald received the Hintemeyer Scholarship for Leaders, a program set up to install leadership qualities through community service. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Biology, he attended the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA (graduation 2006).

While in Boston, Dr. Steigerwald studied the visual acuity of the Common Marmoset, Callithrix jacchus, using an Electrophyiology method. His research led to an Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology poster in 2005. Dr. Steigerwald was also selected to provide visual services to homeless population of Boston and its surrounding communities. Additionally, he assisted in providing eye care for the students of The Perkins School for the Blind.

Dr. Steigerwald is currently practicing with Drs. Newman, Blackstock, and Associates Optometrists, P.C. where he practices General Optometry with an emphasis on disease treatment and diagnosis, contact lenses, dry eye disease, and routine vision services. He is currently providing primary and specialty eye care services for the Center for Rehabilitation and Development in Blacksburg, Virginia. Dr. Steigerwald is a member of the American Optometric Association (Cornea and Contact Lens, Sports Vision sections), Virginia Optometric Association, and local Southwest Virginia Optometric Association. Dr. Steigerwald is currently serving as the Vice-President of the Southwestern Virginia Optometric Society.