 |
 |
OPTOMETRISTS
The American Optometric Association defines Doctors of Optometry as the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Doctors of Optometry prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyles.
|
 |
J. Gregory Ford, OD
Dr. Ford is a graduate of Forest Hills Central High School and a lifelong resident of the Grand Rapids area. He earned his bachelors and doctorate degrees from Ferris State University College of Optometry. His internships included the Optometric Institute and Clinic of Detroit, Duane L. Waters Hospital in Jackson, and the optometry clinic at Ferris State University.
Dr. Ford was honored as the Michigan Young Optometrist of the Year in 1995 for his outstanding contributions to Optometry and the community. Dr. Ford is a primary care Optometrist with particular interest in specialized contact lens fittings and eye disease. He is currently very active on the board of the Michigan Optometric Association and part-time Clinical Faculty at the Michigan College of Optometry. He is very active in his church and enjoys golf and hockey. He continues to live in Grand Rapids with his wife and their three children.
Curriculum Vitae
|
 |
Jeffrey J. Kenyon, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kenyon is a 2005 graduate of the Michigan College of Optometry. His internships included Duane L. Waters Hospital, Eaton Rapids Optometry, and Northern Indiana VA Medical Center. He completed his undergraduate studies at Ferris State University and Alpena Community College. Dr. Kenyon is residency trained in Pediatrics and Binocular Vision from the University of Houston College of Optometry and is regarded as an expert in pediatric eye care. He is currently the Pediatric & Binocular Vision Clinic Director at West Michigan Eyecare Associates and part-time Clinical Faculty at the Michigan College of Optometry.
Dr. Kenyon was honored as the Michigan Optometric Association Student of the Year and the Optometry Student Government Student Leader of the Year in 2004. He is a Class of 2007 Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a very high distinction among optometrists. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association, Michigan Optometric Association, West Michigan Optometric Association, College of Optometrists in Vision Development, state leader for the InfantSEE program, and chair of the Children's Vision Committee for the Michigan Optometric Association. Dr. Kenyon resides in Middleville with his wife Laura and daughter Audrey. He enjoys officiating high school basketball, hunting, fishing, and waterskiing.
Curriculum Vitae
Biography
|
 |
Jeffrey J. Ritsema, OD, FAAO
Dr. Ritsema is also a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids. He graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 1972 after completion of his undergraduate studies at Calvin College. Dr. Ritsema's professional interest is in primary eyecare and contact lenses. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a very high distinction among Optometrists, and a member of the following organizations: American Optometric Association, Michigan Optometric Association, and West Michigan Optometric Association. He and his wife Beth have four children and four grandchildren. He is active in his church and enjoys sailing and grandfathering!
|
 |
Laura Kenyon, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kenyon is a 2005 graduate of the Michigan College of Optometry. Her internships included Duane L. Waters Hospital, Eaton Rapids Optometry, and Northern Indiana VA Medical Center. She completed her undergraduate studies at Ferris State University. Dr. Kenyon also completed a primary care residency with an emphasis in ocular disease at the University of Houston College of Optometry. Clinically, she has a particular interest in ocular disease and is currently pursuing professional certification in low vision services to the blind and visually impaired.
Dr. Kenyon is a Class of 2007 Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a very high distinction among optometrists. She is also a member of the American Optometric Association, Michigan Optometric Association, and current President of the West Michigan Optometric Association. Dr. Kenyon resides in Middleville with her husband Jeff. She is very active in her church and enjoys jogging, reading, and scrap-booking in her spare time.
|
 |
Sara Pavlik, Pediatric Resident
West Michigan Eyecare Associates plays an integral role in the development of the optometry profession in the state of Michigan. We are pleased to host a clinical site for the Michigan College of Optometry post-doctorate Pediatric & Binocular Vision Residency. We welcome Dr. Pavlik on Tuesday afternoons for the academic year 2010/2011.
Dr. Pavlik graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry in May, 2010, and she is the College's second Pediatric and Binocular Vision Resident. After completing her rotations at the Battle Creek VAMC, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and Duane Waters Hospital in Jackson, she graduated as valedictorian of her class. While at MCO, she was a member of numerous optometric and non-optometric organizations, but enjoyed her involvement in His House Christian Fellowship. She is currently a member of the AOA, MOA, AAO, and Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. Dr. Pavlik enjoys spending time with her husband Nick and son Caleb.
|
 |
Erin Witte, Cornea & Contact Lens Resident
West Michigan Eyecare Associates plays an integral role in the development of the optometry profession in the state of Michigan. We are pleased to host a clinical site for the Michigan College of Optometry post-doctorate Cornea & Contact Lens Residency. We welcome Dr. Witte on Wednesday mornings for the academic year 2010/2011.
Erin Witte, OD, is the current Cornea and Contact Lens resident at the Michigan College of Optometry. In 2007, she received her bachelor's degree of Vision Science from Ferris State University and graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry in May of 2010. During school, Erin completed clinical rotations at the Optometric Institute and Clinic of Detroit, Balian Eye Center, and the Grand Rapids VA. She was also involved with the MOSA, AOSA, SVOSH, and the Optometric Student Government. Upon completion of her residency, Erin hopes to put her contact lens specialization to use in a private practice setting.
|
 |
OPTICIANS
Our practice is fortunate to have four of the best opticians in the state of Michigan. All have several years of experience and provide superior customer service to all our patients. Opticians are trained to prepare and dispense glasses or related devices upon prescriptions given from the doctor. Dispensing opticians measure, adapt, and adjust eyeglasses to the face as well as perform eyeglass repairs. They are well educated in aiding our patients in frame selections and choosing specialty lens materials such as transition lenses, progressive lenses, and ultra-thin lenses.
|
 |
Dobbie, Optician
Dobbie is one of our full time opticians. She has over thirty years of experience and has been an integral part of our practice for several years. She is dedicated, conscientious and loves to help patients select the proper eyewear, not only for appearance but also for the best function with their prescription. Dobbie and her husband have two adult children and four grandchildren. They enjoy spending time with their family and their two whippets.
|
 |
Joy, Optician
Joy is an ABO certified optician with over thirty years of experience. She received an associate degree from Harry M. Ayers Technical College in Optical Mechanics in the state of Alabama. Joy is also a licensed optician in the state of Tennessee. She is a dedicated professional and extremely detail oriented. A native of Alabama, she exudes southern hospitality and graciousness. Joy is a genuinely sweet person who loves to help everyone. She and her husband live in the Grandville area and have three great children. They enjoy golfing and spending time with their new grandchild.
|
 |
Christine, Optician
Chris also serves our patients with a wealth of experience. She has been in the optical business for over thirty years. Her first job was manufacturing contact lenses! She is an expert eyewear stylist and loves to help people look their best in glasses. Chris has two grown children and two grandchildren. She and her husband love the outdoors and motorcycle riding.
|
 |
Erica, Optician
Erica is an ABOC certified optician, who received her training from Ferris State University. She has five plus years of optical experience and many years of experience serving the general public. She enjoys assisting patients with selecting new fashionable and functionable eyewear. Erica also has expertise on advising patients of the newest and best optical products to serve their needs. She has grown up in the Grand Rapids area and enjoys music, photography, and serving at her church. |
 |
OPHTHALMIC TECHNICIAN
Ophthalmic technicians are trained to collect medical histories, administer eye medications, and perform tests that help to ensure the accurate diagnosis and treatment of visual disorders and eye disease. They use sophisticated equipment, such as visual fields and ophthalmic photographs, to gather information about a patient’s condition during eye examinations. They may also be called upon to assist with some eye care procedures using intricate technical instruments and equipment. They are usually in charge of making sure that the patient understands his or her diagnosis and the treatment that is prescribed by the optometrist. Our technicians are well trained in the area of contact lenses and participate in the insertion and removal training and education of new contact lens wearers at West Michigan Eyecare Associates.
|
 |
Kelly, Ophthalmic Technician
Kelly is a certified paraoptometric technician and a member of the Michigan Paraoptometric Association (MPA). She performs many duties at West Michigan Eyecare Associates including assisting the doctors with testing, teaching contact lens insertion and removal classes, and performing specialized diagnostic testing for Glaucoma. She and her husband Brian reside in Rockford and enjoy spending time with their son Brody.
|
 |
Mari, Ophthalmic Technician
Mari is a certified paraoptometric technician and member of the Michigan Paraoptometric Association (MPA). She performs many duties at West Michigan Eyecare Associates including assisting the doctors with testing, teaching contact lens insertion and removal classes, and performing specialized diagnostic testing for Glaucoma. Mari was born and raised in Hudsonville and now resides in Jenison. She enjoys biking and running with her dog Swoosh, as well as hanging out with friends in her spare time.
|
 |
Danielle, Ophthalmic Technician
Dani is a certified paraoptometric technician and member of the Michigan Paraoptometric Association (MPA). She performs many duties at West Michigan Eyecare Associates including assisting the doctors with testing, teaching contact lens insertion and removal classes, and performing specialized diagnostic testing for Glaucoma. Dani grew up in the Grand Rapids area and enjoys reading, photography, camping, and spending time with her three children.
|
 |
Alicia, Ophthalmic Technician
Alicia is currently studying to become a certified paraoptometric technician. She performs many duties at the office including assisting doctors with testing, teaching contact lens insertion and removal classes, performing specialized diagnostic testing for Glaucoma, and assisting with administrative tasks for the practice. Alicia grew up in the Kalamazoo area and currently resides in Grand Rapids with her husband Lucas. She enjoys spending time with her family and is very active in her church.
|
 |
Auxiliary Staff : wmeyecare@gmail.com
In addition to our world-class Opticians and well trained technicians, we have several other professionals to assist in serving your needs in our office. Angie, Geri, Kelly, Danielle, Alicia, & Jill (not pictured) are our patient service coordinators. They will greet you with a friendly smile and assist you in scheduling appointments or answering any questions you may have. Martha and Ellen are our business office coordinators. They are responsible for assisting patients with insurance, ledger activity, billing, and communications. Our staff is highly trained and eager to help with any request from simplest to most complex.
|
|
|
|
 |
