Your Fort Mitchell Eye Doctor | Opticare Vision Center (2024)

Dr. Hollie Hogarth is an optometrist at the Kentucky branches of Opticare Vision Centers. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Northern Kentucky University. In May of 2024 she graduated with her Doctorate of Optometry from the Kentucky College of Optometry. Her externships included primary care and ocular disease at the Cincinnati VA, primary care at Metzger Eye Care, and various specialties of expanded therapeutic procedures, contact lenses, pediatrics, and low vision rehabilitation at the Dr. Jerald F. Combs Eye Clinic in Pikeville, KY. She is a northern KY native from Butler, KY.

During her academic career, she served as Membership Chairperson for the The Lions Club and participated in volunteer opportunities as well as fundraising events to fund a mobile eye care unit. She is also a member of the Kentucky Optometric Association. Having provided eye care to the underserved populations of Eastern KY is what inspires her to give utmost, quality care to all patients of all ages.

In her free time, Dr. Hogarth enjoys playing tennis, reading suspense novels, and spending time with her family.

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Dr. Kelli Bruce is an optometrist at Opticare Vision Center’s Kentucky offices. Originally from Harrison, Ohio, she earned degrees in Sociology and Biology from the University of Cincinnati and graduated from the Indiana University School of Optometry in May 2023.

Her passion for eye care began in childhood when an eye exam revealed her severe nearsightedness. The experience of receiving her first pair of glasses inspired her to pursue a career in optometry. During her studies, Dr. Bruce was recognized for her research on the impact of OCT technology in diagnosing and treating ocular diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Dr. Bruce has a personal connection with Opticare Vision Center, having worked as a technician in the Newport office and been a lifelong patient. Today, Dr. Bruce helps patients of all ages address various ocular conditions. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her three dogs and cat.

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Dr. Christina Kreinest joined our practice in July 2014. Originally from Northern Kentucky, she graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2008 and earned her Doctorate in Optometry from the Indiana School of Optometry in 2013.

While at IUSO, Dr. Kreinest was a member of the Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity (VOSH) and the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society. She completed externships at the VA medical centers in Lexington and Huntington and finished an optometric primary care residency at the Lexington VA Medical Center in 2014.

Dr. Kreinest is a trustee of the Kentucky Optometric Association and a member of the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry. She is working towards her fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry and becoming a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.

Dr. Kreinest lives in Ryland Heights, KY, with her two Labrador retrievers, Reese and Bailey.

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Dr. Julie Metzger has been practicing optometry since 1993. Originally from Florence, KY, she attended Northern Kentucky University and then the University of Houston, where she earned her Doctorate in Optometry. She completed her training at Commonwealth Eye Surgery in Lexington and at Ireland Army Hospital in Fort Knox. Dr. Metzger is active in our community:

• Dr. Metzger has served on the Florence City Council since 1999.
• Dr. Metzger was President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (2010-2011).
• Dr. Metzger is Board Certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.
• She is a member of the Boone County Board of Health, the Medical Reserve Corps, and Boone County Success by 6.
• She is a past National President of the United States Junior Chamber.

Dr. Metzger enjoys working with patients of all ages, especially children. She lives in Florence with her husband, Pat, and their son, Brady. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including:

• 2020 Kentucky Optometric Association Cliff Leadingham Award.
• 2018 Outstanding Woman of NKY by the NKY Chamber of Commerce.
• 2011 Women Leading Kentucky Leadership Award Nominee.
• 2009 Vision Monday Top 40 Women in Optical.

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Dr. Kevin Prezgay is an experienced optometrist at Opticare Vision Center. He earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed a one-year residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His specialties include primary care optometry, contact lenses, and ocular diseases like dry eye and glaucoma.

Raised in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Dr. Prezgay was born with an eye condition requiring frequent eye doctor visits, sparking his interest in the field. Dr. Prezgay is a member of the Ohio Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association and has been practicing optometry for 16 years.

In his free time, Dr. Prezgay enjoys working out, traveling with his wife, Dr. Barbara Houde, who is also an optometrist, biking, and playing with their son, Julian.

If you're looking for an eye doctor with unique skills and qualifications, Dr. Lora Ledford is your optometrist. She holds a BSc in Physiological Optics and a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Ledford is a certified fitter of Corneal Refractive Therapy Lenses through Paragon and specializes in specialty contact lens fitting, dry eyes, and primary eye care.

With 14 years of expereince, Dr. Ledford is a member of the American Optometric Association, Cornea and Contact Lens Section, and the ECP Network Board of Directors. Growing up on a farm in Alexandria, KY, she started working at Opticare Vision Centers, founded by her father, and developed a passion for helping patients achieve their best vision.

In her free time, Dr. Ledford enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, gardening, and traveling with her family. Her daily goal is to serve and educate her patients, ensuring they receive the best care from her compassionate and knowledgeable team. Dr. Ledford feels blessed to have the opportunity to care for her patients and work with such a dedicated team.

Dr. Young received his Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University College of Optometry. While at Ohio State, he also earned a Master of Science degree in Vision Science, focusing on the visual ability of athletes. His research on tracking a baseball during the pitch has led to ongoing eye movement studies on baseball players at Ohio State, conducted by Dr. Nicklaus Fogt and Dr. Aaron Zimmerman.

Originally from Portsmouth in Southern Ohio, Dr. Young played varsity baseball for four years at Earlham College, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology.

Dr. Young specializes in pediatric eye exams and contact lens fitting, focusing on meeting athletes' visual needs. He also works closely with children to treat binocular vision disorders, such as convergence insufficiency and amblyopia (lazy eye). Since joining the team in 2009, Dr. Young has established a vision therapy clinic at the Newport office, providing comprehensive care and treatment for these conditions.

Publicity and Recognition:

• Appointed InfantSEE Advocate from Kentucky by the American Optometric Association (AOA) in September 2019
• Voted "Young Optometrist of the Year" by the Kentucky Optometric Association in April 2016
• Vision Monday Optometric Business Innovators in 2014
• Featured in 20/20 Magazine – Eyeing Online
• Featured in Review of Optometric Business – Aug 20-27, 2014

Memberships and Affiliations:

• American Optometric Association
• AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section
• AOA Sports Vision Section
• Kentucky Optometric Association
• Northern Kentucky Optometric Society
• ABO Certified Education Speaker (American Board of Opticianry)
• Member of the Fort Thomas Lions Club
• Earlham College Alumnus
• Earlham Baseball Alumni Club
• The Ohio State University Alumni Association
• The Ohio State University College of Optometry Alumni and Friends Society

A Word from Dr. Young: "I see patients of all ages, but I truly enjoy working with children and those with special needs. Seeing the kids in our Vision Therapy Program progress at each visit is very rewarding."

You can follow Dr. Young on Twitter (@youngeyedoc).

A 1983 Cum Laude graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry,
Dr. Sellers holds a Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science degree. He joined
Opticare in 1984 and specializes in ocular disease management and complete
family eye care.

Dr. Sellers and his wife Beverly have lived in Fort Thomas since 1994 were they
have raised their 2 children Noah and Betsy. Betsy started Optometry school in
2023 at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and will follow in her
father’s footsteps after graduation in 2027.

In his spare time Dr. Sellers enjoys golf, Ohio State sports (especially football), FC Cincinnati soccer and spending time learning about financial planning for retirement.

Area of Specialization: Contact lens fitting and ocular disease evaluation and
management.

A word from Dr. Sellers: I am proud to have been a part of Opticare for 40 years
providing complete family eye care to Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati area.
The roots of Newport Opticare date back to the mid 1920’s when Herman Itkoff,
the owner of Monmouth Jewelers at the time, became an optometrist.

He provided eye exams and eyeglasses until the 1940’s. In the mid 1940’s Dr.
Stratiger continued the optometry practice in Newport until the original founders
of Opticare, Dr. Ronald Cooke and Dr. George Landon, took over the practice in
1970.

All together our independent, family-owned optometry practice has served
Northern Kentucky for nearly 100 years. We treat your whole family like we
would want our own mother or grandmother treated.

Dr. Donald Grutzmacher is a skilled eye doctor with nearly 40 years of optometric experience. He holds an undergraduate and a Doctor of Optometry degree from Ohio State University. Dr. Grutzmacher has served as a Past Cincinnati Optometric Association Zone Governor and specializes in diabetic exams, glaucoma, comprehensive eye exams, and contact lenses. He is a member of the Ohio Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.

Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Dr. Grutzmacher became interested in eye care after getting his first pair of glasses in second grade. Outside work, he enjoys golfing almost daily and has recently taken up biking. He also enjoys attending church and spending time with his family—his son in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and his daughter and grandson in Boulder, Colorado.

A word from Dr. Grutzmacher: "I love seeing the families that I’ve grown to know while practicing optometry in my neighborhood for the last 30 years."

Dr. Malof was raised in the Cincinnati area. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati and his Doctorate from the Indiana University School of Optometry. After graduation, he worked for MacGregor Medical Association in Houston, Texas, gaining experience in diagnosing and treating ocular diseases and medical co-management with other physicians. He returned to Ohio in 1994 and joined Rahn Eyecare Center, now Milford Opticare Vision Center, a year later.

Dr. Malof specializes in primary eye care, contact lenses, and ocular disease diagnosis and management. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and The National Glaucoma Society. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Malof takes his time with his patients to thoroughly meet their eye care needs.

Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jen, and staying fit through biking and yoga.

Dr. Kristin Gunn joined the Opticare team in 2017. She is a local from Milford, Ohio, and earned her Bachelorsin Biological Sciences from The Ohio State University. After completing her studies, she went on to earn her Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana University.

During her academic tenure, Dr. Gunn founded the IndianaUniversity Sports Vision Club and had the privilege of working with student athletes. Dr. Gunn has also worked with patients who have survived motor vehicle accidents and mild traumatic brain injuries, igniting her passion for vision rehabilitation. Dr. Gunn is an active member of The American Optometric Association, The Kentucky Optometric Association, and The AOA Sports & Performance Vision Advocacy Network.

Dr. Gunn specializes in treating post-concussion vision problems and fitting specialty contact lenses for corneal diseases and complex cases. Dr. Gunn is fully certified to fit MiSight® contact lenses by Coopervision for treating nearsighted children. When Dr. Gunn is not at the office, she loves hanging out with her dog and family, and she's always up for a game of sand volleyball.

Dr. Leah Akin completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Originally from Northern KY, she graduated cum laude from Thomas More College and currently resides in Erlanger with her dog, Pepper.

During her externships at SCO, Dr. Akin traveled to Alaska and Vermont for clinical training. She served as Vice President of Student Volunteers in Optometric Service to Humanity (SVOSH), traveling to Belize, Nicaragua, and Ecuador to provide eye care to underprivileged areas. Dr. Akin was also a student Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

She is a current member of the Kentucky Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association and serves on the Boone County Local Board of Health. Dr. Akin enjoys primary care optometry, specializing in pediatric exams and ocular disease management.

She loves to travel, work out at OrangeTheory Fitness, knit, and bake in her free time. Learn more about Dr. Akin in this blog post.

Dr.Packardis one of the newest optometrists to join the Opticare family and is passionate and excited about being able to deliver excellent eye care to families in the Cincinnati area.

Dr.Packardis from Harrison Ohio, and she became passionate about vision after making connections with a blind classmate in elementary school and taking an active role in volunteering with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dr.Packardthen received her Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree from University of Cincinnati where she was an active member of campus in Chi Omega sorority and participated in research investigating macular degeneration in spiders.

Dr.Packardgraduated cum laude with a Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis which included internships at the Memphis VA optometry clinic, as well as Eye Care Centers of Richmond KY. Through this program she developed special interest in a wide variety of optometric topics including: Ocular disease and diabetic care, contact lens, pediatric care, as well as dry eye.

Outside of the office Dr.Packardis committed to community involvement and increasing public health knowledge. She is a member of the Ohio Optometric Association, Infantsee program, and continues to volunteer with Cincinnati Association for the Blind and One Sight organizations.

I did not have an appointment but they fit me into their schedule because of my need. So grateful!
- Lauren L. 15 hours ago

Excellent customer service as well as caring sweet employees as well as the dr! Highly recommend them!
- Alisa F. 1 week ago

Wonderful, experienced and professional staff. I'll definitely recommend my family and friends.
- Rhonda D. 1 week ago

Quick service. Fair Price. Good Quality.Glasses were a little slow coming in, but once here, they were perfect.
- Jim F. 1 week ago

I very much appreciated the service I received
- Anita P. 1 week ago

Dr. Bruce and her staff were great!
- Kip P. 1 week ago

Always pro staff. Dr. Young is an excellent doctor and a very caring professional.
- Neal S. 1 week ago