Business Details
9 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Optometrists in Riverton, WY
At Hometown Eyecare & Optical, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional eye care through a combination of advanced technology and personalized service. Our practice was founded in 2017 when Dr. Derek Walton acquired Kister Eyecare, bringing decades of combined experience from his education at Southern California College of Optometry and internships at leading clinics. Our team, including Dr. Melanie Leedy, prioritizes comprehensive eye health assessments, offering services ranging from routine exams to specialized treatments for conditions like cataracts and glaucoma.We emphasize patient education, ensuring individuals understand their eye conditions and treatment options while fostering trust through transparent communication. With a focus on both clinical excellence and community engagement, we strive to make Riverton residents feel confident in their eye care choices.
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Contact Lenses
Pediatric Eye Exams
Cataract Treatment
Emergency Eye Care
Glaucoma Management
Eye Disease Treatment
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer comprehensive eye exams using the latest diagnostic technology.
- Our doctors have over 15 years combined experience in optometric care.
- We provide emergency eye care for urgent trauma or foreign object cases.
- Our team specializes in pediatric eye exams for children's vision development.
- We prioritize patient education about eye health and treatment options.
What people say
Thorough eye care
Professional & personal
Best for eye care
Knowledgeable and easy to talk to
Great customer service
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Our detailed eye exams assess visual acuity, eye health, and potential diseases. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we detect conditions like glaucoma and cataracts early. Patients receive personalized recommendations for corrective lenses or treatment plans.
Contact Lenses
We offer customized contact lens fittings for various vision needs. Our doctors evaluate eye health to recommend optimal lens types, including daily disposables and specialty lenses for astigmatism or presbyopia.
Pediatric Eye Exams
Specialized exams for children starting at six months old. We monitor vision development and screen for common issues like amblyopia. Early detection ensures proper visual development for school readiness.
Cataract Treatment
We diagnose cataracts through detailed lens evaluations and provide pre- and post-operative care for surgical patients. Non-surgical management includes vision optimization strategies to maintain quality of life.
Emergency Eye Care
Immediate treatment for eye trauma, chemical exposure, or sudden vision changes. Our team provides urgent care to prevent permanent damage, with same-day appointments available for critical cases.
People
Derek A. Walton
Optometrist
Dr. Walton graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern California College of Optometry in 2011. He has practiced in Riverton since 2017, combining advanced training with community-focused care for comprehensive vision solutions.
Melanie Leedy
Optometrist
Dr. Leedy earned her Doctor of Optometry degree Magna Cum Laude from Pacific University. She joined Hometown Eyecare in 2025 after serving the Northern Arapaho tribe, specializing in family eye health and disease management.
Anna
Optical Manager
As lead optician, Anna helps patients select eyewear that combines functionality with style. She brings expertise in lens technology and a passion for ensuring optimal vision correction through personalized fittings.
Michelle
Optometry Technician
Michelle supports patient care with pre-exam preparations and optical assistance. Her attention to detail ensures smooth operations while maintaining a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Shannon
Patient Services
With 20+ years of customer service experience, Shannon assists with scheduling, insurance verification, and patient education, ensuring a seamless experience from initial contact through post-appointment follow-up.
Questions
What services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, pediatric eye care, cataract and glaucoma management, and emergency eye treatment in Riverton, WY.
Do you handle eye emergencies?
Yes, we offer immediate care for eye trauma, chemical exposure, or sudden vision changes with same-day appointment availability for urgent cases.
When should children have eye exams?
First exam at six months old, follow-up between ages two and three, then annual exams starting school age to monitor vision development.
What payment options are available?
We accept major insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, and offer financing options for qualified patients. Contact our office for specific payment methods.
What are Neurolenses?
Neurolenses are specialized lenses correcting eye misalignment causing headaches, eye strain, and dizziness. We offer consultations to determine candidacy for this treatment.
Reviews (5)
Jamie Proctor
Jan 17, 2020
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This place was horrible. The eye doctor himself was kinda nice but the staff was awful!! I contacted them ahead of time to see if they were a preferred provider as I was new to the area, and I provided them with my insurance provider and number. She called me back and assured me they were and set up an appointment . After my appointment they told me there were no benefits for contacts on my plan, which I knew was wrong . She insisted she was right , was horribly rude and even read me the benefits off a page she had printed, while I was trying to talk to her. I nicely told the front desk lady there
Melinda Mclaughlin
Nov 30, 2019
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Dr. Walton is not one of those Doctors who constantly passes you off to the staff. If you have a question, you get an answer FROM HIM. And you get it fast.
Melinda McLaughlin
Jul 03, 2019
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Dr Walton is really knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I like how he keeps up on the latest developments in his field. I think we are lucky to have him in Riverton.
Alleta Baltes
Jan 17, 2019
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Very pleased with how thorough Dr. Walton & his staff are with eye care. Very professional & personal. So fortunate to have a great eye doctor in Riverton. Loved their special on sunglasses with purchase of regular glasses. Highly recommend!
Nate C.
Jul 24, 2013
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I have tried several eye doctors around the Riverton area and by far have been happiest with Dr. Walton's care. The staff at Kister Eye Care are great and care about the way they treat their customers. I was impressed with the individual care I received. Honestly, I felt that my eye care mattered and that Dr. Walton wanted the best for me.
