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Who We Are

 

Dr. Barbara Keys

Owner

 

I was born and raised in Ohio, I graduated from Ohio State College of Optometry in 1987. I have worked in corporate Optometry, Veterans' Homes, for an Ophthalmologist, HMOs and private practice. I moved to Fairbanks 1994 when my husband was stationed in Eielson AFB. I begin working with Jim and Salley Rothmeyer at West Valley Vision Center and in in 200, purchased Rothmeyer Optical from them. I have two sons that keep me very busy with their activities and enjoy the part-time schedule I work. I love Optometry and would recommend this profession to anyone.

 

Dr. Mavencamp

 

 

I am a longtime Fairbanks resident and graduate of Monroe High School, Class of 1993. After graduation, I attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas where I graduated with honors in 1998. I then attended Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon and received my Doctorate of Optometry in 2005. I live in Fairbanks with my wife Meredith and sons Jack and Ryan and am happy to be practicing Optometry at West Valley Vision Center.

 

Boyle, Jamie

Office Manager

 

I moved to Alaska from Oregon in 1999 three days after I married my husband Scott. We have two boys ages 5 and 3. I started working for Dr. Keys just after moving here. I started as her receptionist and became certified optician in 2003. I have also worked as a technician for the Optometrists in our practice. In June of 2006, I became the Office Manager. In my almost ten years of employment, I have come to know a great deal of our patients and look forward to seeing them each year. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, quilting and cooking.

 

Cornforth, Jan

 

 

Jan joined the staff of WVVC in 2005. She has been a licensed Optician since 1977 and added her Contact Lens Certification in 2000. Jan was born and raised in Fairbanks and enjoys serving her patients that have followed her through the years.

 

Hanson, Julie

Billing Coordinator

 

I was a patient at West Valley Vision Center, before being hired in 2005. I was raised in Alaska. I am married and have two wonderful children. I enjoy working in accounts receivables. I can assist you with your account and insurance billing questions.

 

Needels-Lasell, Vicki

 

I've lived in Alaska since 1954 and graduated from Chugach High School in 1971. After apprenticing for three years in Anchorage, I received my Optician's License in 1976. I moved my family to Fairbanks in 1983 and have worked in several local practices as an optician. I have two children and five grandchildren. After marrying my husband in 2005, I moved to Healy and now work part time at West Valley Vision Center.

 

Nethken, Amanda

 

I have worked at WVVC for almost four months. I assist the doctors by prescreening patients and performing specialty testing such as retinal photography and visual fields. I am married and have one child.

 

Marsh, Lucy

 

 

I have been with West Valley Vision Center since June of 2006. I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to Alaska in the early 90's. Prior moving to Fairbanks, I lived in Barrow with my husband, we have four children. I have been in the optical field for nine years and a Certified Optician since 2007.

 

Prax, Natasha

 

I was born and raised in Fairbanks. I worked for West Valley Vision Center from 2006-2007 as a technician, front desk receptionist and in the billing department. I have returned to the billing department to handle insurance verification and billing. You may see me at the front desk from time to time and I look forward to assisting you.

 

Rothmeyer, Jim

 

 

I am a Licensed Optician with 36 plus years of optical experience. I have been with West Valley Vision Center since 2000. I came to Alaska 26 years ago with my wife Salley. My hobbies include hunting, fishing and of course TRAVEL.

 

Rothmeyer, Salley

 

I have lived in Fairbanks for 24 years. I am married to Jim Rothmeyer and between the two of us we have 5 children and 7 grandchildren all living outside. I have been a licensed Optician for over 10 years but you will probably find me in the back doing paper work. My hobbies are gardening, fishing, and most anything outdoors. I look forward to seeing and helping all of our long time patients and meeting many new ones. Let me know when you come in so I can say Hi.

 

Sesser, Sharon

Contact Lens Manager

 

I came to Alaska in 1991, just for the summer, and never left. I married my husband, Robert, in 2001. I've worked with Dr. Keys for 13 years now and love the challenge of my job, but most of all, I enjoy our great patients. I am a Certified Contact Lens Technician and manage the contact lens department for Vest Valley Vision Center. I teach insertion and removal of contact lenses to new wearers and evaluate the fit of lenses to ensure they are performing properly. I look forward to working with each of you on your contact lens needs.

 

Simon, Melinda

Technician Manager

 

I was raised in Fairbanks and graduated from Lathrop High School. I have three children that keep me busy when I'm not at work. I have worked at West Valley Vision Center for six years. I am both a Certified Paraoptometric and a Certified Contact Lens Technician. I currently manage the technicians for Dr. Keys and you will find me working directly with patients doing pre-screening, specialty testing and contact lens checks.

 

Yingst, Charrise

 

 

I grew up in Alaska. I have been married for 28 years and have four wonderful children and one grandson. I joined WVVC one year ago and enjoy meeting new patients. I am in scheduling. When you call and need an appointment, I'll be happy to help you.