Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Lavar Kofoed
Dr. Lavar Kofoed has been practicing Optometry in the Treasure Valley for the last 20 years. He is the CEO of LWK PC, the parent company of Dr. Kofoed and Associates – The Eye Pros. Dr. Kofoed is responsible for all the Optometrists for Dr. Barnes Eyemart Express in the great State of Idaho. He graduated from Fruitland High 1985. In 1992 he received a BS Degree from Brigham Young University and then a Doctorate from Pacific University College of Optometry in 1996. He is a member of the Idaho Optometric Physicians (IOP) and the American Optometric Associations (AOA). He works with local ophthalmologists in co-managing surgical procedures including LASIK, PRK, and cataract surgery.
Dr. Kofoed is married with 11 children. He spends most of his spare time with his family, who sings and performs on a regular basis. He loves America and the freedom he enjoys as a patriotic citizen.
Dr. Scott Hansen
Dr. Scott Hansen has been a practicing Optometrist for 20 years. He is a native of the Treasure Valley. He and his wife, Sheila, married in 1988 and have 4 children and spend most of their free time with them. He graduated from Ricks College and Idaho State University before pursuing his Doctor of Optometry degree. He graduated with honors from Pacific University College of Optometry in 1993. Since that time, he has practiced in the states of Texas (1993-2000), Washington (2000-2009), and now Idaho (2009-present). He has spent the majority of his practice in primary care providing eye exams, fitting contact lenses, and diagnosing and treating ocular diseases.
He spent 5yrs working in high volume surgical practices providing pre- and post-operative care for all LASIK and Cataract patients. His professional affiliations include the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Idaho Optometric Physicians (IOP).
Dr. Erik Thompson
Dr. Erik Thompson grew up in Blackfoot, ID. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Specialized Mechanical Engineering degree from BYU Idaho. He graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry with his Doctor of Optometry. Dr. Thompson completed several internships in Indianapolis Indiana, Louisville Kentucky, and the Eye institute of Utah in Salt Lake City. Dr Thompson is certified in treating ocular disease, co-managing LASIK and cataract surgery, and fitting contact lenses. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Idaho Optometric Physicians, and Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. He enjoys seeing children and serving patients of all ages.
Outside of work Dr. Thompson loves spending time with his wife and three children. He likes watching and playing sports, being outdoors, and serving in his church.
Dr. Kreyton Jackson
Dr. Kreyton Jackson attended the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, CA from 2006-2010. As a student there, Dr. Jackson was able to experience the many facets of optometry including low vision, pediatrics, contact lenses, vision therapy, and primary care optometry. He was also trained in the diagnoses and treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, ocular hypertension, and macular degeneration.
This training provided him with the opportunity to work with patients of all different ages and circumstances. Dr Jackson is a member of the Idaho Optometric Physicians (IOP) and the American Optometric Associations (AOA). He works closely with the region’s ophthalmologists in co-managing surgical procedures such as LASIK, PRK, and cataract surgery.
Dr. Jay Hartwell
Dr. Jay Hartwell grew up in Jerome, Idaho. Attended the College of Southern Idaho and Idaho State University. Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry in 1974.
After graduation, Dr. Hartwell had the opportunity to run his own practice in Twin Falls, Idaho. There he provided complete patient eye care, refraction, eyeglasses and contact lens including difficult to fit contact lenses. As well as, diagnosed various eye diseases and abnormalities.
In his spare time, he is a Black Belt in Taekwondo and the president of the Intermountain Taekwondo Alliance. Other hobbies include astronomy and prospecting.
Dr. Nathan Broschinsky
Dr. Nathan Broschinsky is a Cache Valley native who graduated from Sky View High School and Utah State University.
As a licensed optometrist, Dr. Broschinsky provides exams, diagnoses, and treatments of all disorders that affect the eye or vision. In addition to training in eye diseases and disorders, Dr. Broschinsky is also trained in anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. With this background, Dr. Broschinsky is trained to recognize a range of health issues; such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes and hypertension.
Dr. Broschinsky works hard to stay current on the latest advances in eye health and vision care and regularly attends continuing education seminars and advanced training courses.
Dr. Nathan Christensen
Dr. Nathan Christensen grew up in South Jordan, Utah. Later he attended Southern Utah University where he received his bachelors in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He then attended the Southern California College of Optometry where he received training in low vision, pediatrics, vision therapy, ocular disease and contact lenses. After his graduation in 2008 he moved back to Utah where he continues to pride himself in providing great eye health care along with clear, comfortable vision. He is a member of the Utah Optometric Association (UOA) and the American Optometric Association (AOA).
In his free time Dr Christensen loves to visit national parks with his wife and two girls. He also likes to camp, ride ATV’s, watch (and play) basketball, and do woodworking.
Dr. Christine Chong
Dr. Christine Chong grew up in Washington state. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma with a bachelors of science in biology. Dr Chong then attended graduate school at Pacific University, where she graduated with honors and received her doctorate in optometry. After graduation, Dr Chong practiced optometry in Las Vegas, NV and the Tri Cities, WA. During this time, Dr Chong gained experience in pediatric and primary care optometry and served a diverse mix of patients. Dr Chong is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Idaho Optometric Physicians (IOP).
In her free time, Dr Chong enjoys making things and going on adventures with her husband and their greyhounds.
Dr. Roy R Gibson
Dr. Roy R Gibson comes to us from New York, near Niagara Falls. He has been a proud resident of Utah since 1988. He and his wife, Sheryl, have 9 children and 19 grandchildren. He enjoys most sports but more than others perhaps volleyball, golfing, and racquetball. Along with sports he enjoys gospel discussions and having fun with family. Dr. Gibson graduated from the University of Houston School of Optometry.
He has served the Utah area for over 33 years including, the University of Utah where he served as the optometry clinic director; Pearle Vision, Standard Optical, FHP , Talbert Medical group, and the Mount Ogden Eye Center as well as Sam’s Club for over 18 years. Dr. Gibson co-manages laser, refractive and cataract surgeries. He has undergone Lasik surgery himself and has enjoyed the visual freedom it has given him. Since 2001, Dr Gibson and his associates have given Optometric care for the Sam’s vision centers in Layton and Riverdale.
His work ethic and Leadership skills have allowed him to serve for several years on the Sam’s West region advisory panel, made up of seven doctors, to represent its National corporate doctors in implementing efficiency and quality of care to patients and staff. Dr. Gibson served as an active duty Air Force Optometry officer in Washington DC. He served with the Reserve 419th Medical Squadron at Hill Air Force Base keeping an 1800 member Fighter Wing Vision ready. He managed the optometry clinic including the soft contact lens program for Pilots. He is a veteran of Desert Storm and retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. He flew the F-16 fighter jet with the Air Force Optometry Top Eye program.
Dr. Kendall Wilden
Dr. Kendall Willden grew up in Beaver, Utah. There he met and married his high school sweetheart. He attended Southern Utah University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. Afterwards, he attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. There he studied everything from pediatrics, low vision, contact lens fitting, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetic eye care, and cataract and lasik surgery co-management. Dr. Willden practiced in Oregon for a year, then he and his family went to upstate New York for six years where he worked for a private practice. After being so far away for so many years he and his family moved back west to be closer to extended family.
Dr. Willden enjoys all things fishing, camping, hiking, visiting family, and spending time with his wife and three boys.
Dr. Daniel Nielson
Dr. Daniel Nielson grew up in Northern, Idaho. He attended Brigham Young University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. His Doctor of Optometry he completed at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee and then went on to complete a residency in pediatrics, vision therapy, and neuro-rehabilitation.
His training allows him to treat a wide range of eye conditions and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. He is passionate about helping children with vision problems and providing them with the right tools to succeed visually. Dr. Nielson is a member of the Idaho Optometric Physicians (IOP), American Optometric Association (AOA), and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). In his spare time, Dr. Nielson enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife and two kids.
Dr. Glen Turner
Dr. Glen Turner grew up in the Mid-West, Illinois and Iowa. He did most of his undergraduate work at Brigham Young University, but ultimately got his Bachelor’s of Science degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. He continued on at Pacific University College of Optometry where he graduated with his Doctorate of Optometry in 1990. He moved to East Texas and practiced for 10 yrs in both private and commercial settings. He then returned to Utah and has been practicing for nearly 20 yrs in the Layton area. He practices General Optometry with emphasis in contact lens fitting and the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases.
He enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time with his family and loves being a grandpa to his 20+ grandchildren.
Dr. Chris Kunz
Dr. Chris Kunz is a native of Bear Lake. He received a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Biology and minor in Chemistry at BYU-Idaho. He completed his doctorate degree at Midwestern University where he was trained in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, ocular hypertension, and macular degeneration.
Dr Kunz is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Idaho Optometric Physicians (IOP). Dr. Kunz’s rotations included focused training at Nationwide Medical Eye Center in Mesa, AZ, and Komatke Health at the Gila River Indian Community in Laveen Village, AZ. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys snowmobiling, woodworking, and is a saltwater aquarium enthusiast.
Dr. Lance Bloom
Dr. Lance Bloom is a native of Colorado. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from BYU–Idaho in 2009, then completed his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University–Arizona College of Optometry in 2013. While in school he completed various internships in pediatric optometry/vision therapy, primary eye care, and ocular disease. Dr. Bloom has practiced in multiple practice settings, including managing his own practice in Colorado prior to moving with his family to Idaho.
Dr. Bloom enjoys working with patients of all ages, but he especially enjoys working with children and youth, and has performed thousands of pediatric vision exams. He also speaks Spanish and loves working with the hispanic community. He will gladly perform your exam in Spanish if you desire. Dr. Bloom strongly believes in patient education and listening to his patients in order to ensure that each patient’s functional visual needs are met during the eye exam.
In his personal time he enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children, singing, playing guitar, and following his sports teams. He’s especially happy that he could move to Boise and still be a Broncos fan.
Dr. Brett Fredericksen
Dr. Brett Fredericksen grew up in Moses Lake, WA and later received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Exercise Science, and a Minor in Business Management. He then obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry.
Dr. Fredericksen’s areas of specialty include: primary eyecare, pediatrics, contact lens, myopia management, glaucoma, ocular disease, and comanaging Lasik and cataract surgery. When he is not working, Dr. Fredericksen enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He enjoys sports, hunting, and fishing.
Dr. AJ Durrant
He received his doctorate in optometry at Midwestern University College of Optometry in Arizona. While in school, he completed rotations focused on primary eye care and the management of ocular disease. He especially enjoys fitting patients in contact lenses and managing glaucoma and diabetes. In his free time Dr. Durrant enjoys running, biking, camping, woodworking, and spending time with his two boys.
