Justin Atherton, OD, comes to Gundersen Black River Falls Eye Clinic as an experienced eye care professional. He is an optometrist who cared for our nation’s military veterans and now provides primary eye care, treatment and management of ocular disease, contact lenses care and more at the eye clinic.
"I am happy to be back in a small community and to be building on the strong practice that Dr. Bruce Lahmayer has established," says Dr. Atherton. "I was drawn to optometry at Gundersen because of its reputation for exceptional medical care."
Originally from Waukesha, Dr. Atherton’s family moved to Bentonville, Ark., when he was a child. His education and career took him to other places, including to Beckley VA Medical Center in West Virginia, where he provided comprehensive eye care to our nation’s veterans.
He’s a man of science, and considered being a science teacher before realizing he wanted to be part of scientific advances more than teaching the subject,
"I had a great optometrist growing up that really seemed to enjoy his work. After shadowing multiple professions and doctors, every optometrist I met was genuinely cheerful about their work. I have no regrets," explains Dr. Atherton.
He met his wife, Amy Atherton, OD—new optometrist at Gundersen Tomah Eye Clinic—at Optometry school. The two keep busy spending time outdoors and with their two dogs, Tucker and Duke; and cats Lilly and Sassy. He also enjoys hiking, camping, canoeing, whitewater rafting, biking, hunting and playing card games with family.
"My wife is from Northeast Iowa and most of her family lives within two hours' drive from here," he says. "I have family in Wisconsin as well. After living in the South and on the East Coast, we had a longing to move back. The people you find in the Midwest are very nice and hardworking and Amy and I both prefer living in smaller communities—and wanted to work for Gundersen Health System."
Gundersen Eye Clinic Black River Falls newest optometrist provides the full range of optometric medical services, including:
- Routine eye examinations and well-vision screenings
- Laser vision correction evaluations
- Eye disease diagnosis, treatment and management
- Emergency eye care
To schedule your appointment with Dr. Atherton, call (715) 284-9451.
Decorah man grateful for what he has despite losing finger
Movin’ & More with Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics
Man thankful for care team following life-altering accident
Project SEARCH students celebrate graduation and new jobs