University Place

Vision Care Associates has been providing excellent vision care to patients since 1960. Our experienced doctors offer comprehensive vision examinations and also specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, injuries and infections. Our doctors are also skilled in pediatrics and the diagnosis and treatment of learning related vision problems.

Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced eye care provider’s today.

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  David Hays, O.D., Diplomate, American Board of Optometry

  Dr. Hays graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry. He grew up in University Place, graduated from Curtis High School, and upon completion of optometry school he returned to practice optometry with his father Dr. Sidney Hays. Dr. Hays is member of the Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW), American Medical Athletic Association, and the Optometric Education Foundation (OEP). He is also a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), including both the Contact Lens and Sports Vision Sections. Dr. Hays was president of the Optometric Physicians of Washington. As an early practitioner, Dr. Hays, was the recipient of the Young OD of the Year award by his peers. He has also served as a council member of the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).
  
  Dr. Hays believes in giving back to the community, especially at the local level. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce in University Place and Yelm. He has volunteered at school screenings and is a provider for the InfantSee TM program, which provides no-cost vision screenings for babies within their first year of life. He also is a provider for Vision USA, which provides patients in financial need with desperately needed eye care.
  
  Dr. Hays enjoys spending time with his wife Karen, their 2 children and one Grandson. Dr. Hays is a former runner, who also has interests in photography, spending time outdoors, and sailing the Puget Sound.
  

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  Kim Eckroth, O.D., Diplomate, American Board of Optometry

  Dr. Kim Eckroth graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry with distinction. She grew up in the Yelm community, graduated from Yelm High School and has returned to her hometown to practice optometry. She has enjoyed working in University Place and establishing relationships with her loyal patients in the community. Her clinical training includes the Spokane Veterans Hospital, McChord Air Force Base, and a pediatric vision therapy center in Colorado. During optometry school, she was selected to provide elite clinical care in the Pediatric and Strabismus Referral Center in Portland, OR. She is board certified by the American Board of Optometry, an associate of the College of Optometrist in Visual Development (COVD), and a clinical associate of the Optometric Extension Program (OEP). She is a past president of the Pierce County Society of Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) and has served on the OPW Board as a Trustee. Dr. Eckroth is also a member of American Optometric Association (AOA) including the contact lens and sports vision sections. She was also a question writer for the American Board of Optometry Certification Exam and is a member of the Children's Vision Task Force. Dr. Eckroth served on the OPW Board as Trustee.
  
  Dr. Eckroth enjoys the relationships with her patients and giving back to the community. She volunteered at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission providing free eye exams. She is a provider for the InfantSee TM program, which provides a no cost vision screening for babies in the first year of life. She has also volunteered for the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters program of Olympia, The Special Olympics, the Hands on Children's Museum and Yelm Community Schools. Dr. Eckroth is a previous member of two medical humanitarian missions to Honduras and Moldova. She is a member of the Lion's Club and the Yelm Chamber of Commerce.
  
  In her free time, Dr. Eckroth enjoys spending time with her husband Richie and their three children. They enjoy spending time outdoors.