Rexburg Vision Center

Bios

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  Nathan Mortensen

  DR. NATHAN C. MORTENSEN

  Dr. Nathan Mortensen is the newest doctor at the Rexburg Vision Center. He served an LDS mission to Calgary, Alberta before attending BYU-Idaho and then transferring to Idaho State University in 2011. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Exercise Science in May 2013, then began his optometry training at Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) in Fullerton, CA that August. Over the course of his education, Nathan gained experience in all facets of optometry, from primary care, cornea and contact lenses to ocular disease, pediatrics with vision therapy, and low vision. During his rotational fourth year, he gained experience at the following locations: Southeast Tucson VA CBOC – treated diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, keratoconus, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts pre-and post-operative care. Naval Air Station in Lemoore, CA – primary care, contact lens fitting, ocular disease specifically with anterior segment conditions including uveitis. Pearl Harbor-Hickam Naval/Air Force base and Kaneohe Marine Corps base in Oahu, HI – This experience was similar to Lemoore, but a lot more fun! Ketchum Health in Fullerton, CA – primary care, contact lens, pediatrics and vision therapy, ocular disease, and low vision. Nathan graduated Magna Cum Laude from SCCO in May of 2017. During his final year, Nathan received the Hedda Jaanus Podrang Memorial Endowed Award, which recognizes one graduating student “who has demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional aptitude in ocular pharmacology and clinical ocular therapeutics.” Nathan loves movies, outdoor activities, and sports (mostly baseball), and enjoys spending time with his wife, Anna, and their two boys.

  Link: Nathan Mortensen

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  Damon S. Mortensen

  DR. DAMON S. MORTENSEN

  Dr. Damon Mortensen was born in Fullerton, CA while his father was attending optometry school. He was raised in Rexburg, ID, and is the 2nd of 5 children. By participating in school sports, he gained valuable characteristics such as dedication and hard work. He served a 2 year LDS mission in St. Louis, MO after which he attended Ricks College where he played football for the Vikings during the college’s last year of collegiate sports. He received his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, UT in 2005. Following in his father’s footsteps, he received his optometric education from the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) in 2009. He completed a series of rotational training which includes: SCCO Eye Care Center where he became experienced in low vision, pediatrics, contact lenses, primary care, vision therapy, and ocular disease. Salt Lake City Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center which provided extensive experience in treating conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, ocular hypertension, and macular degeneration. Salt Lake City Moran Eye Center where he received training in fitting difficult contact lenses such as for Keratoconus. Hoopes Vision Surgical Center in Sandy, UT which allowed him to become efficient in co-managing surgical procedures such as Lasik, PRK, cataracts, and PKP (corneal transplants). Southwest Vision private practice in St. George, UT which provided a broad range of optometric care from pediatrics to geriatrics. Following his rotations, Dr. Mortensen received his Doctor of Optometry degree and returned home to Rexburg, ID, and joined the Rexburg Vision Center in June of 2009. He is a member of the AOA and IOP. He is married to Jessica (Davies) Mortensen and they have 3 children. Dr. Mortensen enjoys spending time with his family as well as almost all sports. He especially enjoys golf, boating, skiing, and snowmobiling.

  Link: Damon S. Mortensen

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  Darren W. Hatch

  DR. DARREN W. HATCH O.D.

  Dr. Darren Hatch is from Rexburg, where he graduated from Madison High School. He attended Ricks College, graduating with his associate’s degree, and later attended Idaho State University where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree. Unlike the Mortensen doctors, Dr. Hatch began his optometry training at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL. There he gained experience in every aspect of optometry, from primary care to ocular disease and pediatrics. Dr. Hatch specializes in hard gas-permeable contact lenses and spent his rotational fourth year at his school’s clinic. He spent time off-site at the Olympia Fields Hospital, where he worked closely with corneal specialists and learned to treat ocular diseases safely and efficiently. In 1996 Dr. Hatch graduated from optometry school, moved back to Rexburg, and joined us at the Rexburg Vision Center. Dr. Hatch is a member of the Idaho Optometric Physicians Association, the American Optometric Association, and the South East Idaho Optometric Association. Dr. Hatch is very active and busy when it comes to his wife and 10 adopted children. He enjoys spending time with them and attending each one of their sporting events and extracurricular activities. Dr. Hatch is also industrious and enjoys building or fixing almost anything he sets his mind to.

  Link: Darren W. Hatch