John Gelvin, O.D.

Locations Served: Lee’s Summit, Belton, and Warrensburg


Born in Lawrence, Kansas, Dr. Gelvin earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and went on to earn his Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University College of Optometry. Following graduation, he completed a residency in Advanced Ophthalmic Disease at the W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and a residency in Vision Education Foundation at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Dr. Gelvin has decades of extensive professional experience, having worked at practices in Northern Indiana and Kansas City before joining the team at Eyecare Specialties. He believes in using his extensive clinical research and educational experience to preserve his patients’ vision and eye health. He also has a background working in an optometric referral center, which gave him a passion for working with patients who have acute and chronic eye diseases, including glaucoma.

Under the care of Dr. John Gelvin, your time is respected and valued, and you’ll receive the best eye care for your unique needs.

DR. JOHN GELVIN IS SERVING PATIENTS AT OUR LEE’S SUMMIT, BELTON, AND WARRENSBURG OFFICES!

After growing up in Grand Island, Nebraska, Dr. Gelvin spent 20 years practicing optometry in Kansas City. His research work has appeared in medical textbooks and journals, including Optometry Clinics and Journal of the American Optometric Association. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of both the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the American Optometric Association.

Dr. Gelvin has also devoted his efforts to a number of community organizations. He served as the director of Christian Vision Eye Services to Haiti for 25 years as part of his role in the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, International, Inc. During that period, he was also on the board for the Christianville Foundation in Carfour, Haiti for 10 years. Today, he’s one of the 135 members of the Optometric Glaucoma Society in the United States.

Dr. Gelvin now lives in Lake Winnebago with his wife, Kaydra, where they frequently host their children and grandchildren. He truly enjoys learning about his patients and getting to know them on a personal level. He also enjoys sharing his many stories of his time in Haiti and is fluent in Haitian Creole.

M K
November 5, 2026
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I had a wonderful experience with the friendly and helpful staff!
C T
November 4, 2026
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Love this office! The doctors and staff are very friendly and a wide selection of frames to choose from!
D J
November 4, 2026
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Dr Johnson is very personable and knowledgeable, and knows how to explain things in just the right way. The entire staff are very compassionate and supportive. Special shout out to Cary and Shayla. 10/10 would recommend EYECARE Specialties in Clinton.
E C
October 31, 2026
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This was the third or fourth time that Dr Johnson did an exam for glasses for me. They are always very friendly and professional. I'm now waiting for my glasses after getting my prescription. Everyone I dealt with was very pleasant and helpful. Thank you Eyecare Specialties Staff. I appreciate all of your help and friendliness. Sincerely, Esther Caroline Payne
C G
October 30, 2026
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Very professional service. Highly recommend. Thank you to Ashley, Kaylee, Tiffany, Tatiana and of course Dr. Hardy.
N J
October 30, 2026
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The staff and Dr. Johnson were great. They were on time for my appointment and everything ran smoothly. They helped me choose new frames and I was in and out pretty quickly. Everyone was friendly and very helpful.
R B
October 29, 2026
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Great staff and Doctor. Very attentive and good at explaining everything.
A A
October 28, 2026
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Everyone was so nice and accommodating! I had a wonderful experience there and will definitely continue using them for all of my optometry needs!
D R
October 28, 2026
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Very friendly ! , great glasses to pick from.
S R
October 24, 2026
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Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.