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.

D H
October 11, 2026
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Super efficient facility. This staff is running like a well oiled machine! Well worth the 45 minute drive as they are very professional, easy to talk to, upbeat and get my medical grade contact orders in correctly every year (Not an easy task). Dr. Orson always reviews any issues and I leave feeling secure about the progress of my vision issues through the years. Highly recommend.
K G
October 9, 2026
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My first time at Eyecare Specialties and everyone was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Sam helped me choose a pair of frames. The one pair that I wouldn’t have otherwise tried that she suggested were very flattering and comfortable and they’re the ones I decided on! Also, needed a pair of quality sunglasses and again she picked out a pair that were perfect for me. Just a great experience overall and I would highly recommend them. If I could give more than 5 stars I certainly would.
D R
October 8, 2026
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Dr Gelvin was fantastic!! Rachel, Jordan, Kennedy and the two girls at the front were great!!
A C
October 8, 2026
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Rachel at the check out desk and Ashley the optician were amazing!!! Helped me pick out my glasses, and were patient centered!
K M
October 8, 2026
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Very helpful.
R D
October 7, 2026
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Everyone was so nice & helpful
J A
October 7, 2026
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Everyone who works there is very nice and professional. They know what they're doing. I highly recommend them to friends, family and anyone else.
A G
October 6, 2026
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Appointment was easy to check in, quick to get into our room, informative, and the whole staff rocks!! Thanks!!
S S
October 5, 2026
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Everyone was friendly and helpful. I truly had a great experience.
T B
October 2, 2026
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I always have a wonderful experience here every time. The staff are very friendly and so helpful. And Dr. Law is the best.