The first Optometrist in Lansing was Dr. James Molenaar.  In the 1920’s he was a high school student and was plagued with constant headaches and visual discomfort.  Over a period of 6 months, James saw 2 different doctors, each of whom prescribed glasses, which were of no help at all.  The headaches and visual discomfort persisted so a 3rd doctor was consulted.  A 3rd pair of glasses was prescribed and the results were so amazing that James decided to pursue a career in Optometry so he could help others like himself.

    After high school graduation, James got a job to earn money for his Optometry education.  The great depression and the Lansing bank closing left him without any money.  Not to be deterred, he borrowed the tuition money and enrolled in the Chicago College of Optometry.  To make ends meet, he worked afternoons at J.C. Penney’s in Hammond every day after classes, eating a sandwich on the way to work.  After work, it was home to study.  The funds ran out before graduation, so a teacher friend made him a loan in order to finish his studies.  He graduated with honors in 1934.

    Dr. Molenaar took a position with the Marshall Field & Co. Optical Department downtown in the Chicago loop that summer.  At this time he was one of eleven Optometrists in a department that occupied the first floor at the corner of Randolph and Wabash.

    Dr. Molenaar had married Ella Lanning from Holland, Michigan in the early 1930’s.  She was an elementary school teacher at the Sunnybrook School in Lansing which at the time had just 2 classrooms.  One room for grades 1-4 and the other for grades 5-8.

    By 1936, with funds again low and in anticipation of their first son Jim, Dr. Molenaar opened an “evening practice” in their apartment on Torrence Avenue to service the Lansing neighborhood.  The first month he made a $3.00 profit.

    The goal of a full-time practice in Lansing was realized when the Molenaars bought property at 3546 Ridge Road and built a residence with an attached office.  The first patient was seen by late 1937.  The Optometry practice was on its way and has been in continuous operation at this new location ever since that time.

    Over the past eight decades, six major renovations have reshaped the property and building to its present configuration with the Molenaar Eyecare Specialists occupying the east half of the building and Molenaar Attorneys the west half.

    Dr. Wes Molenaar joined his father in practice in 1964.   Dr. James retired in 1978. Dr. Brant Molenaar joined his father Dr. Wes in 1994.  All three generations have practiced their profession with the highest standards of professional care and patient concern utilizing “state of the art” instrumentation.  As a result of this high level of care, patients of Molenaar Eyecare now span five generations and come from 27 of the United States, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands and several Canadian Provinces for their eyecare services.

    With each new generation of Molenaars, new levels of technology have emerged.  Molenaar Eyecare Specialists are now licensed to treat eye diseases from infection to glaucoma and co-manage cataract and Lasik patients with referral specialists.  The clinic has developed a broad base of experience in the field of contact lenses, staying current with the latest designs and technology.

    New advances in high-powered magnification aids such as CCTV’s, LED Magnifiers, Telescopic and Microscopic Eyeglasses allow improved vision and independence for patients who have lost much of their vision due to conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes.

    As technology is continually improving the design of eyeglasses and contact lenses, new levels of visual acuity and eye comfort can now be achieved.  Replacing last year’s lenses with these new designs results in new levels of vision previously unattainable.

    Following the recommendations of the American Optometric Association, Molenaar Eyecare Specialists offer a first eye exam at ages 1-3, a pre-school exam at age 5 and then yearly check-ups all through the school years.  Adult eye exams are advised annually to ensure good eye health and optimum vision.

    Dr. Brant Molenaar and Dr. Wes Molenaar welcome all new patients and offer vision care for all age ranges, from infant and pediatrics, all the way on up to senior citizens.
   
Next to left itself, God’s most precious gift is sight.  Nothing can take the place of the only pair of eyes you will every have!