Hometown Eyecare and Optical is pleased to offer a wide range of optometric services and eye care products including eyeglasses, sunglasses, specialty eyewear, and contact lenses.
Our mission is to provide you with the highest quality of eye care available. It shows in everything that we do. From your first contact with us to any in-office visits, we aim to provide you with first-class hometown service. This is what drives us to provide you with the best care year after year!
Contact us any time to learn more.
Drs. Derek Walton and Melanie Leedy both find satisfaction in providing comprehensive, thorough, and individualized eye care to members of the whole family. Whether it is for routine vision care or specialized eye health care, they feel it is most important that their patients understand their eye conditions and the best treatments available including the latest advancements in optical products and contact lenses. They believe it is through this honest communication and partnership with their patients that the best outcomes and quality of life can be achieved.
Derek A. Walton, OD
Dr. Walton first moved to Riverton when he was three years old and has always considered this his hometown. He was actively involved in various sports and clubs at Riverton High School and graduated as a valedictorian in the class of 2000. After obtaining an Associate of Business Management degree from Ricks College he became fascinated with the eyes and realized that optometry was the path for him. He finished his undergraduate work at the University of Wyoming, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, double-majoring in Biology and Zoology & Physiology with a minor in Chemistry. He finally received his Doctor of Optometry degree at the Southern California College of Optometry, graduating Magna Cum Laude in the class of 2011. As part of his optometric education, Dr. Walton completed internships at the VA clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah, an ocular disease clinic at Southern California’s Kaiser Permanente hospital, and various clinics in Orange County and Los Angeles, CA. He also spent time tutoring other optometry students while in school.
In his first years as an optometrist, Dr. Walton worked with Dr. Ben Kister at Kister Eyecare in Riverton, then at Shopko Eyecare at various locations in Utah. In 2017, he returned to Riverton and purchased Kister Eyecare, renaming it Hometown Eyecare and Optical. He is heavily invested in the success of the practice and is continually working to improve and expand on the high quality of eye care and service offered here.
On a personal note, Dr. Walton enjoys sports, music, being in Wyoming’s outdoors, and spending time with his wife, Ashley, and their four fun-loving children.
Melanie Leedy, OD
Dr. Leedy is a native of Colorado Springs, CO. She attended Pacific University in Oregon where she earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Optometry degrees with Magna Cum Laude honors. Her optometric internships included time at the Ft. Washakie IHS clinic, the VA clinic in Cheyenne, a LASIK and cataract center in Colorado Springs, and the pediatric clinic at her university.
Dr. Leedy spent her early years visiting family in Wyoming and always felt like this is where she wanted to call home for herself. This became a reality when she was offered a position as an optometrist for the Northern Arapaho tribe at Wind River Cares in 2020. Her husband is an avid hunter and fly fisherman so it was easy to convince him to make the move. In 2025 she joined the team at Hometown Eyecare and Optical and has been an excellent fit for the practice.
Dr. Leedy lives in Lander with her husband and daughter. On the weekends their family is almost always outdoors hiking or hunting with their two German shorthaired pointers.
About Our Team
Our friendly team of eye care professionals is here to help you understand your benefits, schedule appointments, assist in your eye exam, and give you guidance in picking out your perfect pair of eyewear.
Anna
Anna is our lead optician and optical manager. She ventured out west from North Carolina in 2021 and has made Riverton her home. She has a passion for photography and when she is not helping patients with their glasses, she loves hiking and exploring the beauties of Wyoming.
Michelle
Michelle is very well-rounded in the optometry field and keeps everything running smooth in the practice. In her free time she enjoys exploring new hobbies, cuddles with her boxer, and the occasional reality TV show.
Deb
We are excited to have Deb working with us again after a two-year absence. She missed working with the patients she came to know and love and cannot wait to meet all of our new patients. When not working she is busy taking care of her husband, 3 German Shepherds, and 2 kitties. She has also been learning about and working with the wonderful plants the Good Lord gave us for health and wellness.
Shannon
Shannon joined our team in 2024. She has over 20 years of experience working with customers and loves helping others and providing top-notch service. She is a Florida native and enjoys fishing and anything involving the outdoors.
Amaya
Amya is a Wyoming Resident – Born and raised! She is excited to be helping people feel confident whether that be glasses or contacts. She loves to fish – just ask, she will show you pictures!