Meet the Doctors

Dr. Kent Dobbins

Dr. Kent Dobbins is not your ordinary optometrist. After completing his Bachelor of Science at Kansas University, where he was an All Big Eight Gymnast and was on the Academic Honor Roll, he went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry where he took a special interest in General Optometry. Dr. Dobbins has been in practice for 38 years, and is a member of the Kansas Optometric and American Optometric Society.

Growing up on a farm in Lawrence, Kansas, where he also attended high school, Dr. Dobbins competed in football, gymnastics and track.

Dr. Dobbins served in the United States Marine Corps as infantry and a tank platoon commander for 4 years. He was awarded a Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for wounds received in action.

Says Dr. Dobbins, “As soon as I got out of the Marine Corps, I knew I wanted to find a job where I could be my own boss, as well as help others. That's why I chose this field.” Dr. Dobbins enjoys the simple pleasures that come with knowing that his patients are happy with how he helps them maintain long term eye health.

When not in the office, Dr. Dobbins avidly follows KU sports of all types, and enjoys travel, staying active and participating in Triathlons, where he has won first place in his age group in both national and international competitions.

​​​​​​​Dr. Dobbins is also proud of his family, “My wife, Liz, is an accomplished athlete. I have one son, 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Every one of them is smarter and better looking than me.”

Dr. Jake Letourneau

Dr. Letourneau, originally from Concordia, Kansas, attended the University of Kansas as an undergraduate and student-athlete playing football for the Jayhawks. He received his bachelor's degree in Human Biology in 2003. After graduating from KU, Dr. Letourneau went on to study optometry at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, one of the top optometry schools in the country.

Dr. Letourneau enjoys all areas of eye health care, especially treating ocular diseases such as diabetes, dry eye/ocular surface disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. He has written on the importance of early detection of macular degeneration, most recently in Review of Optometric Business.

Dr. Letourneau has a special interest in fitting specialty contact lenses, especially for patients with corneal diseases such as ectasia, keratoconus, and high astigmatism. “To literally change a patient’s visual experience, after years of them struggling with their everyday vision, is one of the most rewarding moments we enjoy as physicians.” He is a member of the Scleral Lens Education Society.

He is passionate about myopia management. “With our creation of Mighty Eyes, our myopia management clinic, we are treating at the highest level, improving the quality of life and future opportunities for children with myopia.” Dr. Letourneau is a member of the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia control, as well as a certified Brilliant Futures Myopia Management prescriber.

The most rewarding part of Dr. Letourneau’s profession is assisting those in need through SEE International. He travels annually with a group of eye surgeons to Milot, Haiti at Hospital Sacre’ Coeur providing medical and surgical care to thousands of patients in need.

Dr. Letourneau’s greatest accomplishment is being a husband to Karla, and a father to their 5-year-old daughter, Isla. Their family enjoys exercising, traveling, watching Isla participate in sports, always looking for new and memorable experiences.

Dr. Lauren Bynorth

Dr. Dobbins and Dr. Letourneau are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Lauren Bynorth to their practice. Dr. Bynorth is an esteemed graduate of Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. Between her schooling and participation in a service trip to Honduras via the Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, Dr. Bynorth delved into her passion for eyes. She enjoys providing optimal care for young, developing eyes and has a special interest in treating dry eye along with mitigating eye strain related to our modern and screen-filled lifestyles. Dr. Bynorth is also part of the Mighty Eyes Team for myopia management and an active member of Women in Optometry.

Getting to know a little more about Dr. Bynorth; she is a Kansas native, having been born in Wichita and raised in Valley Center, KS. She attended Wichita State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Medical Biology. When she wasn’t busy with her studies, she enjoyed being part of the Wichita Rowing Association and was active in theater.

Now that she is in Lawrence, Dr. Bynorth loves being part of this wonderful community. She enjoys strolling down Mass St with her husband, Jerrin, and their beagle, Ginger. When she isn’t out and about, she can be found gardening, practicing yoga, or curling up on the couch with a good book and her cat, Migi. She has recently started playing volleyball at Holcom Park Sports Complex.

Dr. Bynorth is excited to be a part of Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care and is looking forward to meeting you and providing exceptional vision care for your needs.