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.”