Family and Pediatric Eye Care

Dr. Gene Fonger

Dr. Fonger, a native of Rockford, did his undergraduate education at Michigan State University and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1975. After graduation, he joined the practice of Dr. Robert E. VanSlueters (now Family and Pediatric Eye Care) which was established by Dr. VanSleuters' father Charles in 1922. Dr. Fonger specializes in contact lenses and the office carries a large inventory of all contact lens styles. He frequently volunteers at the Mel Trotter mission and has done several humanitarian missions to Guatemala. He is an avid skier and biker and is a former member of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. He is married and has two children.

Dr. Kiersten Coon

Dr. Coon graduated from Michigan State University, Lyman Briggs School of Science with a bachelor degree (B.S.) in human physiology and received her doctorate of optometry (O.D.) from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. She completed internships at the Aleda Lutz VA Medical Center, Henry Ford Medical Center, and Balian Eye Center. Upon completion of her doctorate she did a post-graduate residency in family practice and pediatric eye care at the Univeristy of Houston College of Optometry. Dr. Coon specializes in infant, toddler, and school-aged children, as well as provide comprehensive medical eye care to adults. Dr. Coon is a clinical assistant professor at the Michigan College of Optometry teaching clinical skills to fourth year optometry interns. She volunteers her time to patients in need at Cherry Street Health Clinic and Clinica Santa Maria. Dr. Coon, a former member of Michigan State University's Varsity Soccer Team, enjoys running, soccer, camping and doing other outdoor activities with her husband, Doug. She joined the practice as an associate in 2003 and became a partner in January of 2005. Dr. Coon is currently accepting new patients.

Heather Mayfield, Opt. T.R., ABOC

Heather received her Associate Degree (A.S.) in Optometric Technicianry from Ferris State University in 1993 and her Optician certification from the American Board of Opticianry in 1994 . She assists in pre-testing patients before seeing the doctor and is responsible for dispensing, ordering, and adjusting glasses, as well as teach contact lens insertion and removal. She has been with the practice since 2000 and has two children, Jalen 8 and Rachel 6. She married her husband Brian in 1996. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, and cheering on Catholic Central Football! Go COUGARS!

Virginia Anderson

Virginia (Jenni), one of our frame stylists and front desk receptionists, has been with the practice since 2001 and is currently studying to be a certified optician. She helps patients pick out glasses, verifies patient insurances and dispenses glasses. She has two sons, Logan and Vance; and one dog, Drifter. In her spare time she enjoys roller blading and riding her bike.

Heather Twa, ABOC

Heather received her associate of business degree in Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship from Baker College and her American Board of Opticianry Certification in 2000. She has been with the practice since January 2004 and is responsible for pre-testing patients before they see the doctor, dispensing and adjusting glasses, assisting patients in frame selection, and contact lens inventory and insertion and removal classes. She enjoys spending time with her best friend, Uma (her greyhound mix), and crocheting in her spare time.

Donna Tyler

Donna, our full time insurance billing specialist graduated from Ferris State University with an associate degree (A.A.S.) in Medical Record Technology and has been with the practice since November of 2004. She is responsible for vision and medical billing. She has a five year old son. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and playing with her son.

Lisa Groesser, ABOC

Lisa joined our practice in February 2005 is certified by the American Board of Opticianry. She attended Grand Rapids Community College, as well as Grand Valley State University and currently has her Associate Degree. She assists in pre-testing patients before seeing the doctor and is responsible for dispensing, ordering, and adjusting glasses; as well as teaching contact lens insertion and removal classes. She is married and has one son, a daughter, and one more on the way. She also enjoys photography, and cooking.

Kim Hornbacher

Kim joined our practice in August 2008 and is an optometric technician graduate of Ferris State University. She assists in pre-testing patients before seeing the doctor and is responsible for dispensing, ordering, and adjusting glasses, as well as teach contact lens insertion and removal. Kim and her husband Eric have two children, Lindsay and Christian. She enjoys gardening and reading in her spare time.