Our Practice in the Des Moines Metro Area

Jeff Neighbors was raised in Eagle Grove, IA. He attended Iowa Central Community College and the University of Iowa before going to The Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL, and graduated in 2005.

After practicing in Massachusetts for a year, Dr. Neighbors returned to his hometown and practiced for 8 years before moving with his family to Johnston and joining Dr. Schroder in practice.

Dr. Neighbors sees patients in all locations: Altoona, Johnston, and Ankeny . He’s an active member of the Iowa Optometric Association and currently serves as President-Elect.

Dr. Neighbors is also active in many community organizations, including the Johnston and Altoona Chambers of Commerce, Johnston Rotary Club, the Freemasons, local networking groups, and the Johnston School District. In early 2017, Dr. Neighbors was part of an optometry mission trip to Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

Dr. Neighbors has a wife, Liz, and 3 daughters, Paige, Julia, and Lexi. In his free time, Dr. Neighbors enjoys golf and other sports.

James Schroder is originally from Waukee, IA. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1998 and the Pacific University College of Optometry in 2004.

Dr. Schroder is experienced in corneal refractive therapy and specializes in soft and gas permeable bifocal contact lenses. Dr. Schroder is very active in the current literature regarding new advances in eye care and systemic diseases affecting the eyes.

He is a member of the Iowa Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Schroder provides eye care for patients at On With Life—Brain Injury Rehab Center and Sunnyview Care Center Nursing Home.

Dr. Schroder stays active in his community and is a member of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals of Des Moines, Ankeny chapter.

Brian Williams is a native of Boone, IA. Dr. Williams received a BS degree in biology from Iowa State University and a Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He completed clinical rotations at Wolfe Eye Clinic in West Des Moines, IA, the Eye Center at SCO in Memphis, TN, and a private practice in Steamboat Springs, CO. Upon graduation, Dr. Williams practiced in Denver, CO.

While in optometry school, Dr. Williams served as class treasurer, vice president of the Student Government Association, and as a clinical lab teaching assistant. He was active in many clubs, including Optometric Private Practice, Contact Lens Society, and American Optometric Student Association. He also participated in a medical mission trip to Costa Rica to provide eye care to underserved populations. Dr. Williams’ clinical interests include primary eye care to patients of all ages, ocular disease, diabetic eye disease, dry eye treatment, specialty contact lens fittings, and pre and post-operative surgical management.

Dr. Williams is an active member of the Iowa Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society. In his free time, Dr. Williams enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys traveling, skiing, golfing, and exploring the outdoors.

Jay Petersma is originally from Newton, IA. He graduated from Central College in Pella, IA, in 1983 and the Illinois College of Optometry in 1987. He completed his residency in ocular disease and blindness rehabilitation at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, in 1988.

His wife Janet is a classroom instructor and creative team member at Memory Bound Scrapbooking, Ankeny. They have a daughter named Bailey, a graduate of Indiana University and a high school and middle school band director in east Texas.

Dr. Petersma is past president of the Iowa Optometric Association, was OD of the Year in 2013, and served as a clinical skills examiner for the Optometric Management National Board of Examiners in Optometry from 1999–2012. He sits on the American Optometric Association editorial board.

Dr. Petersma is active in his community. He is the chair of the Johnston Planning and Zoning Commission and has been on the City of Johnston Comprehensive Planning board since 2011. He is a current board member and past president of the Johnston Chamber of Commerce. He is also a drumline instructor for JHS Marching Band and the praise band drummer at Meredith Drive Reformed Church–The Bridge Campus.

Dr. Ukena’s clinical interests include primary eye care for patients of all ages, ocular disease, geriatric patient care, and low vision services. She is an active member of the Iowa Optometric Association and American Optometric Association.

In her free time, Dr. Ukena enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies include days spent on the lake, board games, and trying new brunch spots on the weekends. Dr. Ukena and her fiancé, Matthew, have 2 rescue dogs, Riley and Ryder.

Dr. Ukena is very excited to be coming back to Iowa and serving her new community. She will be seeing patients in Johnston, Ankeny, and Altoona so come on in and say hello!