Doctors & Staff
Meet the experienced and friendly doctors and staff who make Doniphan Vision Improvement Clinic a proud provider of vision care products and services in Doniphan.
Dr. Jennifer Howard
Dr. Howard is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Jenks High School, outside of Tulsa, in 2000. She attended the University of Tulsa where she earned a Bachelor of Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy. Jennifer moved to St. Louis in 2004 to attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry. She graduated with a Doctorate of Optometry degree in May 2008. In 2010, she completed a Master of Public Health from A.T. Still University. Dr. Howard has traveled to Tanzania twice and Mexica once on medical mission trips and hopes to continue her mission work abroad.
She lives in Dexter with her husband, David, and two sons, Sam and Henry. David is a crop consultant and co-owner of Heartland Crop Consults, LLC. The Howard family has been members of the Dexter community for several years.
Dr. Howard currently serves on the board of both the Missouri Optometric Association and the Missouri branch of the Girl Scouts of America. When she is not at work she enjoys watching her boys play sports and spending time camping with her family.
While she is new to the Doniphan community she looks forward to continuing the office’s strong commitment to the area.
Dr. James Hunt
Dr. James Hunt, OD, BSc, is a familiar face in Doniphan, Missouri. A graduate of Doniphan High School (Go Dons and Donettes!), Dr. Hunt went on to pursue a lifelong passion for science, earning a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Arkansas State University in 1995.
Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Hunt attended IAUPR School of Optometry, graduating in 1999. While there, his dedication to academic excellence was recognized with the prestigious Leadership Award. His commitment to patient care extended beyond the classroom. The summer before graduation, Dr. Hunt provided eye care to Native American patients at a clinic and the W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Upon graduation, Dr. Hunt returned to his roots in Doniphan, taking over his father’s practice and continuing a family legacy of service. He also joined the staff at Doniphan Memorial Hospital, expanding his reach within the community.
Dr. Hunt’s dedication to the profession is evident in his involvement with the American Optometric Association, the Missouri Optometric Association, and the Southeast Optometric Society. His expertise has been recognized twice with the Missouri Optometrist of the Year award. He has even served as a clinical examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, ensuring future generations of optometrists uphold the highest standards. Dr. Hunt’s passion for education extends beyond the clinical setting. He currently holds an associate professorship at IAUPR University School of Optometry, shaping the next wave of eye care professionals.
Dr. Hunt’s commitment extends far beyond the walls of his practice. He is deeply enthusiastic about improving the lives of his patients and the citizens of Ripley County. His dedication to the community is reflected in his service on various local boards and his recognition as the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.
When Dr. Hunt is not caring for patients or mentoring future optometrists, you can find him on the sidelines, lending his voice as the announcer for all Doniphan Dons youth, middle school, and high school football games. Dr. Hunt is proud to call Doniphan home. He resides there with his wife, Evelyn, their four children, and their ever-growing family of grandchildren.