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DR. LiSA GONTAREK
Dr. Lisa V. Gontarek is an enthusiastic, compassionate optometrist who truly enjoys helping her patients. Raised in Newport News, she graduated from Menchville High School and then with a biology degree at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA., she got her doctorate at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN in 1997 and stayed to complete a Primary Care residency which included clinical work at SCO and the Memphis VA Hospital.
In 1998, Dr. Lisa accepted a position at Ophthalmology Associates, a multi-specialty practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While there, she gained invaluable experience in a setting that allowed her to fully utilize her training.
Not only did she see her own patients for comprehensive eye care, she was responsible for covering on call services for several local hospitals, saw pre- and post-op surgical patients as requested by her colleagues, was responsible for staff training and for running the high volume contact lens department.
After marrying Dr. Scott and the arrival of son, Gavin, Dr. Lisa moved back to Hampton Roads with her new family. Ready to take the next step in her career, she took over a practice next to Lens Crafters in Greenbrier Mall. This location was a busy one and she worked hard to make it successful.
After the arrival of daughter, Katie, and a total of seven and one half years in this location, it was time to finally realize her ultimate goal – a stand alone, private practice. And thus, with the help of Dr. Scott, Gontarek Eye Care, Optometrists, LLC was born in July 2010 and is thriving at its new location at the corner of Battlefield Blvd and Kempsville Rd.
Having made work a family affair, a lot of Dr. Lisa’s spare time is spent making sure that the business is successful. She does enjoy some down time, of course. Spending time with her family is number one. Both kids are outgoing and involved in extracurricular activities in which she likes to share. When she’s not at work and the kids are at school, she loves being outdoors and especially likes working in the yard. You can also find her at the gym, running, or biking with Dr. Scott.
Dr. Lisa Installed As Virginia Optometric Association President in May 2021
In May 2021 Dr. Lisa Gontarek was installed as President of the Virginia Optometric Association for a one-year term.
The Virginia Optometric Association (VOA) is a state-wide organization that promotes eye health, vision, and the advancement of Virginia optometry. It works to improve vision care and health of the public as well the methods, education, technology, and competence of its practitioners. Having over 700 members, the VOA is a strong, active organization with progressive leadership.
Dr. Lisa has been involved in optometry since high school. She got started as a technician in her own optometrist’s office, was a member of the American Optometric Student Association in optometry school (has been an AOA member ever since), and was chair of the Young OD Committee for the Wisconsin Optometric Association.
When she relocated to Hampton Roads in 2003, she joined the Tidewater Optometric Society (TOS). Over the years, she remained active, moving up the ranks to eventually be President of TOS. The last 6 years, she has served on the Board of Trustees for the VOA. On May 24, 2021 she was installed as its President.