Aaron Cheng, O.D. obtained his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Missouri, St. Louis College of Optometry, in 2023. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Kansas.
Dr. Cheng has specialized expertise in various areas, including contact lenses, pediatric eye health, myopia management, and ocular disease. His decision to pursue a career in optometry stemmed from witnessing firsthand the transformative effects of quality eyecare on individuals’ lives and the significant enhancement it brings to their overall quality of life. Dr. Cheng is fluent in English, Spanish, and Mandarin to further enhance his ability to provide comprehensive care.
When Dr. Cheng is not diligently attending to patients’ needs, he finds joy in engaging in outdoor activities, such as running or spending leisure time on the golf course. He is always excited to spend quality time with his beloved Golden Retriever, Dex.
Kathleen Wilhelmus, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Missouri at St. Louis in May 2022 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in 2018 from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Dr. Wilhelmus provides general eye care to all patients while specializing in the cornea and specialty contact lenses for scleral. She always knew she wanted to be in healthcare and decided to become an Optometrist after shadowing one and seeing how helping someone see can change their life. Dr. Wilhelmus’s favorite part of being an Optometrist is forming relationships with each patient, learning from them, and helping to improve their quality of life.
Dr. Wilhelmus is a Kansas City native, and in her free time, you can find her spending time with her husband and their boxer, Fondu.
Melanie Linderer, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Missouri – St. Louis School of Optometry in 2003 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Dr. Linderer specializes in family eye care and contact lenses. She loves helping people obtain their best vision to allow them to read text messages and emails or be able to drive again. In high school, she became very interested in the medical field and had the opportunity to observe a variety of medical specialties – optometry sparked a fire in her soul. It was an awe-inspiring experience for Dr. Linderer the first time she saw a child’s face light up when they put on eyeglasses to see the world around them. She remembers it as the moment she knew that she wanted to be an optometrist. In her free time, Dr. Linderer enjoys traveling and attending musical events with her two daughters. She is also a self-proclaimed “ultrarunner” as she enjoys running on both trails and roads. Currently, Dr. Linderer has completed 56 marathons and 18 ultramarathons – including a 100-mile race! She also enjoys volunteering at animal shelters helping them find their “fur” ever homes!
Melissa M. Enevoldsen, O.D., is a native of Shawnee, Kansas. She attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Biology. After college, Dr. Enevoldsen attended the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry where she was involved in many student organizations, including the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society.
Dr. Enevoldsen’s areas of interest include pediatrics and contact lenses. She is an active member of the Kansas Optometric Association, Missouri Optometric Association, American Optometric Association and the Optometric Society of Greater Kansas City. Dr. Enevoldsen and her husband, Jeffrey, enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with their pug puppy, Gracie.
Richard C. Wilson, O.D., F.A.A.O., graduated from the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry in 1997 where he received special training in pediatrics, ocular disease and contact lenses. Prior to optometry school, Dr. Wilson graduated from Central Methodist College in 1986, taught public school in rural Missouri, and served in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm.
Dr. Wilson was one of the first optometrists to pass the American Board of Optometry’s Board Certification examination and has participated as principal investigator in dozens of clinical research projects regarding contact lenses, lens care solutions, and myopia reduction in children.
In addition to being a past president of the Missouri Optometric Association Board of Directors, Dr. Wilson also is the proud recipient of the MOA’s 2001 Young Optometrist of the Year award and in 2003 the MOA named him their Optometrist of the Year. While serving as Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor at the UM – St. Louis College of Optometry, Dr. Wilson has helped educate and prepare the next generation of optometrists for their work in the profession.
Outside of optometry, Dr. Wilson enjoys playing trombone and piano and other areas of church music. Recently, he and his wife, Janie, have opened their Christmas tree and energy farm, Wilson’s Whispering Pines – including bed and breakfast, beekeeping, Christmas trees, pumpkins, chickens, obstacle course, hiking trails, observatory, tae kwon do studio, and retreat and wedding venue. Currently Dr. Wilson holds the designation Journeyman Beekeeper, as he works through the Midwestern Master Beekeeping Program.
Jeffrey A. Harter, O.D., graduated in 2005 from Pittsburg State University achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After college, he attended the University of Missouri- St. Louis College of Optometry. During optometry school, Dr. Harter was named to both the Beta Sigma and Gold Key Honor Societies. Additionally, he traveled to Paraguay to help provide free eye care to impoverished families.
His fourth-year external rotations included the Optometric Clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii as well as Choate Eye Associates in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Harter received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 2009. Similarly to the other doctors of Advanced Eyecare/Blue Springs Optical, Dr. Harter is a member of the American Optometric Association, Missouri Optometric Association as well as the Optometric Society of Greater Kansas City. Dr. Harter joined Advanced Eyecare/Blue Springs Optical in 2010 after completing a Primary Care Residency at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Harter’s optometric interests include primary care and low-vision rehabilitation. Dr. Harter has additionally been appointed as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry.