A new, private optometric practice opened in Council Bluffs over the summer.

Olson Eye Care opened Aug. 5 at 320 McKenzie Ave., Suite 206, and a formal ribbon cutting was held Oct. 10.

The practice is owned by Christopher R. Olson, O.D., of Council Bluffs, who also employs a receptionist/administrative assistant and an optician. It’s the first solo practice for Olson, who worked at another local eye clinic for 2½ years.

“It’s been pretty good,” he said.

He offers eye exams and treatment of ocular diseases, as well as glasses and contacts.

“I do everything as far as routine eye care,” he said.

Olson can diagnose a patient’s eye problems, document the condition of a patient’s eye to monitor the progress of diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts and treat the patient or refer him/her to a surgeon, he said.

“I basically do everything but surgery,” he said. “I do all the preoperative and post-operative work.”

Olson Eye Care also offers single-vision to multi-focal glasses, prescription sunglasses and single-vision and multi-focal contact lenses, he said.

“As far as frames, we try to stay on the forefront of fashion and technology,” he said. “We cater to all budgets.”

Prescription lenses are ordered from an outside lab that provides good service, Olson said.

“We can get turn-around pretty fast – usually seven to 10 business days,” he said.

The practice also offers repair and adjustment of eyeglasses.

Olson likes his location in the plaza next to Fareway, he said.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s a great location, with easy access from many points in the community and great parking. It’s kind of a medical plaza here.

“I have good relationships with the other doctors.”

The plaza is also home to Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat; Bluffs Family Dentistry; and Council Bluffs Foot & Ankle Care.

Olson grew up in Lincoln, Neb., and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Nebraska Wesleyan University with a minor in chemistry. He earned a doctorate in optometry at Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in Elkins Park, Pa.

Olson Eye Care is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.