Leah Kirkemier, O.D.
Optometrist
Leah Kirkemier, O.D. is an accomplished neuro-optometrist with over a decade and a half of clinical experience in neurology-related vision conditions, ocular disease, dry eye, pediatric optometry, contact lenses, and sports vision care. She earned her B.S. in Biology from The University of Alabama and her Doctor of Optometry from the UAB School of Optometry (UABSO), where she received the Low Vision Award. She has provided care in both private and hospital-based settings across Alabama and Colorado and served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UABSO, where she was twice named Clinical Assistant Professor of the Year.
Dr. Kirkemier previously operated a mobile clinic, providing eye care to rural communities, school systems, nursing homes, and athletes across the country. Her dedication to expanding access to care also includes experience implementing telemedicine programs and offering pediatric vision therapy. She has collaborated on research initiatives for multifocal lenses, presbyopia treatment, concussion protocols, and pediatric eye screening legislation.
Her work has earned national recognition, including the Distinguished Optometrist Award, a Most Innovative Woman in Healthcare Award, and inclusion in Colorado Magazine’s Top Doctors list. She is a member of the International Sports Vision Association and the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics and continues to support numerous healthcare and research organizations.
Licensed in six states, Dr. Kirkemier is committed to personalized, high-quality eye care. She views it as a privilege to serve her patients like family. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her three children, beach trips, snowboarding, and martial arts—and holds certifications in scuba diving, jiu-jitsu, and kung fu.
Additional Recognitions & Affiliations:
- Distinguished Optometrist Award, 2018
- Most Innovative Woman in Healthcare Award
- Colorado Magazine Top Doctors (2024, 2025)
- Co-founder, Concussion Protocol with Vestibular Functionality (2024)
- Member, International Sports Vision Association (ISVA)
- Treasurer, Readability, Inc.
- Co-founder, Angels Among Us
- Board Member, Americord
- Member & Research Contributor, VR Motion Learning
- Research Collaborator, Ryan Crotin, PhD (baseball performance & injury reduction)
- Partner, Tom Melton, MS, CSCS (concussion protection in athletes)
- Research Assistant, C-Light Technologies
- Founding Board Member, Audie and Kathy White Cancer Foundation
- Invited VP of Clinical Programs, Southern College of Optometry (declined)
- Host & Sponsor Organizer, Preventing Blindness Gala, Denver 2025
