Dr. Emily Nelsen was born and raised in Audubon, Iowa. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health (Summa Cum Laude) at Iowa State University. Dr. Nelsen completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. During optometry school, she enjoyed playing intramurals with her classmates, took part in the American Optometric Student Association, National Optometric Student Association, and College of Optometrists in Vision Development, was a teaching assistant for Binocular Vision and Spatial Perception, and received the Excellence in Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy award at graduation.

Dr. Nelsen completed her post-doctoral fellowship in Pediatric, Vision Therapy, and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation in Federal Way, WA. She presented a poster on binasal occlusion for reduction of symptoms post-concussion for Heart of America Eye Care Congress 2022.

Dr. Nelsen loves providing functional vision care for children and patients who have suffered brain injuries. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, especially on the water.