Our Team

Dr. Bud DeCleene

Cofounder

Drs. Bud and Kate moved to Kokomo after completing their Doctor of Optometry degrees at Indiana University in 1991. In 1994, they opened their practice with the goals of providing top notch eye care and maintaining flexibility to care for their growing family. The local community has supported this cause, and the practice is thriving with continued growth. The doctors live in Kokomo, cherish their church community at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and have been involved in various community clubs, causes, and projects over the years. For leisure time, Dr. Bud enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and drinking a nice glass of wine. Dr. Kate looks to the outdoors for camping, hiking, backpacking, and flower gardening.The DeCleenes have 4 children who are mostly grown, and their lives are rich with activity, immersed in the joy of their expanding family.

Dr. Kate DeCleene

Cofounder

Dr. Travis Stephens

Optometrist

Dr. Stephens was born and raised in eastern Ohio before obtaining his undergraduate education at Otterbein University. He then moved to Indiana to attend Indiana University School of Optometry. Upon graduation in 2016, he went on to complete a residency with concentration in ocular disease at the Herschel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia. Dr. Stephens then moved to the Kokomo area and joined DeCleene Optometry in 2017. He strives to provide high-quality eye care for each of his patients. Outside of the office, you may see Dr. Stephens officiating high school sports (football, basketball, and baseball) in Kokomo and the surrounding areas. He also enjoys golfing, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, attending country music concerts, and spending free time with his wife, Kelsey, and son, Walker.

Stacey Eaker

Office Manager and Certified Optician

Stacey has been a part of the DeCleene Optometry family since 2005 and in the optical field since 2002. She earned a BS from Indiana University Bloomington in public and environmental affairs. She also received her American Board of Opticianry certification in 2012. She serves as office manager, does all of our in house lens edging and oversees lens technology decisions, manages contact lens inventory and ordering. She also assists patients with frame selections, fitting, and repairs.

Stacy Hamilton

Billing and Insurance

Stacy has been with DeCleene Optometry 1996. She manages insurance claims, oversees billing, handles much of the behind the scenes administration, and is a resource for advanced problem solving and training

Nikki Frazier

Certified Optician

Nikki has been with DeCleene Optometry since 2002. She holds a degree in biology and physical science and is an American Board of Opticianry certified optician. She assists patients with frame selections and repairs, adjusts and dispenses glasses. Nikki also inspects orders to assure all eyeglasses are crafted as prescribed. She manages our frame inventory and buying, keeping our selection current and versatile.

Crystal McGraw

Front Desk & Administration

Crystal began at DeCleene Optometry in 2023. She administers the front desk, manages most phone calls, emails, patient scheduling, and verifies patient insurance benefits. Crystal greets patients, collects needed information, and answers or directs questions. She manages office supplies and inventory, and serves as touchpoint for most all interactions.