Optometric Physician

Dr. Drew Dayton

Dr. Dayton has been enhancing the vision of thousands of Idahoans for over 30 years.

Is an Idaho native born and raised Boise. His roots, however, are here in SE Idaho. His father graduated from Sugar-Salem high school and his mother from Ucon high. He attended Ricks College in Rexburg before serving a 2-year mission to Belgium and France. Upon his return he completed his associates degree at Ricks and finished his studies in Biology at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He then attended Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon and graduated in 1990 as a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honors Fraternity.

Dr. Dayton first practiced in Twin Falls for 2 years and then in the Treasure Valley for 30 years. In 2006 he founded Hometown Family Eyecare in Middleton, Idaho providing full scope primary eyecare services. He also worked part time at The Eye Associates in Meridian, Idaho, a busy ophthalmology private practice for the past 16 years. Working side by side with the surgeons at The Eye Associates was particularly rewarding and landed him here at Premier Eyecare of Eastern Idaho. From 2007 to 2012 he served as a mentor and clinical site preceptor training 4th year optometry students on their 3-month rotations. He has been an invited lecturer at continuing medical education conferences. Since 2010 he has also been one of only 25 consultants and speakers with the #1 contact lens manufacturer in the world. In that role he has lectured and hosted peer to peer doctor events throughout the country.

Dr. Dayton's wife of 31 years, Seleste Summers, is a Rexburg native and they have 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. Together they enjoy all that Idaho has to offer from hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling, skiing, and all other outdoor activities. Most of all they love helping on grandpas potato farm!

His greatest satisfaction is connecting with his patients and realizing that there is a person behind the eyes. Helping them to see and function better regardless of what they do is tremendously rewarding. He is grateful to be a member of the team at Premier Eyecare and looks forward to meeting you! He is currently seeing patientsIdaho Falls and Rexburg.

Who we are

Eyesight is a gift.
We're here to preserve that gift.

The health of your eyes is our highest priority. Our doctors and staff are eager to answer your questions and provide you with exceptional care using the latest technology and treatment techniques. It is our privilege to work closely with referring eye doctors and other physicians to diagnose and treat ocular disease of all types. Consequently, we've created a team that is the only in the region to have fellowship trained specialists in cornea, glaucoma, retina, and oculoplastics.
Cataract Surgery

Modern cataract surgery involves the removal of the cataract or cloudy natural lens from within the eye and the implantation of an artificial lens.

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Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetes is the leading cause of visual impairment in the United States among patients below the age of 50.

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Dry Eye Center

With a careful history of symptoms, the right diagnostic tests, and a thorough eye examination, a treatment regimen can be created to offer relief.

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma is essential in preventing vision loss.

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Cornea

Damage to different parts of the cornea caused by injury or disease can often be corrected with specialized procedures including corneal transplants.

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Retina

The retina is an extremely important part of your eye and is also susceptible to many different diseases and conditions like retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, and flashes and floaters.

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Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in older patients. It results in the loss of central vision due to damage to the retina and the support structures of the retina.

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Floaters

Many people occasionally see some floating material in their vision. This may appear as a dot, a translucent short string, or a “tadpole”. These floaters are often seen only under bright lighting circumstances, for example, against snow or a bright sky or a white ceiling.

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Eyelid Surgery

Plastic reconstructive surgery of the eyelids is performed by an oculoplastic surgeon and is not only for cosmetic purposes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring with me to my exam?

  • A government-issued photo ID.
  • Medical insurance (we do not accept VSP or any other vision insurances).
  • List of allergies and health conditions.
  • Supplements and medications that you currently use.
  • Contact lenses or glasses

Do I need a referral to see one of your doctors?

We are happy to see patients with or without a referral! While setting up your appointment, we will help guide you to which of our specialists will best serve your unique needs.

How long will my appointment likely take?

The length of your appointment depends on several factors including how much testing is required, if you need to be dilated, and if you will be scheduling surgery. For non-dilated appointments, please plan for a minimum of one hour. For dilated appointments, please plan for at least 2 hours. We will make every effort to start your visit on time; however, due to the nature of our specialty practice, which includes emergencies referred from all over Eastern Idaho and Wyoming, we sometimes incur delays. We appreciate your patience.

How often do I need my eyes examined?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults get a complete eye exam at age 40 to check for early signs of disease or changes in vision. Depending on the health of your eyes, your ophthalmologist may recommend an exam every 1-3 years until the age of 65.  After the age of 65, a yearly exam is usually recommended. Age-related eye diseases include: cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

How long will my eyes stay dilated?

Most dilating drops last 4-6 hours. Dilation mainly effects your near vision and creates some sensitivity to light. Consequently, most people are able to drive home after an appointment as long as they have a pair of sunglasses (we provide disposable shades if needed).  We suggest that you bring a driver to your appointment if you have never been dilated before.

I have been told that I have cataracts. Do you treat cataracts?

Our surgeons have world class training for the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. We appreciate that each patient has unique concerns and goals when it comes to their eye health and cataract surgery.  That is why we treat each visit as an opportunity for open discussion where questions can be answered and understanding can occur. This allows us to customize a plan to meet your individual needs and desires.

Where do your doctors do surgery?

Our surgeons operate at hospitals and surgery centers in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello.

What areas does Premier Eye Care serve?

We have the privilege of caring for patients from all over Eastern Idaho and the surrounding region including western Wyoming and southern Montana. We have clinics in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello but patients from Salmon to Thayne and Arco to Jackson seek the care of our specialists daily.  We also enjoy working closely with eye doctors from all over the region to provide pre and post operative care for many conditions including cataract, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastic and retinal surgeries.

Where is Premier Eye Care located?

You'll find Premier Eye Care clinics in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello, Idaho.
find us

Our Locations

Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 3:00pm
Idaho Falls, ID
2100 Providence Way Idaho Falls, ID 83404

Located South of EIRMC and Sunnyside Rd in Idaho Falls

Location Details
(208) 529-6600
Pocatello, ID
1777 E Clark St #310 Pocatello, ID 83201

Located on Clark St. right off of I-15 take exit 69. Between 16th & 17th Ave.

Location Details
(208) 232-4133
Rexburg, ID
23 Sawtelle Ave Suite 102 Rexburg, ID 83440

Right off of Main Street West of I-15 across from Valley Wide Country Store & Blister's BBQ.

Location Details
(208) 359-1888