Craig T. Eckroth, O.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Optometry
Dr. Craig Eckroth received his undergraduate education from the University of North Dakota. At the Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton, California, he received numerous awards for scholastic and clinical achievement and graduated with a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree in 1993. Dr. Eckroth began practicing with Dr. Danner in 1993. In 1996, the two doctors became partners and renamed their practice Eyecare Specialties of Northwest Colorado.
Dr. Eckroth provides patient care at both the Craig and Steamboat Springs locations. He is currently on staff as an allied health care provider at both The Memorial Hospital in Craig and Pioneer Medical Center in Meeker.
Dr. Eckroth is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Colorado Optometric Association, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Optometric Extension Program. He served as the district trustee for the Colorado Optometric Association from 2002 to 2004. He presently serves as a consulting member on the Colorado Optometric Association's Children/InfantSEE Committee and on the Low Vision Committee.
Outside the office, he spends most of his time trying to keep up with his busy, young family. In addition, he actively supports wetlands conservation and enjoys competitive team sports, hunting, fishing and helping out at his family's ranch.
Dr. Eckroth has received specialized training in the field of Vision Therapy and devotes a part of his practice to helping patients develop, improve and enhance their visual performance. (For more information about Vision Therapy, click on our General Information tab, left.) He is thoroughly committed to providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art eye health care to patients of all ages.
Natalie J. Hansen, O.D., M.Ed.
Dr. Hansen is currently accepting new and existing patients of the practice. She provides comprehensive care for patients of ALL ages. Dr. Hansen has a passion for pediatrics and vision therapy due to her specialized training. Her studies in the field of education has given her a thorough understanding of the role of vision in the learning process, and she strives to apply this knowledge in her optometric practice. While attending optometry school in Oregon she had the opportunity to work with underprivileged youth at an alternative high school in addition to volunteering as a reading tutor at a local elementary school. Her interest in pediatrics and the important role of optometry in the education system has grown over the last several years as she continues to get involved with local schools and teachers.
Dr. Hansen is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Colorado Optometric Association, and the International Reading Association. While in optometry school, she was also very involved with the student chapter of VOSH for Pacific University. Through this organization she was able to travel to Peru in 2013 and see many patients in need of eye care. She has a strong desire to continue doing eye care mission trips throughout her optometric career as a way to give back and assist those in other countries that have a need for health care.
When she’s not doing eye exams, Dr. Hansen enjoys reading, line dancing, and exploring the outdoors with her young golden retriever. She is a Colorado native and is very excited to return to this beautiful state to practice optometry.
Timothy L. Byers, M.D.
Dr. Byers, a board-certified ophthalmologist, earned both a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University. Upon moving west in 1997, he trained extensively at the renowned John Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City, UT. His surgical practice focuses on cataract and glaucoma surgery, as well as functional ophthalmic plastic surgery.
When asked why he chose to settle and practice in the rural west, Dr. Byers chuckles and answers, "I am a small town boy who loves the outdoors, and my goal is to provide quality eye care in rural areas. I figure I can enjoy the western lifestyle and work with folks who make up the backbone of the true west."
Dr. Byers' decision to set up practice here has been a bonus for many rural westerners. Thousands of patients have realized the sight-saving and restoring results of cataract surgery performed close to home without having to travel to Denver, Grand Junction or Salt Lake City.
Dr. Byers offers consultations and surgical services on a monthly basis through the offices of Eyecare Specialties and The Memorial Hospital. Pre- and post-operative care is provided by Dr. Eckroth and Dr. Hansen.
