100 Arcadian Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186
About Nehs Family Vision Center
We are proud of our long tradition of providing quality vision and eye health care. Founded by Dr. Douglas Nehs of Waukesha in 1960, the practice continues in the family with his eldest son Steven Nehs and Dr. Joel Hansen. Both doctors bring a strong sense of family and professionalism to our office, which insures you receive not only the best eye care but honest personal attention found nowhere else.
By using the latest in eye care technology, our Optometrist and eye care specialists surpass the standards for eye health care. With our large eyeglass boutique and on-site lab, Nehs Family Vision Center is Waukesha’s premier source for beautiful, affordable Designer Frames, Eyewear, Sunglasses, Shooting Glasses, contact lenses and optical repairs. Our highly trained staff will answer all of your questions and make recommendations on lenses and frames that not only fit your lifestyle but meet all of your eyeglass requirements. Whether you want a new look or the latest in Contact Lens technology, we will ensure that your visit with us will be a personalized and pleasurable one.
Dr. Joel Hansen

Dr. Joel Hansen grew up in Washington State, and never imagined he’d end up in the heart of Wisconsin until he met his beautiful wife (who is from Wisconsin herself) in optometry school. He attended optometry school near Portland, Oregon and graduated in 2019. Since then, he had been practicing in West Allis for the past three years until making the switch to Nehs Family Vision Center. Dr. Hansen’s clinical interests are contact lenses (including specialty contact lens fittings); ocular disease such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome – all diseases he has extensive knowledge in managing. He is keen to make genuine relationships with his patients to form bonds between himself and his community.
Dr. Hansen has a particular interest in benefiting the underserved population in the Milwaukee area and donates time and money to empower youth that find themselves in difficult situations in Milwaukee County.
When he is not working, you can find Dr. Hansen at the gym, mountain biking, or trail-running with his wife and Duck-Tolling Retriever. If there is snow on the ground, his hobbies turn into snow-shoeing, discovering restaurants and breweries, playing video games, or being a chess wiz. On many Saturdays at 9 am, you can find him at the 3 lions pub cheering on his favorite team in the world, Liverpool F.C., an English soccer team. He is more than happy to get to know each and every individual patient, hear about their life story, and get to know their visual needs. Come on in and get to know Dr. Hansen and let us serve you and your families visual health!
Steven Nehs
Steve Nehs is an American Board Certified Optician and a Fellow National Academy of Opticians. Steve was raised in Waukesha, WI and started his career in the optometric profession as an apprentice optician working with his father, Dr. Douglas Nehs, the founder of Nehs family Vision Center. With more than 30 years experience in the optical industry, Steve managed a large optical laboratory that fabricated 100’s of pairs of glasses a day for doctor’s all over the Midwest, trained top opticians and techs in dispensing and headed seminars on the newest lens technologies and how to apply them for the largest lens manufacturer in the world. Steve uses his vast knowledge and skills to provide the highest level of care available to every patient he serves.
Steve is married with two adult children, seven grandchildren, and two amazing dogs. He volunteers his time with the Waukesha Lion’s Club and is the Chairman of the sight conservation committee. He enjoys the outdoors, hunting, the shooting sports, and the never ending projects at home among other things.
