Meet the Doctors

After many years of caring for patients at Advanced Optometry, Dr. McDonald retired from clinical practice on September 30, 2026.
 

A Pine River High School alumnus, Dr. McDonald dedicated twelve years to serving in the U.S. Navy before returning to Michigan. He earned his doctorate from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University and joined Advanced Optometry in 1999.
 

Throughout his years with the practice, Dr. McDonald became a familiar and trusted provider to generations of patients and families throughout the community. His commitment to thoughtful, personal eye care has been an important part of Advanced Optometry’s history and continues to influence the care we provide today.
 

Dr. McDonald and his wife, Sherry, are enjoying this new chapter together, spending time with their growing family and grandchildren and continuing to be part of the community.
 

Although Dr. McDonald is no longer seeing patients, we are proud to continue recognizing his many years of service and the lasting relationships he built with our patients.

After graduating from Azle High School in Texas, Dr. Johnston attended Baylor University and graduated in August 2001. After college, she met and married her husband, Jason, a Michigan State University graduate from St. Joseph, Michigan. Dr. Johnston graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry in May 2007. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Michigan Optometric Association and is a 2008 graduate of the Cadillac Leadership Program. Dr. Johnston, Jason, and their three sons are excited to call Cadillac home.

Dr. Amanda L. Johnston, O.D., has been practicing here at Advanced Optometry since August 2007. She has been working in the Optometry field for over 20 years. She performs Comprehensive Eye Exams and Contact Lens Fittings. Dr. Johnston is married to her husband, Jason, and has three boys, Vance, Reed, and Brandt. Her hobbies include reading, golfing, tennis, and family time.

Dr. Johnston feels that eyesight is precious, and she feels privileged to help enhance and preserve the eyesight of so many people. Her favorite feeling is encouraging other people, which motivates her to work her hardest to be a positive influence.

A graduate of the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Dr. Julie Brooks brings a strong clinical background and a genuine passion for patient care to Advanced Optometry.

Dr. Brooks grew up in the local area and graduated as valedictorian from Pine River High School in 2017. She attended Mid Michigan College, where she played basketball for two years, before transferring to Ferris State University and earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2021.
 

Proud to serve the community she has always called home, Dr. Brooks values building lasting relationships with her patients and providing thoughtful, personalized care.
 

Outside of the office, Dr. Brooks enjoys spending time with her husband, Kegan, and their son, Hudson. She also enjoys golfing, hiking, spending time outdoors, and watching all types of sports.