Dr. John R. Perez is the founder and optometrist at Chinook Eye Center, serving the communities of Havre, Chinook, and the entire Hi-Line region of northern Montana. He brings a depth of clinical training and a genuine commitment to making quality eye care accessible in rural communities where it has historically been hard to find.
Dr. Perez is a Utah native who earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southern Utah University before completing his Doctor of Optometry degree at Salus University in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest and most respected optometry programs in the country.
His clinical training included rotations at the VA hospital in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he gained extensive experience managing complex ocular conditions. Working with veteran patients gave him hands-on expertise in glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vascular eye disease, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and post-surgical complications from LASIK and other refractive procedures. That clinical foundation shapes every exam he performs today.
Early in his career, Dr. Perez recognized that some of the patients who needed eye care the most were the ones who had the hardest time getting to a clinic: elderly patients in care facilities, homebound individuals, and people in rural areas far from any optometrist. He invested in portable, advanced diagnostic technology that allows him to deliver thorough eye examinations outside of a traditional clinical setting, bringing the care directly to the patient.
That same philosophy drives Chinook Eye Center. Dr. Perez chose to practice in northern Montana because the Hi-Line communities deserve local access to the kind of eye care that has traditionally required a three-hour drive to Billings or Great Falls. He brought the technology, the training, and the commitment to build a practice that serves this region at the level it deserves.
Dr. Perez provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, with particular expertise in:
Dry Eye Disease
Dr. Perez developed a passion for dry eye care during his training and stays current on the latest research and treatment approaches. In Montana's arid, windy climate, dry eye is one of the most common conditions he treats, and one of the most undertreated in rural communities.
Diabetic Eye Care
Specialized retinal evaluations for patients managing diabetes. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy can prevent vision loss, and Dr. Perez uses advanced retinal imaging to catch changes long before symptoms appear.
Macular Degeneration
Monitoring and management of age-related macular degeneration, with a focus on early detection and lifestyle modifications that can slow progression.
Cataract Evaluations
Comprehensive cataract assessments to track lens changes over time and guide patients toward the right surgical timing when intervention becomes appropriate.
Medical Eye Care
Treatment of eye infections, allergies, foreign body removal, and otheracute conditions that require prompt attention.
Dr. Perez believes that accurate diagnosis starts with the right tools. Chinook Eye Center is equipped with Optomap retinal imaging that captures a wide-field view of the retina without dilating drops, and iCare tonometry that measures eye pressure without the puff of air. These technologies make exams more comfortable and more accurate, and they allow Dr. Perez to show you exactly what he sees inside your eyes, turning your exam into a conversation about your health, not just a prescription.
Dr. Larry G. Obie, Optometrist, was born and raised in Chinook, Montana, where he received his early education before completing his undergraduate studies at Montana State University in Bozeman. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1977 from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Dr. Obie began his career working for Dr. Bill McElroy in Havre, then partnered with Dr. Doug Safley in 1978 to form the Havre Optometric Clinic. In 1979, he established the Chinook Optometric Clinic, relocating it in 1981 to the Chinook Medical Center — now home to Chinook Eye Center — where the practice has remained for nearly half a century.
Throughout his career, Dr. Obie was deeply involved in both the Havre and Chinook communities, serving as past president of the Havre Kiwanis Club, the Chinook Lions Club, and the Chinook Chamber of Commerce. Professionally, he served as president of both the Montana Optometric Association and the Montana Board of Optometry, and served as the Key Person contact for the American Optometric Association for Montana for 25 years. He was honored with the Young O.D. of the Year award, O.D. of the Year, and twice received the Distinguished Service Award from the Montana Optometric Association — a testament to the rare combination of local dedication and statewide leadership that defined his career.
Generations of Hi-Line families trusted Dr. Obie with their eye health, and his standard of care is one that Chinook Eye Center is proud to carry forward. Dr. Obie is married to Loretta, R.N., and together they have two children, Tiffany (Jason) and Nick (Hillary), and four grandchildren — Owen, Austin, Olivia, and Henry — all in Bozeman. In retirement, he looks forward to enjoying his farm, golf, skiing, and more time flying.
Thank you to all of his patients for their support through the years. We wish Dr. Obie every good thing in this well-earned next chapter.
Dr. Perez sees patients at both the Havre and Chinook offices.