University of Nevada Las Vegas

Team Optometrists (1974-PRESENT) Distinguished Contributors

The 16th and 17th Distinguished Contributors to be welcomed into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame, Drs. Craig Hamilton and Keith Kohorst have the unique designation of being the first duo to be so honored by the school. That seems only fitting for two men who have been partners in the business of serving patients for more than three decades. Indeed, their optometry practice has been home to UNLV Athletics vision needs for nearly 50 years as Hamilton has served as optometrist for the department since 1974 and Kohorst since joining him in 1989. Having seen countless Rebel players, coaches, staff and their families, the duo continues to be the preferred choice for sports teams – both amateur and professional - in Southern Nevada. Hamilton is a past board member of the UNLV Golf Foundation and UNLV Football Foundation as well as the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame Committee that now honors him. Kohorst first got involved in the optometry game while playing football at UNLV as an offensive lineman, lettering in 1981-82. The pair have also completed extensive coursework for the betterment of athletes and written several articles for sports and optometric magazines, as well as serving as a personal mentor to athletes over the years.