Dr. Van Elk was raised in Portage, Michigan, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Michigan University with a degree in Music Education. He later pursued his clinical training at the Michigan College of Optometry, graduating with high distinction. His education includes externships at Rosenbaum Eye and Laser Center and the Department of Neurology/Ophthalmology at Michigan State University. Driven by a passion to care for those with ocular disease, Dr. Van Elk completed a residency in ocular disease at Specialty Eye Institute in Jackson/Lansing, Michigan. He joined Great Lakes Eye Care in 2019.

He is a member of the American Optometric Association. Dr. Van Elk lives in Berrien County with his wife, Lindsay, and their four children. Together, they love dune hiking, paddling adventures, and backpacking. The family enjoys being actively involved in their local church community.