Dr. Burkhart is a second generation optometrist who was born and raised in Kokomo. He is a 1989 graduate of Taylor High School. He attended IU Bloomington, graduating in 1993 with a B.A. in Biology, then was accepted into the prestigious Indiana University School of Optometry, graduating with Doctorate in Optometry degree in 1997. During optometry school, he interned at Keesler AFB Medical Center in Biloxi, MS, Faust/Gelvin Eye Center in Marion IN, IU-Indianapolis Eye Care Center, and IU Atwater Eye Care Center in Bloomington.
Dr. Burkhart is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), the Indiana Optometric Association (IOA), and the Wabash Valley Optometric Society. He has volunteered his time serving his optometric colleagues as a member of the Board of Trustees of the IOA. He is a lifelong member of South Side Christian Church in Kokomo, having served as both a deacon and an elder of the church.
His wife Krista, a Tipton County native, is a graduate of IU-Bloomington School of Education and is a teacher at Taylor Elementary School. They have three children, Karlie, Cassidy, and Alex. He is a fan of all sports, especially local high school sports, and also spends time cheering on the Colts, the Pacers, the Cincinnati Reds, and is a big fan of IndyCar racing and the Indy 500.