Technicians
Technicians are trained to collect medical histories, administer eye medications, and perform tests that help ensure the accurate diagnosis and treatment of visual disorder and eye disease. They use sophisticated equipment, such as visual fields and optical coherence tomographies to gather information about a patient’s condition during eye examinations. They may also be called upon to assist with some eye care procedures using intricate technical instruments and equipment. They are usually in charge of making sure that the patient understands his or her diagnosis and the treatment that is prescribed by the optometrist.
Many of our technicians are also well trained in the area of contact lenses and participate in the insertion and removal training and education of new contact lens wearers. At McDonald Eye Care Associates we are experts in fitting those with specialized contact lens needs. We find success where others have failed and are willing to spend the amount of time necessary to ensure you are satisfied with your contact lens experience.
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Opticians
McDonald Eye Care Associates is fortunate to have some of the best opticians in the state. They have many years of experience and provide superior patient care to all of our patients. Opticians are trained to prepare and dispense glasses or related devices upon prescriptions given from the doctor.
Dispensing opticians measure and adjust eyeglasses to the face as well as perform eyeglass repairs. They are well educated in aiding patients in frame selections and choosing specialty lens options to best meet the patients’ needs. They have access to the newest technology in lenses such as smart blue filters, progressives, Transitions, Crizal anti-reflective and many more.
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Front Desk
Our team of professionals field phone calls from patients and help answer their questions by listening, educating, and problem-solving in a professional manner.
McDonald Eye Care is proud to have found some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable, patient-focused individuals in the community. It is because of their efforts that our practice continues to thrive for over 35 years in the community.
Vision Therapy/ Sports Vision Staff
Come meet our experienced, knowledgeable, enthusiastic Vision Therapists!
Bjorn- Vision Therapist/ Sports Vision Specialist
Bjorn is a graduate of St. Olaf College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science. He played on the Varsity men’s soccer team all four years while attending St. Olaf. He joined the practice in November of 2009 and has attended training at Harvard Medical School- Sports Vision Symposium, and at the Human Performance Lab at the U.S. Air Force Academy. His clinical training includes VT I (Visual Dysfunctions), VT II (Learning Related Visual Problems), VT III (Strabismus & Amblyopia), Traumatic/Acquired Brain Injury and Autism through the Optometric Extension Program. Bjorn has worked with athletes at the Junior Olympics, and many local athletes at the youth and college level. He is currently working with a number NHL players and teams. Bjorn lives in Plymouth with his wife, Elizabeth and son, Finnbjorn. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, and spending time at the cabin.
Dean- Vision Therapist/ Sports Vision Specialist
A graduate of Winona State University and Warrior Football team member, Dean Bruemmer brings an enthusiasm for problem-solving to his patients. Certified through the Baltimore Academy of Behavior Optometry (BABO), Dean works one-on-one with 25+ patients per week while specializing in TBI, Autism and Sports Vision. Over the past few years, Dean has had the opportunity for advancement in Sports Vision by assessing the athletes for the Washington Redskins at the NFL combine as well as those who participated in the Jr. Olympics. He attended sports vision training at Harvard Medical School and the Human Performance Lab at the US Air Force Academy. Individually, he has worked with several players from the NHL to develop their visual skill to perform at a higher level on the ice. He is currently training athletes remotely in Canada, Russia and across the USA. His patient base ranges from 5 years of age to 82. Dean currently resides in Lakeville with his wife, Kelsey, and children, Trey and Aubrey. Dean enjoys playing golf in the summer and city league basketball, sponsored by McDonald Eye Care Associates, in the winter.
Nicole- Vision Therapist
Nicole Valencia joined the practice in June of 2015 following her graduation from St. Olaf College. While in college, she spent her time working in the art museum, assisting special needs individuals, and interning in behavioral therapy for kids with Autism. With two siblings that have special needs, Nicole has a passion for connecting with and helping people of all abilities. Her background in psychology and in behavioral therapy play into her therapy, helping her to provide a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
Nicole is certified in the full clinical curriculum of courses through the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF), and has completed additional coursework through the Southwest Congress of Optometry on the topics of post-concussion and Autism. She also joined Dr. Molly in attending the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) Conference in October 2019.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising, learning ballroom and latin dance, and being a crazy cat mom to her two cats, Leonardo DiCatrio and Meowly Cyrus.
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Patti, Business Administrator
A graduate of the University of South Florida, Tampa, Patti has been involved in the development of the practice since August 1983. As a person committed to the community, Patti has served on many committees over the years. As a chamber member she has served as an ambassador and board member. She spent five years as Treasurer of the Lakeville Hockey Association. Patti was presented with an award from the Dakota County Department of Health for “outstanding contributions in promoting the health of the citizens of Dakota County”. This was in recognition for her involvement with the “Challenge to Change” committee, a collaborative effort by ISD 194, Lakeville Police, Lakeville Faith Community, and Lakeville Chamber of Commerce driven to address drug and alcohol use among youth in our community.
Most recently Patti was honored for her work with the Pure Performance Initiative and other community involvements; being named an Exceptional Business Woman by the Dakota County Press.