The History of LAKES Eye Clinic
Dr. Femrite, originally from Cold Spring, returned to central Minnesota in 2001 following a completed eye care residency in Minneapolis. Dr. Femrite opened LAKES Eye Clinic in May 2006. Since, the clinic has expanded both staff and services to meet the needs of central MN. We continually add new optometric equipment to meet current standards of care and “shop” the optical world to bring you the most up to date optical selections available. In 2019 we expanded our clinic space, moving “down the hall” but remaining in the Cold Spring Business Center. Our space increased 3x to serve your needs more efficiently!
Our Clinic
LAKES Eye Clinic provides comprehensive eye examinations and eye health assessment for all ages. We have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease including dry eye, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. We offer surgical co management of LASIK and cataract surgery and urgent care services.
Our new optical provides a relaxed, open and fresh space to shop traditional and trendy eyewear.
Our knowledgeable staff research optical products and manufacturers to bring you the most up to date eyeglasses and spectacle lens selection available.
LAKES Eye clinic continually adds new optometric equipment and technology to meet the most current standards of care.
Currently we utilize:
- Fundus Photography
- Automated Perimetry
- Ocular Coherence Tomography
- Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA)
- Refraction by Digital Phoropter
Meet Our Doctor & Staff
Dr. Mary Jo Femrite
Dr. Femrite is a Cold Spring native and past ROCORI graduate. Dr. Femrite attended Moorhead State University with a degree in Biology/Chemistry. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry and completed a graduate optometric residency in cornea and refractive surgery, external disease and glaucoma, with Minnesota Eye Consultants, Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Femrite opened LAKES Eye Clinic in 2006 to serve the needs of the Cold Spring area. Dr. Femrite currently resides in the Cold Spring community with her husband and two children. When not at LAKES Eye Clinic, she can be found at ROCORI sporting events, volunteering at her local church or participating in community events, such as the business showcase and Hometown Pride Days. She enjoys traveling, spending time at the lake, gardening and reading.
Michelle
Michelle Guggenberger, Optometric assistant, is originally from Cold Spring and a ROCORI graduate. Michelle joined us from a long background in the dental and retail industry. Since joining LAKES Eye Clinic, she has taken numerous classes and instruction from professionals in the field of opticial, including lens manufacturing specialists and frame manufactures. She attended and graduated from Walman’s University, a detailed series of courses designed for the optician. Michelle looks forward to continuing her optical education both at LAKES Eye Clinic and at state and national meetings. In her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family and photography.
Heather
Heather Wacha, Optometric assistant, has been part of the LAKES Eye Clinic family for 1 year. She has previous experience and training in the health care field and is excited to transition into caring for the eyes of our community. She attended and graduated from Walman Dispensing Academy in the winter of 2020. In her free time, Heather enjoys camping, trail riding and spending time with her family and two dogs.
Erin
Erin Gertken, Certified Optician, joined the team at LAKES Eye Clinic in July 2021. A ROCORI graduate, she is now settled near Paynesville with her husband and 3 busy children. Erin has been working in the world of optometry since 2004, earning her certification from the American Board of Optometry in 2009. Since then, she has continued to learn and grow as an optician through educational seminars and attending Walman University. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time in the garden, chasing her kids around and relaxing with a good cross-stitch or embroidery project.
Jenny
Jenny Ebensteiner, Optometric Technician, lives in Albany with her husband and 3 kids. She graduated from the Optometric Assistant program at St. Cloud Technical College. Jenny has a long history in optometry as well as ophthalmology practices. Over the years she has gained experience working in various areas of the medical field. She looks forward to continuing her career with LAKES Eye Clinic. In her free time, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family, garage sales, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
