EyeCare Specialties of Minnesota

EyeCare Specialties of Minnesota Welcome to EyeCare Specialties of Minnesota, where our top priority is customer care!

Our family of practices have been caring for Minnesota communities for decades. We provide comprehensive eye exams, and carry the trendiest eyewear collections.

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Drs. Deanna Lundell, Michelle Pedersen, and the entire EyeCare Spec...
05/13/2025

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Drs. Deanna Lundell, Michelle Pedersen, and the entire EyeCare Specialties of Minnesota - Northeast Eye Care of Hugo team would like to spotlight our optometrist, Dr. Franklin Alexander.

Franklin Alexander,O.D., received his Doctor of Optometry from Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from North Dakota State University in 2020.

Dr. Alexander’s passion for eye care began in childhood when he needed glasses to see clearly. Experiencing firsthand the impact of good vision, he developed a deep appreciation for the field and a commitment to helping others achieve their best sight.

For Dr. Alexander, optometry is the perfect blend of science, problem-solving, and patient care. He values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with his patients while staying at the forefront of innovation in eye health. He enjoys providing comprehensive eye care and finds fulfillment in using advanced technology to improve his patients’ vision and well-being.

In his free time, Dr. Alexander enjoys reading thought-provoking fiction, playing video games, and going on walks with family. He is also learning new skills, including swimming, ice skating, and skiing.

Whether you’re due for an eye exam or have questions about your vision, Dr. Alexander is here to provide expert care tailored to your needs.

Want to learn more about Dr. Alexander? Visit https://northeasteye.net/

Dear Pine Eye Associates and Northeast Eye Care of Hugo patients,It is with a mix of emotions that we announce that we a...
06/27/2024

Dear Pine Eye Associates and Northeast Eye Care of Hugo patients,

It is with a mix of emotions that we announce that we are stepping back from our practice at Pine Eye Associates and Northeast Eye Care of Hugo effective July 15th, 2024.

This decision to pursue other endeavors was extremely difficult only because of the incredible patient base we were so blessed to serve. Over the years we have been so honored to have the faith and trust of so many of you with regards to your eyecare. This was never taken lightly and the friendships and bonds we have developed will remain steadfast. We are looking forward to the future to spend more time with our family.

Fortunately, these last few years, we have had the privilege of having Dr. Calli Toler and Dr. Cody Benedict join us to practice at both Pine Eye Associates and Northeast Eye Care. This newlywed couple brings the same passion and vigor toward providing the community with technologically advanced and accurate eyecare. We are confident in their ability to continue the legacy of excellent eye care that both clinics have always strived to deliver. They look forward to a seamless transition in your care.

Again, we are forever grateful for your trust, friendship, and loyalty over the years. We wish each and every one of you health and happiness going forward. We will miss all of you more than we can convey in this letter.

With heartfelt thanks,

Rafe Garofalo, O.D.
Kristi Iverson, O.D.

To Our Patients, Drs. Garofalo, Iverson, Toler, and the Pine Eye Associates team would like to give a warm welcome to ou...
02/28/2024

To Our Patients,

Drs. Garofalo, Iverson, Toler, and the Pine Eye Associates team would like to give a warm welcome to our new optometrist - Dr. Cody Benedict!

Cody Benedict, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Western University of Health Sciences in 2020. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Winona State University in 2016.

Dr. Benedict provides comprehensive care to patients of all ages. His grandfather was an Optometrist, and he was inspired to become one himself when he saw how big of an impact vision and eye health can have in a person’s everyday life. Dr. Benedict says the best part of being an Optometrist is helping people obtain clear vision and healthy eyes.

When not seeing patients, Dr. Benedict enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Benedict began seeing patients on December 3rd, 2023. Learn more about Dr. Benedict at pineeye.com/ .

October is Home Eye Safety Awareness MonthEach year in the United States, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur, and ...
09/29/2023

October is Home Eye Safety Awareness Month

Each year in the United States, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur, and 50,000 people permanently lose part or all of their vision, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. A recent report from Prevent Blindness America shows that the annual costs related to eye injuries are more than $1.3 billion.

Because more eye injuries occur in and around the home, Prevent Blindness America has declared October as Home Eye Safety Awareness Month to help educate the public on steps that can be taken to avoid painful and costly injuries.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK:In Ancient Egypt, the eye was thought to be a white ball filled with fluid. Treatmen...
09/22/2023

HISTORY OF NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK:

In Ancient Egypt, the eye was thought to be a white ball filled with fluid. Treatments for eye diseases included the use of hot pokers.

During Roman times, doctors believed poor vision resulted from a cold or wet brain. In Greek times, doctors began to use lenses to see things more closely, but they were made of glass and didn't help people see very well.

The real breakthrough came in 1000 A.D. when a Persian scientist, Ibn Al-Haytham, studied how light enters the eye and how we see things. He detailed his findings in a book titled "Book of Optics."

The earliest-known evidence of glasses was found in Italy and dates back to 1286. At that time, they were believed to be worn only by monks and scholars, but they quickly spread in popularity among the public.

WHY NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK IS IMPORTANT?It raises awareness - National Eye Health Week raises awareness about the impo...
09/21/2023

WHY NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK IS IMPORTANT?

It raises awareness - National Eye Health Week raises awareness about the importance of good eye care and encourages people to take action to protect their vision. The initiative also aims to educate people about the wide range of services available to help those with eye conditions.

It educates people - The initiative also aims to educate people.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EYES:The fastest muscle in your body - A blink typically lasts 100 to 150 milliseconds — in a ...
09/20/2023

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EYES:

The fastest muscle in your body - A blink typically lasts 100 to 150 milliseconds — in a single second, it's possible to blink five times.

Your eyes are just a camera. - Your eyes function like a camera, capturing light and sending the information to your brain.

Babies' eyes - Newborn babies can see objects about eight to 15 inches away; as they grow, their focus changes.

Blind people can see their dreams. - Blind people can dream as long as they are not born blind.

It's comparable to a camera. - It's equivalent to the image quality you'd get if you combined 24 top-of-the-line D.S.L.R.s into one.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEKGet to know your optometrist:Whether you're looking for a new one or your current...
09/19/2023

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK

Get to know your optometrist:
Whether you're looking for a new one or your current one is doing a great job, it's good to have a positive relationship with your eye-care professional. They will be there for you when you need them — and if you don't need them yet, you want to keep it that way!

See an eye doctor regularly:
Many people only go to the eye doctor when they have trouble seeing things up close or far away — but regular visits are vital for catching the signs of early-stage eye disease. Kids should have their eyes tested by age three, and adults should keep up with routine vision tests every two years. If you already have eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration, you may need more frequent visits.

Wear protective eyewear during activities:
Wear protective eyewear during gardening, working with tools, or playing sports. The sun's UV rays can damage the eyes, so wear sunglasses with 100% U.V.A. and U.V.B. protection.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DR. MICHAEL PETRONACK AND THE HUGO OPTICAL TEAM: WE ARE MERGING WITH OUR PARTNER PRACTICE TO BETTER...
09/19/2023

AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DR. MICHAEL PETRONACK AND THE HUGO OPTICAL TEAM: WE ARE MERGING WITH OUR PARTNER PRACTICE TO BETTER SERVE YOU!

For 23 years, we at Hugo Optical have had the privilege of serving Hugo and our surrounding community. Your patronage has been instrumental in our success, and we are sincerely grateful for the trust you have placed in us. Effective on October 9th, Dr. Petronack will be moving full-time to the Fridley Optical office. At that same time, we will merge our Hugo Optical office with our partnering office, Northeast Eye Care of Hugo.

We want to assure you that our commitment to serving you does not end here. All patient records will be accessible at either Fridley Optical or Northeast Eye proceeding this date. Dr. Petronack will provide the same exceptional service and high-quality products that you have come to expect at the Fridley Location or we are confident that your optical journey will continue to be fulfilled through wonderful experiences with Dr. Iverson OD, Dr. Garofalo OD, Dr. Lundell OD, and Dr. Toler OD at Northeast Eye Care.

We look forward to seeing you again in the future.

Visit Us Today At One Of Our Partner Practices:
- Northeast Eye Care of Hugo
14643 Mercantile Dr. N., Ste. 112, Hugo, MN 55038
651-426-3630 | NorthEastEye.net

- Fridley Optical
7510 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432
763-784-3997 | FridleyOptical.com

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Petronack
Your Hugo Optical team

Happy National Eye Health Week!National Eye Health Week takes place annually during the last full week of September, fro...
09/18/2023

Happy National Eye Health Week!

National Eye Health Week takes place annually during the last full week of September, from September 18 to September 24. It serves as a reminder for people to get their eyes checked. The event offers a valuable chance to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.

This week, we will be sharing facts and tips to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

Happy Labor Day weekend from our team to you!We will be closed on Monday, September 4th, in observance of the Labor Day ...
09/03/2023

Happy Labor Day weekend from our team to you!

We will be closed on Monday, September 4th, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will resume regular business hours starting on Tuesday, September 5th.

08/24/2023

Notebooks, tablets, pencils, PRECISION1® contact lenses… do you have everything you need to make this school year the best year? With the PRECISION1® family of contact lenses, you can get dependable comfort even at 16 hours of wear. Ask your eye doctor to learn more.

https://precision.myalcon.com/

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