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At Northern Minnesota Eye Care, we understand how important your sight is for everyone’s overall quality of life — kids in school, families enjoying the outdoors, and older adults who deserve to enjoy their retirement to the fullest.
We believe that you deserve to see the beauty of the world and to keep your sight as long as possible. We understand that your eye sight is just one part of your overall well-being, which is why we take the time to give you a full medical examination, not just a prescription for corrective lenses.
We will exceed our patients’ expectations by treating them in a courteous, professional, and kind manner which develops long-term relationships.
NMEC will be known for providing high quality care in a compassionate manner.
Exceed Expectations
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Dr. Sasha Narayan grew up in Caledon, Ontario. She attended undergraduate school in Hamilton, Ontario where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Narayan earned her Doctorate of Optometry (O.D.) degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. She did her externships in Lantana, FL, White River Junction, VT, Chicago, IL and in New Orleans, LA where she completed her optometric education.
Dr. Narayan is an active member of the Moose Lake Kiwanis Club. She enjoys running, reading and spending time with her family.
Dr. Christopher McDowell is from Olivia, Minnesota where his dad was an elementary principal and his mother was a public health nurse. He attended St. Cloud State where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science. From there he attended the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where he earned his Doctorate of Optometry (O.D.) degree. He completed his optometric education with externships in Gainesville, FL, Chicago, IL, Anchorage, AL, and finally Southport, CT.
Dr. McDowell enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Ashley Hamblin grew up in Onamia, MN. She attended undergraduate school in River Falls, Wisconsin where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She earned her Doctorate of Optometry (O.D.) degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Hamblin completed additional education and obtained certification by the American Board of Optometry. She did her externships at the Cass Lake Indian Health Service in Cass Lake, MN and PineCone Vision Center in Sartell, MN where she completed her optometric education.
Dr. Hamblin is a University of Minnesota Pine County Master Gardener. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, hiking, camping, gardening, cross country skiing and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Wandling is a board-certified ophthalmologist that specializes in no stitch and refractive cataract surgery. He also has interest in glaucoma, retina, oculoplastic, and other eye disorders. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina then moved to Rochester, MN in kindergarten. Dr. Wandling attended the University of Iowa earning both a BA in mathematics and a BS in Biology. He stayed at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and graduated with research distinction after research fellowships studying LASIK, PRK, and corneal transplantation. Dr. Wandling completed his Internal medicine internship at the University of Iowa-Des Moines then his ophthalmology residency at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining North Suburban Eye Specialists, Dr. Wandling performed thousands of eye surgeries and was on staff at the University of Illinois.
Dr. Wandling and his wife Lara raise their two young children in St. Paul. They enjoy traveling, cycling, skiing, and learning to cook new cuisine.
Cindy has been with Northern Minnesota Eye Care since 2012. She enjoys working in the eyecare field. Knowing that the community is getting medical eye care close to home is great to be part of. She also likes that the doctors offer education to staff and be up-to-date with eye care changes.
Cindy loves to spend time with her husband and two sons. You can find her at the lake, picking agates, camping or baking. She also enjoys spending time with friends and extended family.
Molly has been with Northern Minnesota Eye Care since the Summer of 2023. She has enjoyed learning everything about the eye and greeting everyone who walks through the door. Molly enjoys spending time with her husband and their two wonderful kids! In her downtime she enjoys spending time with her family and good friends. She enjoys crafting, cooking, baking, camping and ice fishing.
Brittany has been a technician at Northern Minnesota Eye Care since 2013. Brittany enjoys working in the eyecare field. She enjoys learning something new from the doctors about eyes every day.”Who knew eyes were so interesting?” You can also see Brittany working closely with the Dr’s as she has taken on the role of scribing.
Brittany is married and has three kids, she enjoys going on adventures and spending time with them. You will often find Brittany with her nose in a book as she loves reading, or in the kitchen baking. You can also find her outdoors doing some of her favorite outdoor hobbies, that include fishing, camping, boating, walks and bike rides.
Cari enjoys seeing and interacting with patients day to day, she love learning all about the eyes and eye health.
In her spare time Cari enjoys spending time with her husband, kids and my pet dog, She also has an interest for outdoor activities, hunting and fishing.
Sara joined Northern Minnesota Eye Care in June 2017. She is a full-time receptionist, but you will also find her as a technician for the doctor or even fitting you for glasses! She loves learning about the complexity of the eye and making her coworkers laugh!
In her free time, Sara enjoys hiking with her Miniature Australian Shepherd (Stoli), listening to music, reading, baking, and outdoor photography.
Matthew has been working at Northern Minnesota Eye Care since the end of 2017.
Matthew works a few hours a week and loves the people he works with.
Matthew enjoys going to Kiwanis with his dad, he loves music and helps with the worship at his church, he is a basketball fan, and enjoys going to the Wellness Center.
Angie joined Northern Minnesota Eye Care in 2020. She has worked in the optical profession since 2002. She enjoys interacting with patients and co-workers. Learning about the latest frame styles and lens technology has been fun and interesting over the years.
In her free time, Angie enjoys spending time at home, reading, collecting pretty chickens and growing heirloom tomatoes.
Kelly started in February of 2023. Her primary role is Technician but you may also find her helping you choose your new glasses. Kelly loves learning all about our eyes and utilizing the advanced equipment here. Some of her favorite things are spending time with her kids outside, hunting, fishing, and gardening.
Wendy joined the Northern Minnesota Eye Care family in 2022. As an optician, she loves everything about glasses and lens technology. “NMEC offered me a new career path and I completely fell in love with it. Eyes are so interesting and it makes me so happy to get to share that knowledge with our patients.
Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Wendy moved to Minnesota in 2018. She is married to her wonderful husband with whom she shares 5 children. She enjoys family time, gatherings with friends and listening to true crime podcasts.
Molly recently joined Northern Minnesota Eye Care in April of 2023. She has loved learning about everything eye related as well as helping patients achieve their best vision. In her spare time she enjoys being around friends and family, cooking, working on her art and traveling.
Lydia joined Northern Minnesota Eye Care in September 2024. She enjoys learning about the complexity of the eye, and the many ways we can assist our patients in their eye care.
She loves spending time with her husband, children, family and friends.
She also enjoys fishing on the local lakes, kayaking, hiking, cross country skiing, tending indoor plants, and propagating them, crocheting, corresponding with friends via snail mail.
Abbie started at Northern Minnesota Eye Care in September of 2024, shortly after moving to Minnesota from Upper Michigan. As a technician her favorite part of the job is that she never stops learning and gets to meet so many great people.
In her free time Abbie enjoys lounging at home with her cat, going out with friends, fishing, camping, and stargazing.
1001 Cloquet Ave.
Cloquet, MN 55720
Tel: (218) 879-1558
Fax: (218) 878-1907
HOURS
Monday 9:30 – 5:00
Tuesday 8:30 – 5:00
Wednesday 8:30 – 5:00
Thursday 9:00 – 5:00
Friday 8:30 – 4:30
45 Lady Luck Dr.
Hinckley, MN 55037
Tel: (320) 384-6361
Fax: (320) 385-7043
HOURS
Monday Closed
Tuesday 8:30 – 5:00
Wednesday 8:30 – 5:00
Thursday 9:00 – 5:00
Friday 8:30 – 4:00
312 Elm Ave.
Moose Lake, MN 55767
Tel: (218) 485-8495
Fax: (218) 485-8498
HOURS
Monday 8:30 – 5:00
Tuesday 8:30 – 5:00
Wednesday 8:30 – 5:00
Thursday 9:00 – 5:00
Friday 8:30 – 4:30
We are part of the Northern Minnesota community and have been taking care of patients here since 1979. We are still independently (and locally) owned so that we can treat patients in their best interest.
1001 Cloquet Ave.
Cloquet, MN 55720
Tel: (218) 879-1558
Fax: (218) 878-1907
45 Lady Luck Dr.
Hinckley, MN 55037
Tel: (320) 384-6361
Fax: (320) 385-7043
312 Elm Ave.
Moose Lake, MN 55767
Tel: (218) 485-8495
Fax: (218) 485-8498