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
Compassion
Kindness
Innovative
High Quality
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.
Cindy joined Northern Minnesota Eye Care in 2012 and finds great fulfillment in the eyecare field. She takes pride in being part of a team that provides high-quality medical eye care to the local community. Cindy especially appreciates the doctors’ commitment to staff education, ensuring the team stays current with the latest advancements in eye care.
Outside of the office Cindy loves spending time with her husband and two sons. You can often find her at the lake, reading, or picking agates. She also enjoys baking and making memories with friends and extended family.
Brittany has been with Northern Minnesota Eye Care since 2013. She works closely with the doctors in her role as a scribe and enjoys working in the eyecare field. Brittany especially values learning something new about eyes every day and says, “who knew eyes were so interesting?”
Outside of work Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and dog June. She loves reading, baking and making the most of Minnesota’s outdoors through lake days, fishing, camping, boating and walks with her family.
Cari enjoys seeing and interacting with patients day to day. She loves learning all about the eyes and eye health and helping patients find the perfect frame!
In her spare time Cari enjoys spending time with her husband, kids and dog Remmy. She also has an interest in outdoor activities, hunting and fishing.
Sara joined Northern Minnesota Eye Care in 2017. She is a full time patient coordinator, but you can also find her fitting you for glasses or working as the technician for one of our doctors! She loves learning about the complexity of the eyes 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 has been part of the Northern Minnesota Eye Care team since 2020 and has been in the eyecare profession for over 25 years! You will find her working at all three of our locations where she enjoys interacting with and helping patients with all of their eyecare needs. Angie loves being part of a family oriented, caring and professional team.
In her free time, Angie enjoys spending time at home with her husband, reading, walking, and having meaningful conversations with friends over a good cup of coffee!
Molly joined Northern Minnesota Eye Care in 2023 and loves helping patients find frames that make them look and feel their best. She enjoys educating patients about their eyewear options and is always eager to learn more about eye health and vision care.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys going for walks, baking, and spending time on her many creative hobbies.
Lydia has been with Northern Minnesota Eye Care since 2024. She enjoys being part of our eyecare team and helping our patients maintain their optimal eye care.
In her free time you can find her fishing and swimming on local lakes, traveling and reading.
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.
Maryn has been a technician at Northern Minnesota Eye Care since 2012. She enjoys learning something new everyday. She was born in Honduras and adopted at the age of 6 months old. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and combined they have 5 kids. She also enjoys traveling, baking, spending time with her cats and going for walks.
Amanda is a dedicated team member who values creativity, strategy, and connection both at work and at home. In her free time she enjoys gardening, reading, playing board games, TCG’s, and Dungeons and Dragons. She also cherishes spending quality time with my family and her pets – including two dogs, one cat, and a flock of 21 happy hens. These hobbies keep her grounded, energized and always ready to bring fresh perspectives to the team!
Kayla joined Northern Minnesota Eye Care in February 2026. Her favorite part of the job is helping patients find the perfect frame and lens match.
Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. She also loves reading and is an active member of the Friends of the Hinckley Public Library.
Leila is a virtual scribe at Northern Minnesota Eye Care where she works closely with the doctors to support patient care. She is based in the Philippines and has undergone training through a professional company as well as with the NMEC team. She is a graduate of a medical allied course and a licensed healthcare worker who now works remotely. Leila enjoys being part of a team that focuses on providing quality care and creating a positive experience for every patient. Outside of work Leila enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves the outdoors and enjoys running, going to the gym and playing pickleball.
1001 Cloquet Ave.
Cloquet, MN 55720
Tel: (218) 879-1558
Fax: (218) 878-1907
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
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.
