Bradley E. Schwartz, OD
Doctor of Optometry: Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Science: Biology, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA
Member: American Optometric Association, Iowa Optometric Association, Upper Iowa Optometric Society, Decorah Lions Club (secretary), 2005 Lion of the Year
“I’ve known I wanted to be an optometrist since I was a teenager. I wanted so much to wear contact lenses, but I had a difficult time because of my allergies. My family optometrist really went out of his way to work with me and help me be successful with contacts. He was so diligent and caring that he became my inspiration for choosing optometry as my life’s work.”
“And I definitely made the right choice. I always wanted a career that would allow me to help people and solve problems. But optometry has given me so much more. I’ve been able to get to know my patients and care for each of them as individuals…just as if they were members of my own family.”
“I’ve devoted my career to achieving the highest level of skill in medical eye care. I take every patient outcome personally. It’s what keeps me up at night. I believe it’s my responsibility to best serve the visual needs of our community. It’s also a great privilege.”
Dr. Schwartz feels that his greatest professional accomplishment has been bringing excellent eye care to the residents of the Decorah region. When he isn’t doing that, he enjoys supporting school activities, running, camping and fishing.
Ashley K. Olson, OD
Optometry Residency: Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
Doctor of Optometry: Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR
Bachelor of Science: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Member: American Academy of Optometry
"Optometry has been a part of my life since I was young. My first experience was in the second grade when I received my first pair of glasses. My eyes kept changing as I was growing, and I kept going back to my family optometrist so I could see! I appreciated the time he took to visit with me and get to know me and my family members as well. I realized what a rewarding career this is, and as I started to choose a career path in high school, it didn’t take much time to decide this was what I wanted to do."
"My excitement for the profession has only grown through my education. As I started optometry school, I didn’t even realize how many areas of optometry there were, and how you could really take your career in the path that gives you the most reward. With the advancements in technology and continuous research in optometry, it is a career that provides an opportunity for life-long learning."
"I have been fortunate to have had great educators, mentors, and colleagues that have helped me realize there are many ways to improve my patient’s quality of life, and that is the bottom line that I enjoy so much – truly making a difference in their lives. What excites me about coming to Decorah is joining this community and doing just that."
Dr. Olson enjoys her time providing top quality eye care to patients. While not doing that, she also enjoys activities such as cooking, running, camping, or helping on her family’s ranch back in North Dakota.
Bradley E. Schwartz, OD
Doctor of Optometry: Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Science: Biology, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA
Member: American Optometric Association, Iowa Optometric Association, Upper Iowa Optometric Society, Decorah Lions Club (secretary), 2005 Lion of the Year
“I’ve known I wanted to be an optometrist since I was a teenager. I wanted so much to wear contact lenses, but I had a difficult time because of my allergies. My family optometrist really went out of his way to work with me and help me be successful with contacts. He was so diligent and caring that he became my inspiration for choosing optometry as my life’s work.”
“And I definitely made the right choice. I always wanted a career that would allow me to help people and solve problems. But optometry has given me so much more. I’ve been able to get to know my patients and care for each of them as individuals…just as if they were members of my own family.”
“I’ve devoted my career to achieving the highest level of skill in medical eye care. I take every patient outcome personally. It’s what keeps me up at night. I believe it’s my responsibility to best serve the visual needs of our community. It’s also a great privilege.”
Dr. Schwartz feels that his greatest professional accomplishment has been bringing excellent eye care to the residents of the Decorah region. When he isn’t doing that, he enjoys supporting school activities, running, camping and fishing.
Ashley K. Olson, OD
Optometry Residency: Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
Doctor of Optometry: Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR
Bachelor of Science: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Member: American Academy of Optometry
"Optometry has been a part of my life since I was young. My first experience was in the second grade when I received my first pair of glasses. My eyes kept changing as I was growing, and I kept going back to my family optometrist so I could see! I appreciated the time he took to visit with me and get to know me and my family members as well. I realized what a rewarding career this is, and as I started to choose a career path in high school, it didn’t take much time to decide this was what I wanted to do."
"My excitement for the profession has only grown through my education. As I started optometry school, I didn’t even realize how many areas of optometry there were, and how you could really take your career in the path that gives you the most reward. With the advancements in technology and continuous research in optometry, it is a career that provides an opportunity for life-long learning."
"I have been fortunate to have had great educators, mentors, and colleagues that have helped me realize there are many ways to improve my patient’s quality of life, and that is the bottom line that I enjoy so much – truly making a difference in their lives. What excites me about coming to Decorah is joining this community and doing just that."
Dr. Olson enjoys her time providing top quality eye care to patients. While not doing that, she also enjoys activities such as cooking, running, camping, or helping on her family’s ranch back in North Dakota.