When Nicole Miller was growing up, she was in the patient’s chair describing what she was seeing or not seeing at a local optometry practice. Now, she is caring for patients at that same practice.
Miller, a Claflin native, is the new doctor of optometry at The 10th Street Eyecare Center, 2601 10th in Great Bend. She joins Dr. Russ McCaulley and Dr. Chad Premer.
“I wanted to be an optometrist since I was in high school,” Dr. Miller said. “I grew up as a patient here and have always known this practice was exceptional in terms of patient care, staff and technology. They always did an excellent job addressing my eye concerns.”
Dr. Miller’s responsibilities involve primary eye care and she is accepting new patients.
“We not only provide clear vision by prescribing glasses and contacts, we also examine eye health,” Dr. Miller commented. “We look for conditions that many patients may not realize they have.
“For example,” she continued, “we can detect diabetes and high-blood pressure before they are even diagnosed. This is why it is so important to get annual eye exams – even if you are seeing well.”
Dr. Miller graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences. She then transferred to the University of Houston College of Optometry where she studied for the past four years; during the last year, Dr. Miller completed two externships – one in Denver, the other in Tahlequah, Okla.
She graduated summa cum laude from both undergraduate and graduate schools, and was in the top 10 percent of her optometry class of 107 graduates. In addition, Dr. Miller is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Kansas Optometric Association.
“I can’t tell you how pleased I am to be back home, working at 10th Street Eyecare and taking care of patients,” Dr. Miller said. “I am very proud to call this area my home.”
She and her husband, Colby, who is also from Claflin, are the parents of 5-month-old Ava.
Dr. McCaulley said the practice is fortunate to have this new optometrist on board.
“We are delighted Nicole is here as part of our eye-care team,” Dr. McCaulley said. “She is a top-notch optometrist and her patients can be assured they will be in good hands. It is especially gratifying that she is from this area and returning to her roots in central Kansas.”