There are those who practice a profession, and then there are those who shape it. Dr. Greg Kraupa was undeniably the latter. For decades, his name was synonymous with leadership, mentorship and an unwavering commitment to the Minnesota Optometric Association. Today, as we mourn his passing, we also look back at a legacy that has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him or work alongside him.
As Dr. Mark Hennen, a Past-President of the Minnesota Optometric Association and a good friend of Dr. Greg Kraupa, stated, “The Minnesota Optometric Association lost a giant on March 10, 2026. His accomplishments are legendary. He was a dear friend, and he will be sorely missed.”
Dr. Kraupa was a graduate of Pacific University, and opened his first practice in Minnesota in 1977. Dr. Tina McCarty, one of his practice partners and one of the current owners of Eye Care Centers, said, “Dr. Kraupa opened our practice and built it with a vision of providing exceptional care to our patients, being premier in everything we do and creating a place where people truly care about one another.”
Originally opened in North St. Paul, Eye Care Center developed into a highly successful and respected practice in three locations which Dr. Kraupa sold to his partners upon retirement.
Dr. Kraupa was considered by his peers, patients and employees to be an exceptionally intelligent, thoughtful and compassionate leader. He was involved in his community and his profession. His dedicated leadership earned his practice and Dr. Kraupa himself numerous awards and many leadership positions.
Dr. Kraupa served as President of the Minnesota Optometric Association’s Board of Trustees in 1988. In addition, he was recognized as Optometrist of the Year twice (1991 & 1999), given the Distinguished Service Award (2011) and generously gave his time as the Past-President Emeritus in 2014. He also served on the Eye Care Benefits Committee for the AOA for almost a decade.
Dr. Kraupa worked diligently with the Minnesota Optometric Association to advance scope and get TPA’s passed in Minnesota. The below picture is from when that critical scope bill was signed.
Those who knew Dr. Kraupa well know he and his friends loved to celebrate and have a good laugh. The picture below shows him and his colleagues with their “special suits” from one of those celebrations.
Another Past-President and friend, Dr. Laney Brown, said, “Greg Kraupa was a giant to me. He had this quiet wisdom about him that he shared humbly and without expectation. He wanted to help people help themselves, and this applied to his patients, his staff and his colleagues. I sought his advice more than once or twice, and his words always made me stop, listen more carefully and consider all options. Greg chose his words with care, led without being pompous and taught without being condescending. It is a shock to have to say goodbye to this man. He will leave a big hole in this profession and he will be missed.”
A celebration of life will be held this summer in the Twin Cities area, with a date and location to be determined. True to Dr. Kraupa’s style, there will be pirate stories, island attire and a final toast to a life well-lived. We will let people know when the details have been decided.
Additionally, the Minnesota Optometric Association along with some Past-Presidents are discussing ways that the organization can honor Dr. Kraupa and have his legacy of leadership continue with future generations. We will let the membership know once that has been decided so that those of you that wish to participate can do so.
Dr. Kraupa’s full obituary can be found here.
