Member Profile - Stephanie Parrish, OD

Where do you currently practice?
Up North Eye Care in Pillager MN

Where are you from originally?
Bismarck, ND

What school did you graduate from (undergraduate and optometry)?
University of North Dakota, Pacific University

What are your hobbies?
Watching and running my 4 boys to football, basketball, baseball and golf, Camping, Exercising, Bible study, gardening, hunting, traveling

Describe your local community involvement?
Opening up a practice in our small rural town of Pillager has given many opportunities to be involved in supporting and encouraging the community through school and church events and activities we've hosted for the community at our clinic.

Tell us about your family and pets?
I've been married to my husband husband Mike for 19 year and we have 4 boys (14, 13, 10, 7).  Last year I needed another girl in the family so we adopted our Goldendoodle Lucy.

Why do you choose to be a member of the Minnesota Optometric Association?
I'm proud of our profession and recognize the efforts and sacrifices of so many to enable us to serve our patients in the capacities we do.  We are much stronger as a team then as individuals.

What do you like best about the profession of optometry?
The ability to care for people and make an impact in our community.  I pray every patient who walks through our doors would feel known and loved.

Describe your favorite memory from your optometric career.
There's not just one.  I have so many memories with patients from 0-104 years old. I really enjoy the blessing of being part of their lives!

What fun fact would you like to share about yourselves that your colleagues may not know about you?
I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do

Please list any articles you have written or lectures you have provided to educate others on eye care.
I am a regular presenter to early childhood parent classrooms as well as elementary classrooms, teaching them about vision and the importance of routine eye care.