Member Profile - Tara Kempfer, OD

May 14, 2021
Member Spotlight for May
Kempfer Member Spotlight

May Member Profile

Tara Kempfer, OD

Where do you currently practice?
InVision Eye Care in Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Where are you from originally?
Madison, MN

What school did you graduate from (undergraduate and optometry)?
Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD (now Augustana University) and Pacific College of Optometry in Oregon

What are your hobbies?
Downhill skiing, playing piano, chasing my kiddos to their activities, reading. I also enjoy economic development, local community government, leadership courses/books and I am constantly seeking out learning opportunities to improve my business and communication skills. I am always excited to go to the mailbox when my HBR shows up!

Describe your local community involvement?
Board of directors for Greater Fergus Falls, which is an economic development board for Fergus Falls and the surrounding area (I am active with the Greater Fergus Falls finance committee, personal committee, nominating committee, and on the exec board). Past and/or current member of the following: Kiwanis BOD, Business Professional Women, AAUW, Chamber of Commerce BOD, and church health board. Volunteer for the following: United Way Feeding Backpack program, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt a Classroom, and more.

Tell us about your family and pets?
Dr. Randy is my husband and business partner at InVision. We have two kiddos, Charlie (7yo) and Henry (9yo). They are both on the downhill ski team in Detroit Lakes. Henry plays the piano, baseball, football and is our math whiz. Charlie plays basketball, hockey, football, and is the king of one-liners. Kobe is our newest addition. He is a German Wirehair Pointer.

Why do you choose to be a member of the Minnesota Optometric Association?
MOA has been an influential part of my career even during optometry school. The work they carry out on behalf of their members and the profession is crucial! The support that the MOA gives the members is priceless for numerous reasons. There is so much that occurs behind the scenes that we do not see, and unfortunately we often take for granted. Without their dedication and hard work, the optometry profession would not have the influence and drive that we do today. It's important that we continue to support the MOA, the PAC and be active in doing such. If that means monetarily, volunteering your time, or even just reaching out to your state representatives and legislatures when asked, please do so!

What do you like best about the profession of optometry?
I love my patients! No one day is the same and each presents a new challenge. The relationships that are built with our patients and staff is simply amazing. The trust that our patients have in us is humbling. And the satisfaction we gain from helping to monitor and care for others' precious sight is such a gift!! The staff we work alongside also make our profession better. We often are able to continue their education and training efforts (thanks to the MOA), encourage them to gain leadership roles, and improve their skills in order to gain confidence and allow them to provide amazing patient care!

Describe your favorite memory from your optometric career.
That is what is so amazing about optometry....I cannot choose just one memory! From first meeting Dr. Thos Smith and Dr. Denise Hanson and following their guidance/lead of providing amazing patient care, to the cards and notes we often receive thanking us as eye care providers for making a life-changing difference. I am always humbled when a patient chooses to enter the field of optometry for their own profession because of the eye care they received here, their experience shadowing, and mentorship provided by myself and InVision.

What fun fact would you like to share about yourselves that your colleagues may not know about you?
Probably no surprise but I talk fast, walk fast, read fast, and cannot just "sit". I am always working on a project or looking for a challenge. I also love sweets, really enjoy "giving" to others and make a point to pass on gratitude. It brings me joy to "build up" others around me, foster leadership skills/roles in others, and be a source of positive influence.

Please list any articles you have written or lectures you have provided to educate others on eye care.
Numerous lectures to local service clubs, networking groups, area early childhood education centers/co-ops, elementary schools in outstate MN, local women/leadership groups, and online forums for women and health.

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