Meet Our Doctors

Dr. G. John Lach was born and raised in Minot, ND. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. He received his Doctorate of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. Dr. Lach joined Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic in December of 1999 and has enjoyed taking care of Mankato area eyes ever since. He enjoys all facets of eye care including glasses, contact lenses, treatment and management of eye diseases and treatment of eye emergencies. He takes great pride in collaborating with his patients to craft the very best solutions so that they may see their best and be their best. When Dr. Lach is not looking at eyeballs, he enjoys cooking, golfing and exploring new restaurants. Dr. Lach is a member of the American Optometric Association and past President of the Minnesota Optometric Association.

Dr. Matt Downs grew up in Butterfield and studied Biology at St. John's University in Collegeville and at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY.  He graduated from Indiana University with a Doctor of Optometry degree in 2002.  

Dr. Downs joined Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic in 2004.  He practices primary care optometry which includes pediatrics, contact lenses, glaucoma management, urgent eye problems like pink eye, and refractive surgery consultation.  He works to educate and guide patients to find their optimal visual performance whether it be glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery.  

Nearsightedness (myopia) is an increasingly prevalent problem.  Dr. Downs enjoys treating his patients in an effort to slow down the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of problems down the road. 

In his off time he enjoys golfing, camping, watching auto racing, agronomy, mountain biking, and traveling.  He lives in North Mankato with his wife Lynn and 3 children.

Dr. Tracye Rasmussen(Eiselt) was born in Madelia, MN. She graduated with a B.S. in Biology from South Dakota State University and received her Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana University in 2005. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Minnesota Optometric Association, and is the Past President of the South Central Minnesota Optometric Association.

Dr. Rasmussen(Eiselt) joined the Carlson Tillisch Eye Clinic team of Optometrists in 2007. She practices primary care optometry and enjoys all areas of eye care, including contact lenses and the management and treatment of diseases. As the mother of 3 boys, she especially enjoys working with young children and watching them grow each year.

When she is not busy scoping out the latest eyewear trends and technology, Dr. Rasmussen(Eiselt) enjoys running, yoga, and being active outdoors. She lives in North Mankato with her 3 boys.

Dr. Murphy Grotewold grew up in Gowrie, IA, and then came to Mankato, MN for her undergraduate studies. At Minnesota State University she graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Psychology and Biology. She received her Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana University, and while there was accepted as a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. She is also an American Board Certified Optician. She currently is an active member of the Minnesota Optometric Association and is a part of the MOA Legislative Committee. 

Dr. Grotewold joined the team of Optometrists at Carlson-Tillisch in 2018 and is very happy to serve the people of southern Minnesota. She practices primary care optometry and enjoys the multiple aspects of eye care, including: pediatrics, specialty contact lenses, myopia control, glaucoma, and macular degeneration management, urgent care visits for eye infections or eye abrasions, surgical co-management, and many more.

Dr. Grotewold is married to her husband, Blake, and is very active within the community. She is the Board President of the Merely Players Community Theatre, a Greater Mankato Growth Ambassador, an active member of the Mankato Young Professionals, and completed the Mankato Leadership Institute in 2020. Her hobbies include singing, golfing, trivia, playing video games, traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with her friends, family, and two dogs. 

Dr. Dustin Deutsch grew up in Luverne, Minnesota. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College. He graduated magna cum laude from Illinois College of Optometry with a Doctorate of Optometry in 2021. While attending college he was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society and Tomb and Key Honor Society.

Dr. Deutsch joined the team of Optometrists at Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic in 2021. His interests in optometry include: glaucoma management, surgical co-management, soft and specialty contact lenses, myopia control, and routine care.

When not working, Dustin enjoys PC building/gaming, playing tennis, badminton, and spending time with family.