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, Iowa, and came to Mankato, Minnesota to pursue her undergraduate studies. She graduated magna cum laude from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S. in Psychology and Biology, and went on to earn her Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University, where she was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. She is also an American Board Certified Optician and a Fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America.

Since joining Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic in 2018, Dr. Grotewold has been committed to delivering compassionate, full-scope optometric care. Her clinical interests include pediatric optometry, myopia control, specialty contact lenses, glaucoma and macular degeneration management, dry eye disease, aesthetics, and urgent care for ocular emergencies. She believes strongly in a personalized approach to healthcare that integrates clinical expertise with patient-centered education and long-term wellness.

Dr. Grotewold is an active member of the Minnesota Optometric Association and serves on the MOA Legislative Committee, advocating for modernized scope of practice laws and improved access to care. She is a graduate of both the AOA Leadership Institute and the Greater Mankato Growth Leadership Institute. In 2023, she was recognized as Mankato’s Young Professional of the Year.

In addition to her clinical and legislative work, Dr. Grotewold contributes to the profession through writing and mentorship. She serves as a committee editor for EyeWitness Magazine, contributes to local lifestyle publications, and mentors business students at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her passion for service has also led her on international optometric trips, where she has provided care in Jamaica, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Deeply rooted in her local community, Dr. Grotewold is the Board President of Merely Players Community Theatre, a Greater Mankato Growth Ambassador, and an active member of the Mankato Young Professionals. She lives in Mankato with her husband, Blake, and their two dogs. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys singing, golfing, attending concerts and trivia nights, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Shawnee Sovell is a Minnesota native, who grew up in the small town of Wells. She is the youngest of 5 children with 3 sisters and 1 brother. Dr. Sovell graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2012. While attending MSU, she was an active member of the Mankato Jaycees. After graduating, she attended and graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 2017. While there she was a member of the Volunteer Optometric Student Association and American Optometric Student Association and worked in a clinical lab specializing in Dry Eye Disease.

Dr. Sovell furthered her education and honed her clinical and medical optometry skills by completing a residency at Bay Pines Veteran Affairs Hospital in Bay Pines, Florida; managing and treating ocular disease, low vision rehabilitation, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and medically necessary contact lenses. After completing her residency, Dr. Sovell relocated back to Minnesota to provide the full scope of eye care services including glasses, contacts, prevention, management, and treatment of ocular disease in her home state, and start a family with her fiancé. They have two young children and a black lab. Her hobbies include reading, painting, spending time outdoors, and quality time with family and friends.

Dr. Adam Peters is a compassionate and dedicated primary care optometrist who joined Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic in 2025. A native of Montevideo, MN, Dr. Peters earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, before completing his Doctor of Optometry degree at Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon, graduating with the Class of 2021. Dr. Peters provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages—from pediatrics to geriatrics—addressing a wide range of visual needs. He takes great pride in delivering patient-centered care and strives to ensure every individual receives personalized attention and treatment that goes above and beyond expectations. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since the age of 15, Dr. Peters brings a unique perspective to eye care. He understands firsthand the critical connection between eye health and overall wellness, which drives his commitment to excellence in patient care. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Peters enjoys staying active in the great outdoors. His hobbies include skiing, mountain and road biking, hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, and attending live music events. He also cherishes time spent with family—especially his two nephews who live nearby in Mankato.