Staff

Coming Soon!
  • Dr. John Lach
    Dr. G. John Lach

    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.

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    Dr. Matt Downs

    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. Tracey Eiselt
    Dr. Tracye Rasmussen(Eiselt)

    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
    Dr. Murphy Grotewold

    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. 

  • DrSovell
    Dr. Shawnee Sovell

    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.

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Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • Very friendly and professional. I actually look forward to the exam.

    - Gregory M.
  • Friendly, professional staff. Well kept, pleasant offices. Organized.

    - Albert F.
  • Carlson-Tillisch is always a such pleasant visit. I almost wish I need to be seen more often! Front desk staff makes checking in so easy. Staff explain the exam so it’s never uncomfortable and the physicians are wonderful! They are always so thorough and help me to fully understand my options.

    - Jessica S
  • Staff and doctors are very friendly. Up to date equipment is amazing!!

    - Cynthia H.
  • The staff was efficient and friendly. I was really happy with the examination and the consultation. I would recommend them 100%.

    - Mary W.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Hours of Operation

Both offices will be closed Saturday, May 27th and Monday, May 29th in observance of the Memorial Holiday

Mankato Hours

Monday

7:45 am - 5:30 pm

Tuesday

7:45 am - 5:30 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday

7:45 am - 7:00 pm

Friday

7:45 am - 5:30 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

New Ulm Hours

Monday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Mankato Hours

Monday
7:45 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday
7:45 am - 5:30 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday
7:45 am - 7:00 pm
Friday
7:45 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

New Ulm Hours

Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Locations

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