Dr. Michael Wallerich OD, MBA

Optometrist

Dr. Michael Wallerich is a native of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dr. Wallerich became a practicing optometrist in 2017, and he became a traveling optometrist within skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, rehabilitation clinics, and regional hospitals throughout the state of Minnesota. However, he began his journey in the eye care field in 2005 as an optician at his local eye doctor's office. As an optometrist, he enjoys the unique ability to meet people from infancy to whatever age. He enjoys developing relationships with his patients and fellow community members to promote good vision and eye health long term.

Education:

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
- Biology (B.S.); Minor – Spanish
State University of New York College of Optometry
- Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
Empire State College
- Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
University of California –Berkeley School of Optometry @ VA Palo Alto Health Care System
- Residency: Primary Care/Brain Injury Vision Rehabilitation

Clinical Specialties:

Neuro-Optometric Evaluations

Vision dysfunctions from traumatic (concussions, head traumas, etc.) or acquired (strokes, Parkinson’s disease, etc.) brain injuries

Contact Lens Evaluations (Specialty Contact Lenses)

Soft Contact Lenses: distance, astigmatism correction, multi-focal contact lenses

Hard Contact Lenses: Rigid gas permeable contacts for single vision, multi-focal options, and for corneal conditions (keratoconus, corneal ectasia, other diseases)

Pediatric Eye Care & Myopia Management

Assessing refractive error, pediatric vision screening, eye turns, binocular vision dysfunctions, traumatic/acquired brain injury vision assessments

Treatment for nearsightedness; Certified provider for Mi-Sight 1 Day contact lenses for treatment of nearsightedness

Geriatric Eye Care (inpatient care within nursing facilities)

Provide medical eye examinations for vulnerable adults within inpatient facilities throughout the metropolitan area

Fun Facts:

Why Brain Injury Vision Rehabilitation (Neuro-Optometry)?

Dr. Wallerich translated in Spanish in the neuro-optometric rehabilitation and neuro-ophthalmology clinics at the State University of New York during his first year for several patients. After each visit, he witnessed the patient’s vision dysfunctions improving, which consequentially improved the patient’s symptoms. The treatments were reducing each patient’s symptoms (headaches, eye fatigue, double vision, etc.), which was empowering for both the provider and patient. Patients would explain how they planned to return to work, continue with college courses or other aspirations that seemed unlikely before. To impact someone so profoundly was important to Dr. Wallerich, which made it an easy decision to complete a residency in brain injury vision rehabilitation.

Hobbies

In his spare time, Dr. Wallerich enjoys playing piano, participating in his local Stonewall chapter of intramural sports league (kickball, tennis), downhill skiing, regularly exercising, reading non-fiction, volunteering (LGBTQ causes, mentorship programs, Advisory Board of Health - Richfield), kayaking, hiking, gardening (growing vegetables, fruits, etc.), playing board games, spending time with his family/partner, and traveling!