Meet Dr. Michelle Meyer Strawhecker, Optometrist and Owner at Family Eyecare by Dr. Michelle (familyeyecarecenteromaha.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – Family Eyecare by Dr. Michelle is dedicated to delivering comprehensive optometric services and products with a strong emphasis on medical care. We began serving Omaha residents over four decades ago when Dr. Dean Meyer, my father and Founder, opened the original location in Rockbrook Village. As our name implies, we cater to entire families, from great grandma at 90 and her three-year-old great grandson. Our services include comprehensive eye examinations, emergency eye exams, contact lens evaluations and diabetic eye exams for individuals of all ages. Our clinic houses a complete optical offering distinctive and fashionable eyewear alongside specialty contact lenses. Recently, we have invested in state-of-the-art equipment to broaden our capabilities in diagnosing and treating various eye diseases, including the specialized focus on dry eye disease. With this cutting-edge technology, we can conduct the exam without the need for eye drops, providing a more comfortable and efficient experience for our valued patients.

How did you get started in the business? – I became interested in medicine at an early age. My dad, Dr. Dean Meyer, is the Founder of Family Eyecare and I began working in the office answering phones in high school. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a degree in Biology, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona where I managed a multi-doctor optometric practice before attending optometry school at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – My biggest challenge as the owner of a small business came during COVID. I purchased the practice from my father, Dr. Dean Meyer, in 2019 and then very soon after the entire globe was facing a pandemic with unknown fears and worries.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – This past year, Family Eyecare hit a milestone revenue goal that is a testament to the unwavering spirit of teamwork, dedication and collaborative effort within our practice. The foundation of the business starts and ends with prioritizing the golden rule! We treat our patients how we would want to be treated. My cell number is provided on the answering machine and I am ready to offer assistance as quickly as possible.

Tell us a little about your family. – My husband, Mike Strawhecker, and I have been married for five years and are both Omaha natives. We have three boisterous children, ages four, three and one. They bring an abundance of joy with a touch of chaos!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy moving my body and being physical, either by practicing Pilates or taking a nature walk. I have recently enjoyed working on the communal puzzle at the Papillion public library.

Who inspires you? – I find inspiration in the wisdom shared by leaders within my field who offer valuable and shared experiences in the dynamic intersection of business and healthcare. The optometric community is a tight-knit crew who fosters openness and collaboration. I am motivated to continually seek innovative ways to enhance both the organizational and patient – centric aspects of my work.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 333-7772 |familyeyecarecenteromaha.com/contact