About Us

Dr. Larson was born in Willmar, MN and attended New London-Spicer High School. He completed his BS in biology at South Dakota State University in 2010. While in college, he spent two years on the speech and debate team. He was also heavily involved in tutoring for several subjects and various teaching roles for human anatomy and general microbiology. He then attended the Indiana University School of Optometry and graduated in 2014. After graduating in 2014, Dr. Larson completed a one-year post-graduate residency with the Indiana University School of Optometry in primary care and ocular disease.

After residency, Dr. Larson spent three years as a founding faculty member at the Chicago College of Optometry in Downers Grove, IL. He held teaching positions in the clinical sciences and ocular anatomy and spent one year as the admissions committee chair. Following this appointment, he spent two years in Colorado working in private practice and exploring the mountains before returning to Minnesota.

Education:

• New London-Spicer High School, 2006
• South Dakota State University, 2010
• Indiana University, 2014
• Residency-Indiana University School of Optometry, 2015

Training:
Dr. Larson completed clinical externships at the Indianapolis Eye Care Center, Tallahassee VA Outpatient Clinic, Gundersen Health System in
Decorah, IA, and River Valley Eye Professionals in Northfield, MN He completed a post-graduate residency at the Indiana University School of Optometry in primary care and ocular disease with an emphasis on optometric education. He completed observational rotations in general and specialty ophthalmology and neurology and surgical observations for cataracts, corneal transplants, eyelid repair, Lasik, pediatric ophthalmology, and strabismus.

Professional Associations:
American Optometric Association, Minnesota Optometric Association, Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society, Pi Kappa Delta Honor Society

Areas of Practice:

• Primary Eye Care
• Contact Lenses
• Dry Eye Management
• Ocular Disease Management
• Surgical Co-Management
• Urgent and Emergent Eye Care

Personal interests:
Dr. Larson is a fitness enthusiast and an avid video gamer. He is a huge fan of Indiana and Minnesota basketball and can be found cheering and/or yelling during games in-season. His weekends will be spent either at the
cabin or helping on the family farm.

Dr Jeff Mootz was born and raised in Le Sueur. He graduated in 1973 and attended college in Minnesota and Texas and received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1984. Dr. Jeff moved back to Le Sueur to work with his father at the Mootz Eye Clinic in 1987 and bought the practice from his Dad in 1990.

 Jeff enjoys sailing, sailing competitively and camping with his wife Carin and family! They have 3 children with 7 grandchildren. 

“With the sale of Mootz Eye Clinic, I am still able to continue practicing and doing what I have enjoyed for so many years, and in a new practice setting!”

Colleen is Le Sueur Eyecare Center’s Clinic Manager. Colleen was born and raised on a farm near Fergus Falls, MN. She married her best friend that she met at Bible Study and they have four sons. She comes from a background of nursing and her specialty was developmentally disabled adults with violent tendencies. She managed a group home in Colorado before moving back to the Midwest to take care of her folks. Her husband’s pre- covid job brought her to the area. She has been in optical for 8 years, loves the day-to-day numbers of billing and coding, the challenge of dealing with the ever-changing insurance world, and the patients she gets to chat with and help every day.  Her hobbies include reading, gardening, and baking. She now lives, in a multigenerational home with her husband, 2 of her sons, a daughter-in-law, and 2 grandchildren. 

“I love being in this area, it is beautiful and such a vast difference of scenery within miles. Le Sueur has been a delight, I have met some of the sweetest people here. I love working with my co-workers and doctors, and as a bonus the new owners have the same philosophy in business as I do. We are all here to help and build relationships within the community.”

Caleb is Le Sueur Eyecare Center’s Lead Optician. Caleb grew up in rural towns much like Le Sueur all across the midwest following his parents’ jobs. He went to college at Concordia College and University of Northwestern St. Paul for Vocal Music Performance and left college with a job performing with an internationally ranked A Cappella group called The Sound Exchange. He toured the world with them for 5 years while pursuing optical work as a part time job, in his down time. Once Covid arrived on the scene his career as a musician was put on hold, propelling him into full time optical work. He has worked as an optician for several corporate entities as well as several private practices leading up to his employment at Le Sueur Eyecare Center. His favorite aspect of his job is glasses repair and helping customers find the frame that fits them best.

“My best advice when it comes to glasses, If they aren’t on your face, put them in the case.”

Emma is Le Sueur Eyecare Center’s CPO (Certified Paraoptometric). Emma was born, and grew up, in a small town in northern Minnesota. After graduation she traveled a bit and ended up living in North Carolina for two years before moving back to Minnesota. She is married to her best friend, and they have two beautiful children. Emma was a CNA and Phlebotomist working in nursing homes and hospitals for the past 9 years until she switched over to the Optometric side of healthcare in the fall of 2020. Although, she still works a few days a month as a CNA down in Mankato. She loves being able to help her patients in a new environment, provide one on one care and provide a personal touch to her workplace, as well as learning as much as she can from the Doctors and her superiors. Her hobbies include dancing, spending time with family and practicing lyra on her aerial hoop.

“Le Sueur reminds me so much of my hometown. I love the idea of my kids growing up in a small town like I did. There are so many opportunities all around us while still keeping that small town charm. I feel very fortunate to be working for the Dirks. They are wonderful people to work for and I am grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences they have provided us. I’m proud to represent their ideals to the community and to provide the quality care they strive for in every visit!”

Isaiah is Le Sueur Eyecare Center’s receptionist. Isaiah was born in Breckenridge, MN and from a young age he has taken a big interest in agriculture like his father did. He became highly involved in the FFA in high school and worked his way up to Vice President of his chapter. Isaiah took every chance he got to help in the community and surrounding area. His drive for customer service started while he was the Vice President of the FFA. Isaiah got into health care through his mother and is pursuing his certifications as an EMT and first responder. He also currently works as a reserve police officer in Le Sueur and the surrounding area. Isaiah is also starting to take and interest in wildlife management, as he is a big hunter and fisherman, and wants to help preserve the natural wildlife and environment for the next generation. 

 Serving the community is a passion of Isaiah’s and we are excited to have such a passionate and dedicated individual on our staff.

Wanda is Le Sueur Eyecare Center’s Optical Receptionist. She was born in Stillwater, MN, but at the age of three her family moved to a farm in Wisconsin where she grew up. Wanda attended school in Summerset before meeting her husband and moving to St. Peter. They raised 3 wonderful children and now have 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Wanda was an office manager at the Le Sueur Community Center for 7 years before she switched into the eyecare clinic setting. She has been working in optometry for 16 years now. Some of Wanda’s favorite things to do is watch her grandkids play sports, attend their dance recitals and quilting. She also loves taking rides on her motorcycle, tending to her flower garden, and working at the Le Sueur Eyecare Center!

“My philosophy is ‘If you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life’”