In 1989, when Dori Carlson and her husband, Mark Helgeson, were deciding whether to open a practice in the tiny town of Park River, North Dakota, they were impressed with the economic development committee and its efforts to woo them. They were charmed by the video created by a plumber-minister duo extolling the virtues of the small town. They appreciated receiving the local newspaper by mail, and were amused by the persuasive phone calls made to family members who lived nearby. But it was a raffle of the town’s 4-foot stuffed raccoon that sealed the deal. Proceeds from the sale were used to purchase plane fare for Dori and her family to visit Park River (and extended family) for Thanksgiving, and hopefully to announce their intention to replace the town’s only OD who had recently retired.  In 1990, Dori and Mark opened Heartland Eye Care, and in 1993 they expanded and opened an office in nearby Grafton.

As a RevolutionEHR user since 2007 and the first female president of the American Optometric Association, Dori Carlson, OD is clearly a leader in the field. In 1989, she graduated from the Pacific University College of Optometry and completed a residency at the American Lake and Seattle VA Hospitals. She has served as chair of North Dakota’s Managed Care Committee, Hospital Privileges Committee and Mentoring Committee. She currently serves on the North Dakota Blue Cross Blue Shield Advisory Committee and is a member of the North Dakota Legislative Committee. Dr. Carlson was the first female president of the North Dakota Optometric Association, was honored as the North Dakota Young Optometrist of the Year in 1994 and as the Optometrist of the Year in 2003.

Among the many challenges associated with her duties with the AOA, Dr. Carlson struggles with her desire to provide relevant, factual information to optometrists. “Our profession is evolving, and with evolution, sometimes people are uncomfortable with change, and building a consensus to make sure optometry is included in any and all aspects of healthcare reform.  I wish I could have an individual conversation with 36,000 optometrists, but I can’t.  There is so much misinformation out there…how can I bring factual information to everyone?”

Dr. Carlson is grateful for the support of her husband and his partnership in their busy practice. The two live in Park River with their 15- and 12-year-old sons, Seth and Ian, who enjoy Dori’s ever growing AOA induced frequent flyer miles.

We’re pleased to have Dr. Carlson as part of our RevolutionEHR community.