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Writer's pictureRivertown Eye Care

Proud to be an Independent, Family-Owned and Operated Eye Care Provider for 50 Years

Expert Optometrists & Comprehensive Eye Exams That Prioritize the Vision Health of Our Patients.


At Rivertown Eye Care, we’re honored to have spent the past 50 years serving the Hastings and Twin Cities communities with exceptional, independent family-owned eye care.


As the seasons change and the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to reflect on the importance of eye health and share our story with you. Whether you’re a longtime patient or new to our clinic, we’re here to provide personalized care that prioritizes your vision, health, and happiness.


Our Optometrists:Dr. Eric, Dr. Joe, and Dr. McGree

50 Years of Independent Family Eye Care

Rivertown Eye Care began as a small, family-focused practice in 1974, founded on the principles of high-quality care, personalized service, and a commitment to the Hastings community. Under the guidance of Dr. Joe, our practice grew from humble beginnings to become a trusted name in vision care for generations of patients.


With Dr. Joe’s recent retirement, we’re excited to continue his legacy by expanding our services and embracing the next chapter of providing comprehensive eye health care to Hastings and the surrounding areas.

Rivertown Eye Care facade
Rivertown Eye Care - serving Hastings' eye health and vision care since 1974!

What Sets Rivertown Eye Care Apart as an Independent Family Vision Care Clinic

As an independent eye care provider, Rivertown Eye Care offers something unique that corporate clinics simply can’t replicate - a personalized, patient-centered approach that prioritizes your needs above all else.


Here’s what makes us stand out:


Curated Selection of Designer Eyewear: Unique Brands that Emphasize Style and Quality

Our optical team, led for 15 years by Holly Forstadt, goes to great length to partner with independent designer eyewear brands. We handpick a curated collection of designer frames and high-quality materials to give you options that match your style and needs.


Rivertown Eye Care also carries our own eponymous private label, showcasing our love of style and function when it comes to your eyewear. What's more, a portion of the annual proceeds goes towards a different local organization each year as a way for us to contribute to our local community.

The showroom at Rivertown Eye Care
The showroom at Rivertown Eye Care

We stand behind the quality of our eyewear selection, from the craftsmanship of our frames to the technology in our lenses, because we want you to be seeing and looking your best! We have many lens options to choose from, to customize your lenses for your needs: scratch-resistance, anti-reflectiveness, protection from digital strain and blue light, and varying lens focal points, to name a few.


Our lab partner, Hoya, makes the most advanced lenses in the industry with unmatched optical engineering. 



Personalized Fitting Sessions 

Our team of talented opticians takes the time to ensure your eyewear fits perfectly, offering adjustments and custom solutions that enhance your comfort and vision. Not only do we recognize that glasses serve both function and style, but we have a true love for eyewear as fashion, which is reflected in our curated lineup of designer eyewear. In addition to our 60 day satisfaction guarantee, if you are experiencing any issues with your frames, such as loosening stems or missing screws, bring them in and we are happy to help!

The optical team at Rivertown Eye Care
The optical team at Rivertown Eye Care is here to help you find your perfect frames!

Comprehensive Eye Exams by Dedicated Optometrists 

Every eye exam at Rivertown Eye Care is conducted by a compassionate optometrist. This ensures your care is thorough, focused, and always tailored to your unique eye health needs. Our state-of-the-art technology checks your vision and other health-related issues that need addressing, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, or other undiagnosed diseases. During your comprehensive annual exam, our optometrists will screen you for many eye health issues, including: 


  • Overall Eye Health and Prevention 

  • Diabetic Eye issues

  • Glaucoma

  • Macular Degeneration 

  • Dry Eye Syndrome and LipiFlow candidacy

  • Cataracts



Regular eye exams can help identify, diagnose, and provide the opportunity to start treating various eye conditions early. As we age, the needs of our eye change, and Rivertown Eye Care is here to make sure your prescription is up-to-date and current for your needs. Children’s eye exams test for visual acuity, eye tracking, and focusing skills, nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia (crossed eyes/lazy eye), dyslexia, and color blindness. It’s crucial for children and young adults in school to be able to see correctly, and to ensure their vision is not disrupting their ability to learn.


Why Choose Rivertown Eye Care, an Independent Family Eye Care Clinic, Over a Corporate Vision Clinic?

In a world where many vision care providers operate under corporate ownership, Rivertown Eye Care remains proudly independent. Here’s why that matters:


  • Unparalleled Care: Our focus is on improving your eye health—not on meeting sales quotas or upselling products. 

  • Direct Communication: Patients enjoy a direct line to our team and personalized attention at every stage of care.

  • Stronger Community Ties: We’re deeply rooted in Hastings, and our priority is supporting our neighbors with top-notch care.


Personalized Care for Every Patient: The Difference of an Independent Family Eye Care Clinic

From your initial visit to follow-up appointments, Rivertown Eye Care provides a seamless end-to-end experience. Our services include:


  • Comprehensive Vision Exams: Detecting medical conditions, preventing future issues, and correcting vision problems.

  • Lipiflow Treatment: For dry eye sufferers, we offer advanced procedures like LipiFlow to treat the root cause of discomfort.

  • Eye Health Education: Explore our selection of vitamins, supplements, and products designed to boost daily eye health.

  • Pre and Post-Op Care: If you’re receiving vision care by means of a procedure, we will be with you every step of the way, from preparing for the procedure to after care, to make sure you are healing well and that your eye health stays on track.

Supplements for eye health at Rivertown Eye Care
Take your eye health and vision care to the next level with our recommended supplements!

Building Strong Patient Relationships

We believe in creating long-lasting relationships with every patient. Our team follows up with personalized care plans and aftercare, ensuring your vision health is always our top priority. Whether it’s answering your questions or providing additional resources, we’re here for you every step of the way.


Supporting Eye Health Through Community & Care

Rivertown Eye Care isn’t just a clinic—it’s a part of the Hastings community. We take pride in fostering a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere where every patient feels valued and cared for. 


Schedule Your Family’s Annual Eye Exam Today

The holiday season is the perfect time to focus on your family’s eye health. If your kids are returning home from school for winter break, show them how much you care by scheduling their comprehensive eye exams. Looking for a thoughtful gift? Rivertown Eye Care also offers gift options for eyewear, accessories, and eye health products.


Call us today to schedule your family’s comprehensive annual eye exam, and learn more about holiday gifting options, the perfect gift for friends and family (and students returning during winter break!)



Let’s celebrate 50 years of independent, family-owned eye care!



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