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Why Choose Us
CENTRAL DAKOTA EYECARE was started by Jeffrey Rausch in 1980.
Central Dakota Eyecare has a long history of providing comprehensive eye care to the Pierre/Fort Pierre area and surrounding communities. What began as one local optometrist’s vision has grown into a team of doctors who share a common passion for serving the community they call home.
Dr. Rausch was raised on a farm north of Pierre. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, he was ready to “come home.” Recognizing a need for another eye doctor in Pierre, he opened his practice in a small storefront location downtown. Rapid growth allowed Dr. Rausch to join forces to build the current Central Dakota Eyecare building in 1986.
In 1988, another local student, Dr. Denette Eisnach, decided it was time to “come home.” After earning her undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry near Portland, Oregon, Dr. Eisnach practiced for four years in Brookings before realizing Pierre was where she wanted to build her career. She joined Dr. Rausch at Central Dakota Eyecare and became an important part of the practice’s continued growth.
In 2005, another Pierre native, Dr. Jill (Novotny) Hart, followed a similar path. After earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Hart practiced in the Sioux Falls area for four years before returning home to serve her community. Although adding another doctor presented some challenges in the existing space, innovative scheduling allowed Dr. Hart to join the practice and continue expanding the care Central Dakota Eyecare could provide.
Dr. Michael Bartlett, Dr. Jill Hart, Dr. Matthew Blaseg, and Dr. Nicholas Marso.
In 2016, another Pierre native, Dr. Nick Marso, felt the same calling to “come home.” After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Dr. Marso joined Central Dakota Eyecare in the summer of 2016. He brought new energy and perspective to the practice, and his addition coincided with continued growth that led to a major remodel and expansion of the clinic in 2017.
In 2022, Central Dakota Eyecare welcomed another T.F. Riggs High School graduate, Dr. Matthew Blaseg. Dr. Blaseg earned his Bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University before receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. After completing his education, he returned to Pierre to serve the community that helped shape him. Dr. Blaseg brought a new generation of ideas, technology, and clinical experience to Central Dakota Eyecare while continuing the tradition of local optometrists caring for local families.
In 2026, Central Dakota Eyecare welcomed Dr. Mike Bartlett. Dr. Bartlett is a Pierre native who has called Pierre home since 1995. After earning his undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University and his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry, he returned to Pierre and established his own optometry practice. After decades of caring for patients in the Pierre community, Dr. Bartlett joined Central Dakota Eyecare, bringing his experience, relationships, and commitment to local eye care.
While each doctor has taken a unique path, they share a common connection: a commitment to the Pierre community and a desire to provide exceptional eye care close to home. Central Dakota Eyecare continues to grow by bringing together optometrists with different experiences, perspectives, and areas of expertise — all with the same goal of serving generations of patients throughout central South Dakota.
Central Dakota Eyecare began with a commitment to being a trusted part of the community, and that commitment continues today. We are proud to provide a place where patients and families feel at home and where our doctors and staff are honored to serve the community they call home.