Our Doctors
Our nine experienced doctors are ready to handle your eye health and vision needs. For more than ###, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of our patients by providing high-quality and comprehensive eye care.
Our nine experienced doctors are ready to handle your eye health and vision needs. For more than ###, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of our patients by providing high-quality and comprehensive eye care.
A native of the Kalamazoo area, Dr. Gruizenga attended Western Michigan University, where she earned a degree in Biomedical Sciences and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Upon graduating from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 1990, she was honored with the John P. Davy Memorial Award. Dr. Gruizenga joined Hiemstra Optical later that same year to begin her professional practice.
Dr. Gruizenga specializes in General Optometry, providing comprehensive care for patients ranging from pediatric to geriatric populations. Her expertise includes the fitting of diverse contact lens types and the management of minor medical procedures pertaining to ocular health.
A native of Van Buren County, Dr. Caroselli completed his undergraduate studies at Ferris State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Ferris State University and subsequently received his Doctor of Optometry degree with honors from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1997.
Dr. Caroselli has been a practitioner at Hiemstra Optical since 2001. He was instrumental in spearheading the implementation of medical services at the Hiemstra facility in Paw Paw, Michigan, where he currently provides essential ocular health care. His professional focus includes general optometry for patients aged five and older, and he is experienced in the fitting of all varieties of contact lenses for individuals of all ages.
A lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan, Dr. Collins was raised in Branch County and currently resides in the Portage area. She completed her undergraduate studies at Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Subsequently, she obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Collins became a member of the Hiemstra Optical team in September 2014. She maintains a specialized professional interest in pediatric ophthalmic care, providing services for children as young as three years of age. Her clinical practice encompasses general optometry for patients of all ages, and she possesses extensive experience in the fitting of diverse contact lens modalities.
Dr. Schwengel relocated to Hiemstra Optical from southern Illinois. Currently residing in the Portage area, she and her family remain actively involved in community church planting initiatives throughout the Kalamazoo and Portage regions.
Dr. Schwengel earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Graceland University. In 2007, she was awarded her Doctor of Optometry with honors from Indiana University.
Since joining Hiemstra Optical in 2016, Dr. Schwengel has served as a specialized regional referral source for the fitting of advanced contact lenses designed for the management of Keratoconus. Her professional interests include pediatric eye care for children aged three and older. Her comprehensive clinical practice serves patients of all ages, supported by extensive expertise in a wide array of contact lens modalities.
Dr. Gina Ford commenced her academic pursuits at Ferris State University, where she was conferred a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology. Subsequently, she pursued her professional doctorate at the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, earning the degree of Doctor of Optometry. To refine her clinical specialization, Dr. Ford completed a rigorous residency in ocular disease at TLC Eyecare of Michigan. Her professional distinction is further evidenced by her status as a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.
In 2023, Dr. Ford joined Hiemstra Optical, integrating her patient-centered clinical methodology into the practice. With a career spanning two decades within the Kalamazoo region, she has established herself as a dedicated provider of comprehensive ophthalmic services. Her clinical scope includes primary eye care examinations, specialized contact lens evaluations, and the management of diabetic ocular health. Additionally, she facilitates essential pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing refractive surgical procedures. Dr. Ford remains committed to the provision of exhaustive ocular health services within a professional and compassionate clinical environment.
Dr. Amy Bell is a distinguished optometrist who earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Michigan College of Optometry, following her completion of a Bachelor of Vision Science at Ferris State University.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Bell demonstrates a profound commitment to scholarly research, professional education, and community service. She has contributed to the field through her research presentations on amblyopia follow-up care and maintains active membership in professional bodies, including the American Optometric Association. Furthermore, she contributes her expertise to low-vision support services and currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she remains engaged in community outreach.
Upon joining Hiemstra Optical in 2025, Dr. Bell integrated her clinical expertise into the practice, specializing in the provision of medical optometric services for patients throughout eastern Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties. Her professional focus includes the integration of optometric and ophthalmic care pathways. Additionally, she provides comprehensive clinical services to a diverse patient population, utilizing her extensive proficiency in a broad range of contact lens modalities.
A native of Kalamazoo County, Dr. Pelton completed his undergraduate studies at Ferris State University, where he was conferred a Bachelor of Science in Vision Sciences. Subsequently, he earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University in 2021.
Dr. Pelton provides comprehensive primary ophthalmic care at the Portage and Paw Paw clinical locations. His practice specializes in essential ocular health services, ranging from comprehensive annual examinations to minor medical procedures. His professional focus encompasses general optometry for pediatric patients aged five and older, as well as extensive experience in the fitting of diverse contact lens modalities for patients of all ages.
Maintaining active professional affiliations, Dr. Pelton is a member of both the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Outside of his clinical practice, he enjoys golfing, hiking, and spending time with his wife and dog.
Dr. Patel is a dedicated optometrist who earned her Doctor of Optometry from the Michigan College of Optometry. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science from Michigan State University, providing a robust biomedical foundation that enhances her clinical expertise.
Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to community service, Dr. Patel has contributed her skills to the Detroit Capuchin Soup Kitchen and the Detroit Men’s Health Event, where she provided essential eye care to underserved populations. Her clinical background includes the management of a broad patient demographic, ranging from pediatric to geriatric care, within rigorous and high-volume clinical settings.
Dr. Patel joined Hiemstra Optical in 2025, where she provides comprehensive eye care services with a focus on patient-centered excellence. Currently seeing patients at the Portage and Plainwell locations, her professional interests involve the integration of optometric and ophthalmic care pathways.
Dr. Korican is a dedicated optometrist who earned her Doctor of Optometry from the Michigan College of Optometry. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science from Michigan State University, providing a robust biomedical foundation that enhances her clinical expertise.
Dr. Korican currently resides in the Grand Rapids area and provides essential optometric services to the Plainwell location every Monday. Her clinical practice is defined by a commitment to patient-centered excellence and a passion for optimizing the health and well-being of each individual she treats. Her professional focus encompasses general optometry for pediatric patients aged five and older, and she possesses extensive experience in fitting diverse contact lens modalities for patients of all ages.
In addition to her primary practice, Dr. Korican is actively involved in community service, providing free eye exams to those in need within the Grand Rapids community. Her clinical competency is characterized by well-documented, thoughtful charts that facilitate seamless collaborative care. She is highly regarded by her patients for the thoroughness of her examinations and her professional, compassionate demeanor.
