The doctors at Regional Eye Center in Hutchinson, MN combine years of education and experience in the treatment and prevention of eye-related diseases and sight-related issues. Click on any of the photos below to read more about the individual doctors.
Doctors
MEET THE DOCTORS AT REGIONAL EYE CENTER IN HUTCHINSON, MN
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Michael P. Merck
Dr. Michael Merck is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, and within the general scope of his family eye care practice he brings many years of experience in utilizing lasers for the treatment of eye diseases, to advanced minimally invasive cataract surgery including laser assisted cataract surgery, as well as to the implantation of intraocular lenses that reduce or eliminate dependency on eyeglasses for far and near vision.
In addition to being certified by Lensar for the use of their laser assisted cataract surgery platform, he was also among a limited group of surgeons who were selected in Minnesota and certified by Eyeonics to launch the FDA-approved accommodating [focusing] intraocular lens, the Crystalens™. His commitment and compassion for those suffering with vision loss extends beyond the local community.
Out of a desire to restore vision to those blind from cataracts, to those who otherwise would have no access to care, in 1993 he began the effort that led to the establishment of a mission eye clinic and eye surgery suite in the village of San Lucas-Toliman, Guatemala, where he and his partner, Dr. Wallyn, lead mission trips every spring and fall.
Dr. Merck graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of St. Thomas in 1982 and received his graduate M.D. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1986. He then completed 4 years of Ophthalmology residency training at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, and then became Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and co-founded Regional Eye Specialists, P.A. of Hutchinson, Minnesota and The Foundation for Saving Sight.
Outside of work he and his wife enjoy the many activities and blessings that come with raising their ten children.
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Christopher R. Wallyn
Dr. Christopher Wallyn is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist specializing in General Ophthalmology with a special interest in advanced minimally invasive cataract surgery including laser assisted cataract surgery, various laser treatments for eye disease, and glaucoma. He was among a limited group of surgeons who were selected in Minnesota and certified by Eyeonics to launch the FDA-approved accommodating [focusing] intraocular lens, the Crystalens™. Dr. Wallyn received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Loyola University in Chicago.
He then attended medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, receiving his graduate D.O. degree in 1985. After completing a one-year internship in medicine and surgery, Dr. Wallyn began 4 years of Ophthalmology residency training at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Wallyn became board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1990 and has been providing general family eye care in Central Minnesota with compassion with an emphasis on patient education and the delivery of high quality care.
He was certified in the use of the Excimer laser in 1996 for PRK and has progressed through certification for LASIK and Wavefront LASIK with Iris Registration. Dr. Wallyn is also certified in the use of the Lensar laser assisted cataract surgery platform for refractive cataract surgery and the Fugo blade for the treatment of glaucoma. He has been living and practicing in Hutchinson, Minnesota since 1990.
Along with his partner, Dr. Merck, he co-founded Regional Eye Specialists, P.A. and The Foundation for Saving Sight and regularly leads mission trips to San Lucas-Toliman, Guatemala, where he is able to fulfill his desire to provide eye care and restore vision to those blinded by cataract who otherwise would have no hope for treatment.
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Amy Nyquist
Dr. Amy Nyquist was born and raised in Northeast Iowa. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Iowa State University in 2000. She then graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry in 2004, receiving the President’s Award for leadership in Optometry. Dr. Nyquist was also a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Honors Society and was named to the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges 2004. After graduation, Dr. Nyquist practiced in Hutchinson, MN for 3 years before joining the Regional Eye Specialists team in July of 2007.
Dr. Nyquist is a primary eye care physician who enjoys patients of all ages, has an outgoing personality and a genuine concern for her patients. Dr. Nyquist is as comfortable with a child’s first eye exam and pair of glasses as she is monitoring a patient’s eye health at any stage of life.
As a member of the American Optometric Association, Dr. Nyquist has volunteered at the Minnesota State Fair to do vision screenings. She has also traveled to San Blas, Mexico to provide free eye care with the Lions Club.
When not in the office, Dr. Nyquist enjoys playing volleyball, biking, and volunteering in her sister’s first grade classroom. Dr. Nyquist also enjoys helping her husband on their farm outside of Cokato and spending time with family.
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Allan D. Wortz
Dr. Allan Wortz is an experienced optometrist who specializes in primary eye care for the entire family. He enjoys examining patients of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly. Dr. Wortz also specializes in contact lens fitting. Both he and his contact lens technicians have over fifteen years of experience with general and specialty contact lens fitting. Specialty contact lens fitting includes bifocal designs, contacts for keratoconus, and fitting lenses for the dry eye patient.
Dr. Wortz graduated magna cum laude from the University of St. Thomas in 1989 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in chemistry. He then attended Indiana University Optometry School and graduated with High Honors, receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1993. After receiving his optometry degree and Minnesota license, Dr. Wortz practiced for a short time with Midwest Vision Centers in Hutchinson, MN. In June of 1995, Dr. Wortz joined the professional team at Regional Eye Specialists. Dr. Wortz has enjoyed raising his family and practicing optometry in Hutchinson since 1993.
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