The American Optometric Association defines Doctor of Optometry as the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Doctors of Optometry prescribe medications (both topical and oral medications), low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures.

Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyle

Graf Optical was originally founded in 1952 by Dr. Conrad Nauman in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.  Graf Optical moved to Roseville in 1990 under the direction of his son Mr. Richard Nauman.  Today, Graf Optical still has the same spirit of customer service, the same passion for friendly service and the same attention to detail that Dr. Nauman began nearly 50 years ago.  However, today Graf Optical is now Graf Optical Family Eye Care and Glaucoma reflecting our ever increasing emphasis on diagnosing managing and treating ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetes.

Optometrists perform comprehensive examinations of both the internal and external structures of the eye, carry out subjective and objective tests to evaluate patients' vision, analyze the test findings, establish a diagnosis, and determine the appropriate treatment. Optometrists treat a variety of conditions and illnesses. They treat eye diseases such as glaucoma and ulcers; visual skill problems such as the inability to move, align, fixate and focus the eye; and clarity problems such as simple near or farsightedness or complications due to the aging process, disease, accident, or malfunction.

Additionally, optometrists diagnose, manage, and refer systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and others that are often first detected in the eye; provide pre- and post- surgical care for cataracts, refractive laser treatment, retinal problems, and other conditions; and encourage preventative measures such as monitoring infants' and children's visual development, evaluating job/school/hobby related tasks, and promoting nutrition and hygiene education.

The day-to-day tasks of most Doctors of Optometry can be quite varied and challenging. Patient interaction can range from performing routine visual exams, removing a foreign body from the cornea, evaluating a child who is not performing well in school, managing the care of contact lens patients, prescribing medication for glaucoma, providing follow-up care after refractive surgery, and fitting a legally blind patient with a magnifying device that will enable the patient to read.

Most doctors at Graf Optical accept Medicare assignment and will bill Medicare for your care. If you are a Medicare patient, you are responsible for any charges that Medicare does not pay such as deductibles and co-payments. It is against federal law for doctors to write off balances. Additionally, you are responsible for any non-covered services such as refractions. For more information about payment options for patients, click on the link below.

Graf Family Eye Care and Glaucoma accepts many kinds of health insurance. Whether you have Medicare, managed care or private insurance, it's likely that your insurance will cover all or some of the services you receive. It is difficult for Graf to predict what insurance benefits will be covered by individual insurers. Since you are responsible for charges (deductibles, co-payments, etc.) not covered by insurance, we suggest that you check with your insurance carrier regarding the details of your coverage. If you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), you must receive prior authorization from your insurance company or carrier before making an appointment at the Institute in order to receive any insurance coverage.

A doctor's referral is not necessary to schedule an appointment at Graf Family Eye Care and Glaucoma.  Many patients come to Graf Family Eye Care and Glaucoma by referral from a private physician and many come on their own initiative. To schedule an appointment, simply contact the office between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Experienced staff will schedule your appointment and assist you in selecting the appropriate doctor and service to treat your eye care needs. If you know the doctor you would like to see, please feel free to ask for this doctor by name.