Meet the Doctors

Glen D. Nydam, O.D.

​​​​​​​Dr. Nydam was raised in Platte, South Dakota. He received his Bachelor of Science degree, with honors from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. He is a 1996 honors graduate of Southern California College of Optometry where he was awarded the Frank A. Brazelton Award for clinical excellence. Dr. Nydam has completed ocular disease, contact lens, and low vision internships at the Optometric Center of Los Angeles; Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii; the Santa Monica Center for the Partially Sighted; and Kaiser Permanente, Fontana, California.

Dr. Nydam attended optometry school through a scholarship with the U.S. Army. During his four years of military service, he served as Chief of Optometry Services in Shape, Belgium, and Tuzla, Bosnia. He also served as a staff optometrist at Ft. Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Missouri. In June of 2000, he joined the Mabee Eye Clinic.

Dr. Nydam is board certified in Optometry by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and is an active member of the American Optometric Association, and the South Dakota Optometric Association. Dr. Nydam and his wife, Jill, have four children, Kendra, Braeden, Reegan, and Addison. His interests include hunting, travel, music, and his family.

Nicholas J. Wenande O.D., F.A.A.O.

​​​​​​​Dr. Nicholas Wenande was raised in Mitchell, South Dakota. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD, and a Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Missouri- St. Louis College of Optometry. Upon completion of his education, Dr. Wenande spent three years in the United States Army as assistant chief of optometric services at Reynolds Army Health Clinic, Fort Sill, OK.

Dr. Wenande is board certified in Optometry by the National Board of Examiners. He is an active member of the American Optometric Association, the South Dakota Optometric Association, and the Scleral Contact Lens Society. He holds a fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry, a distinction held by only fifteen optometrists in the state of South Dakota. Dr. Wenande is a strong believer in customer service and offering a positive patient experience. He believes superior diagnostic technologies and clinical excellence should be the expectation of all of his patients. Dr. Wenande is excited to be back in Mitchell serving his community and providing a personalized approach to meeting his patient’s needs.

Nick and his wife Laura (Osterloo) have three children, Emery, Adler, and Baker. Laura is a photographer and entrepreneur. She owns L.O. Imijri Photography & Design, as well as LO Baby Boutique. In their free time, their family enjoys being active in their community, watching sports, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Gregg A. Bleeker, O.D.

(Retired December 2023)

Dr. Bleeker was born in Brookings, South Dakota, while his father attended SDSU, and was raised in Pipestone, Minnesota. He graduated with honors from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. In 1979, Dr. Bleeker enrolled at Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated as valedictorian of his 1983 optometry class. He was able to attend optometry school by accepting the United States Air Force Health Professional Scholarship. Upon completion of optometry school, Dr. Bleeker served as an optometrist and Captain with the USAF for a 3-year tour of active duty at Malmstrom Air Force Hospital near Great Falls, Montana. In October of 1986, he moved to Mitchell to join the Mabee Eye Clinic. Dr. Bleeker is a Board Certified Optometrist and is fully certified to prescribe eye medications. He is an active member of the SD Optometric Society and the American Optometric Association. He is married to Janet (Crockett) and has two children, Adam and Ellie. His interests are water skiing, boating, downhill skiing, running, and music.

Deborah K. Bessler , O.D.

Dr. Deborah Bessler, originally from Creston, NE, received her BA degree from Doane College in Crete, NE. She taught middle school science for six years before attending the University of Missouri to receive her Doctor of Optometry. Dr. Bessler is a member of the AOA and NOA. With 17 years of optometry experience, she joins us after 12 years of owning her own practice Bessler Family Eye Care in Crete, NE.

Deb and her husband Chris have four children Cale, Reagan, Logan, and Macey. Chris is an assistant football coach at Dakota Wesleyan University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with family and friends.