SSM Health Waupun
April 7, 2025
WAUPUN — As a former Waupun optical shop owner, Jan Harmsen, knows a lot about eye care and what steps to take to ensure good eye health over the course of a lifetime.
Being able to receive these important services in the community where she resides has been an important factor for Jan. That’s why she has been pleased with SSM Health Eye Care services now being offered at SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital (facing Main Street, off Beaver Dam Street).
As a patient of Farzana Akter, OD, an SSM Health Eye Care optometrist, Jan has been working with Dr. Akter to monitor early stages of cataracts.
“We’ve been following this journey of cataracts for a while, and this year I went in and said that all the headlights were yellow, and I couldn’t see at night,” Jan shares. “I couldn’t see in the rain. I couldn’t read road signs. It was like an epiphany to me when the headlights on the road were yellow.”
After sharing this update with Dr. Atker, Jan was referred to Bryce Aul, MD, an SSM Health Eye Care ophthalmologist in Waupun.
“I saw Dr. Aul right before Christmas, and we set up an appointment to have the cataracts removed the beginning of February following a medical mission,” according to Jan. “I was very apprehensive because I know way too much about cataract surgery. Dr. Aul is so kind and shared that he would be with me every step of the way, and that I was going to be fine, and I was.
“He’s very kind,” Jan adds. “He’s very compassionate. I just was impressed with his down to earth attitude, his presentation. For someone who has studied at Mayo and has the history he has, he’s just so humble.”
As Jan “has been a staple in the Waupun community for so many years,” Dr. Aul was honored to help take care of her.
“Jan’s concerns about her vision prior to surgery were fairly typical – significant difficulty with nighttime vision and driving due to the glare from the headlights – but she had unique features of her history and exam with her knowledge of optics from running an optical shop, and her history of monovision LASIK,” according to Dr. Aul.
“This meant we needed to have an in-depth conversation before surgery to understand her desires for her vision, and how we could try to meet those desires in the best way for her,” Dr. Aul adds. “By making sure we were on the same page, I think that helped Jan feel less nervous about the surgery, and we have a great staff in both the clinic and surgery center to try to help people feel as comfortable as possible throughout the whole process. She’s done wonderfully after surgery, and I’m so happy for her.”
Jan’s first cataract procedure at the hospital was February 5, followed with a second procedure a week later.
“It was really a very easy procedure,” Jan says. “The surgical nurses and staff in surgery speak very highly of him. Everyone I have encountered has been very professional, very friendly, offering first class care in my opinion.”
Receiving these eye care services locally was important to Jan. “I loved it,” she says. “It was convenient. My appointments are just a few minutes down the road. It’s awesome. I’m so thankful that SSM Health made the commitment to bring eye care and surgery here and give Dr. Aul the state-of-the-art equipment he needed. It’s a huge addition to the hospital and to the community.”
Jan was impressed with Dr. Aul and team members taking the time to answer all her questions, explain the procedure, as well as any special requests.
“The entire team made sure all my questions were answered, and that I was fully prepared for my procedures, as well as options for implants and droplet medication,” Jan explains. “I received top notch care from the moment I got there, and I’ve always had good experiences in the one-day surgery at Waupun Memorial Hospital. For everything I’ve had done, anything, any experiences I’ve had, I’ve been treated with kindness and compassion, and they really do listen to you.”
Like others in the community, Jan appreciates what the SSM Health team in Waupun brings to the table. “The care and compassion I have received has always been five stars,” Jan shares. “They are very constant in their attitude. You can tell this is more than just a job for them. They have a sense of family here.”
SSM Health Eye Care in Waupun—a comprehensive eye clinic—offers ophthalmology, optometry, contact lenses, and a full-service optical store. Services include comprehensive eye exams, eye disease management and care, cataract surgery consultations and post-op care, and glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. The optical shop has more than 800 frames in stock.
For more information about SSM Health Eye Care, call 920-324-8030.
