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FALL 2015
O
ne of the biggest changes Dr. Douglas Nordby has
seen since he opened his practice 30 years ago is
new technology. Unlike in 1985, all camera equip-
ment is now digitized, and technicians can digitize frames
and cut lenses in the office. “Everything is getting smaller
and easier to use,” observes Nordby.
Rolling with the Changes
Communication technology has changed as well. “When I
first started,” Nordby says, “everything was done on paper
or typewriters, and we used a phone with one line. The next
milestone was sending information by fax. Now everything
is totally dependent on the internet. Without it, we can’t do
work, look up orders, or send prescriptions—the practice
doesn’t function at all.” Another key function the internet
provides is connecting the practice’s two offices in New
Town and Watford City. Nordby notes, “With Ethernet
LAN services from RTC, our offices are connected as
though they’re right next door.”
Nordby’s partner, Dr. Melissa Hjelden, expects to see
additional changes in the coming years. She says, “We’ve
recently made some expansions. Along with more staff to
help our patients, we have more room with a new exam
lane and pretest area. We hope to continue to expand
with more optical and lab space, more designer frame
lines, an expanded supply of lenses, and possibly a third
office location.”
A Vision of Quality Care
With the two locations, Nordby Vision Center serves
a wide variety of patients, from infants to the elderly.
In addition, says Hjelden, “We are the primary source
of treating medical eye conditions in the area. We see
everything from metal stuck in the eye to allergies
affecting the eyes.” Patients appreciate the vision center’s
dedication to enhancing quality of life by preserving
eyesight, its respect for each person’s unique needs,
and the friendly care offered by the doctors and staff.
The practice provides the following services:
• Lens and frame purchase
• Contact lens purchase
• Vision correction
• Vision problem treatment
• Eye condition and disease treatment
Typically, one doctor is available at each location. The
business also includes an office manager, front desk
assistants, a lab technician, an insurance claim worker, and
assistants who perform pre-exams. The staff likes visiting
with patients, having fun with all the new glasses frame lines,
and the camaraderie and excellent teamwork among coworkers.
Nordby is very engaged in the community and is cur-
rently serving as McKenzie County Commissioner. He
has been involved with the Masons, Lions, and Rotary.
He also served on the board of North Dakota Vision
Services, of which he’s a former president; and North
Dakota Optometric Association, where he also served as
president for a term. Nordby was honored by the North
Dakota Optometric Association as Young Optometrist of
the Year in 1996 and as Optometrist of the Year in 2010.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating 30 years of
preserving the gift of sight
NORDBY
Vision Center
Dr. Melissa Hjelden, OD and Dr. Douglas Nordby, OD