Benet Friederichs, O.D., earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 2024. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology/Pre-Optometry from The College of St. Scholastica in 2019. Dr. Friederichs is a member of the Minnesota Optometric Association/American Optometric Association. He has a special interest in myopia control, scleral contact lenses, and dry eye disease, and is passionate about providing comprehensive eye care.

Dr. Friederichs’s journey to becoming an optometrist was inspired by a vision-based mission trip to Peru during high school, where he witnessed the profound impact of vision correction on people’s lives. What Dr. Friederichs appreciates most about being an optometrist is the opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories. Whether it’s addressing their eye-related concerns or learning about their life experiences, he finds genuine fulfillment in connecting with his patients.

Outside of work, Dr. Friederichs enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, golfing, snowboarding, and playing pickleball. He is also a dedicated supporter of Minnesota sports, especially hockey and football. Along with his love for music and playing the guitar, Dr. Friederichs enjoys volunteering in his fiancée’s classroom, by reading to her kindergarteners.

Dr. Melgard received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry in Los Angeles, CA. Clinic rotations included primary care, pediatric, contact lenses, low vision and geriatric care. Clinic services were located at the Optometric Center of Los Angeles, Indian Health Services, Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Las Vegas Rehabilitation Services, March Airforce Base and East L.A. School Screenings.

Prior to Optometry School, Dr. Melgard earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from St. Cloud State University. Upon graduation from Southern California, Dr. Melgard started his first private practice in the fall of 1980 in Buffalo. “It has been wonderful to experience growth and changes in the office to our current location.
Dr. Melgard has been involved in Buffalo and Wright County soccer for many years. He also provides vision care to non-English speaking patients without access to health care and is a member of Buffalo Rotary Club since 1981.

Dr. Melgard enjoys snow skiing with his grown daughters Ana and Ali in Park City, Utah and water skiing at his home on Lake Pulaski.

With retirement, Dr. Melgard is not on the full-time schedule; however, he fills in for the other doctors when out of the office.