Our Doctors

Dr. Heidi Bell, OD, FAAO, FCOVD was raised in Grand Junction, Iowa. In 2008, she graduated from Iowa State University with honors and went on to receive her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN in 2012.  She furthered her training through a Residency in Primary Care Optometry, spending her time serving under-served populations in various public health settings in Memphis, TN. 

In 2015, Dr. Bell achieved her Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry. Doctors of optometry are granted the right to use the FAAO designation only if they have achieved excellence in the practice of optometry as evidenced by the fulfillment of the rigorous qualifications set by the American Academy of Optometry.​

In 2019, she became a Board Certified Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). This designation signifies Dr. Bell’s expertise in the areas of visual development, behavioral optometry and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. In 2015, Elite Eye Care began what is now Elite Vision Therapy. Elite Vision Therapy provides non-invasive therapeutic services for patients with binocular vision dysfunction, amblyopia, strabismus and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Dr. Bell is passionate about children’s eye care and vision rehabilitation. Aside from primary eye care and pediatric eye care, she enjoys treating patients with amblyopia, strabismus and learning related vision issues. She also enjoys pediatric contact lenses and myopia control. 

Dr. Bell is a member of the Iowa Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA), The College of Syntonic Optometry (CSO). She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation supporting their mission of providing dental, vision and overall health care to underserved Iowans. 

 Why you chose optometry: “I have a genuine desire to help people and Optometry allows me to help people in such a unique way. Vision is a part of every aspect of a person’s life and being able to improve that for someone is truly a gift.”

Tell us about yourself: “I really enjoy what I do. I love working with kids and advocating for kids’ vision needs.  I live in Urbandale and have two sweet, smart, and funny kids – Ruby Kate and Reid. We have two rescue dogs, Sherman and Sammy.”

Fun fact:  “While at Iowa State, I studied abroad twice –  Lima, Peru and Gold Coast, Australia. While in Australia we took a trip over to New Zealand where we drove around the country in a tiny camper van and went skydiving!”  

Dr. Ethan Huisman, OD, FAAO, was born and raised in Pella, Iowa. He graduated with honors from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. In 2001 he received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. After graduation from ICO, Dr. Huisman furthered his training by completing a residency in Cornea and Refractive Surgery Care at Hunkeler Eye Centers (now Durrie Vision) in Overland Park, KS. During that time he served as an investigator for numerous FDA clinical trials. Currently, Dr. Huisman is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and the Iowa Optometric Association. 

In 2008 Dr. Huisman became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).  This prestigious organization grants membership only to those demonstrating the highest levels of professional competence.  Achieving Fellowship denotes an extraordinary commitment to excellence.

Dr. Huisman founded Elite Eye Care in 2010 with the goal of delivering the highest quality eye care and incorporating state-of-the-art technology while remaining an independent family-owned business committed to supporting the local community.  

In addition to delivering the highest quality routine eye care, Dr. Huisman is particularly focused on the treatment of ocular disease and managing complicated contact lens fittings.  Dr. Huisman also tasks himself with staying up to date on the latest technologies in eye care in order to provide the best treatment options available and to ensure an optimal patient experience.

Why you chose optometry: “It’s pretty cliché, but getting glasses in 6th grade had a profound effect when I was able to see so much more clearly. That memory stayed with me as I looked at different medical professions to pursue. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Tell us about yourself: “My daughter Emma teaches 2nd grade in Aurora, CO, and my other daughter, Ellie, is studying Finance and Accounting at TCU.”

Fun fact: “When I started Elite Eye Care my intention was to have a solo practice, no additional doctors. I am very, very thankful that it hasn’t worked out that way, and I’m blessed to work with all these fantastic doctors!”

Dr. Kelsi Sawatzky, OD, FAAO is an Ankeny native. She graduated with honors from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa where she also played collegiate golf for the Knights. Dr. Sawatzky was awarded her Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University School of Optometry, graduating with honors. Currently, she is a member of the Iowa Optometric Association, American Optometric Association and American Academy of Optometry. 

In 2021, Dr. Sawatzky achieved her Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry. The FAAO designation means she is recognized by her colleagues as a knowledgeable and experienced practitioner who has met the highest standard of professional competence. Doctors of optometry are granted the right to use the FAAO designation only if they have achieved excellence in the practice of optometry as evidenced by the fulfillment of the rigorous qualifications set by the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Sawatzky specializes in complicated and specialty contact lens fittings including multifocal contact lenses, scleral contact lenses, Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) and MiSight daily soft lenses for the treatment of myopia progression. Aside from specialty contact lens care, Dr. Sawatzky enjoys providing high quality routine vision and health care to patients of all ages. 

Why did you choose optometry?: “I’ve had glasses since 3rd grade. When I was 16, my mom suggested optometry. Since moms are always right, I listened to her. Turns out it’s the coolest profession!”

Tell us about yourself: “My husband, Tanner, and I live in the Waukee community with our daughter, Karter, our son, Torey, and our dog Harvey. I enjoy golfing, traveling and spending time with my family.”

Fun fact:  “I’m capable of a really good Cher impression. Also, I grew up in the longstanding Ankeny establishment, The Yankee Clipper, owned and operated by my family.”

Dr. Macy Dieleman was raised  in Algona, Iowa. She went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from University of Iowa in 2012. She earned her Doctorate of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry in 2016, graduating with honors. While in optometry school, she received clinical honors and was a member of both the Beta Sigma Kappa, and Tomb & Key honor societies. 

Dr. Dieleman is passionate about providing the ultimate eye care experience for her patients. She specializes in the treatment of ocular disease including glaucoma, diabetic eye care and systemic health issues that can affect the eye. Aside from ocular disease management, Dr. Dieleman uses her passion and expertise to serve patients of all ages. She enjoys pediatric eye exams, contact lenses and myopia control. 

Why you chose optometry: “I valued my eyesight from a young age. As a child I had poor vision, and the optometrist was the one doctor I enjoyed visiting. I love building relationships with patients of all ages.”  

Tell us about yourself: “My husband, Chase, and I live in Ankeny with our daughters, Taytum and Tenley. We enjoy traveling, staying active and cheering on the Hawkeyes!”

Fun fact: “I am one of those people who starts to decorate for Christmas in October and finds a way to leave it up until March.”

Dr. Kelly Jansma, OD was born and raised in Pella, Iowa and went on to receive her undergraduate degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. She then attended the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago and graduated with Cum Laude honors in 2004. While in optometry school, Dr. Jansma received numerous academic and clinical honors including Dean’s List, CIBA Clinical Educators Award, and memberships in the Gold Key, Beta Sigma Kappa, and Tomb & Key honor societies. Currently, she is a member of the Iowa Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. 

Dr. Jansma cares for her patients with compassion and is committed to providing exceptional eye care for patients of all ages. She enjoys providing routine vision care, medical eye care, and can even be found out in the optical area helping patients select their next piece of amazing eyewear! She especially enjoys using her optometry skills to volunteer and provide eye care for under-served populations locally and globally.

Why you chose optometry: “I love that optometry allows me to have a relationship with my patients and I love learning about my patients – their families, their interests, their hobbies, what they do for a living, and how they use their eyes. I love being an eye doctor because what we do can make a difference in people’s lives!”

Tell us about yourself: “I am married to Kevin and a boy mom! We have 3 boys – Trey is studying Construction Management at UNI; Anderson is an 8th grader who loves all things Marvel and currently plays piano, baritone, French horn, bass guitar, and any other instrument he can get his hands on; and Henry is a 3rd grader who loves Pokemon, collecting fidgets, and playing sports – especially soccer. We live in Ankeny and my hobbies include puzzles, patio dining, and traveling” 

Fun fact: “I have traveled to Africa twice on medical mission trips to provide eye care for the people who live in the villages of Kenya using glasses donated to the local Lions Club.” 

Dr. Claire Tangman grew up in Seymour, Indiana. She graduated from the University of Indianapolis in 2014 and received her Doctorate of Optometry from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 2019. While in Optometry school she was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. Prior to joining Elite Eye Care she cared for patients in Denver, CO before moving to Des Moines with her husband Clay.  She is currently a member of the Iowa Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. 

Dr. Tangman loves providing eye care to the whole family. She enjoys the variety that primary care Optometry brings to her day and thrives in finding solutions to her patient’s vision needs. 

Why did you choose Optometry?: “I started wearing glasses before I was 2-years-old and always appreciated what my optometrists did to save my vision as a child. I’ve wanted to be an eye doctor since the 4th grade. I love chatting with patients, making eye exams fun, and helping patients see their very best.”

Tell us about yourself: “My husband, Clay, is a professor in the business school at Iowa State. We have two daughters, Juniper and Willow. We have two mischievous cats, Jasper and Bloom.”

Fun Fact: “I inherited a green-thumb and love taking care of houseplants.”

Dr. Russell Gist was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Saydel High School with Honors and then joined the United States Army where he graduated from Operating Room Technician School as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. After attending Upper Iowa University as a Presidential Scholar, he graduated from Iowa State University in 1994. Dr Gist received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) in 2000. During his training at ICO he completed internships at Perry Point Veterans Hospital in Maryland, Shepard Air Force Base in Texas, Pediatric Services at ICO and Advanced Care with Wolfe Clinic in West Des Moines.

In 2006, Dr Gist established World of Vision in Ankeny, Iowa. He began this office with a desire to better serve the community and his team. In 2022 Dr. Gist was excited to become part of the team at Elite Eye Care. Dr. Gist has a focus on Primary Eye Care and Contact Lens.

Dr Gist has been a member of the American Optometric Association as well as the Iowa Optometric Association for over 25 years.

Why you chose Optometry: “I’ve always wanted to be of service within the medical profession and helping people see is a great way to make a positive change in someone’s life.”

Tell us about yourself: “I enjoy day trips and traveling with my wife, Mandy. I find great joy in spending time with my numerous nieces and nephews, and enjoying time with my two grandchildren.”

Fun Fact: “I enjoy training in Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi”

Dr. Lisa Asman grew up in Northwest Iowa. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2012 and went on to complete her Doctorate of Optometry at Arizona College of Optometry in 2016. Following graduation from ACO, Dr. Asman furthered her training by completing a residency in Primary Care/Ocular Disease at the Cincinnati VA through the Ohio State University. She is a member of the Iowa Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. 

Dr. Asman specializes in ocular disease including diabetic eye care, glaucoma, macular degeneration and systemic conditions that impact eye health. She enjoys providing care to the whole family.

Why did you choose Optometry?: “I love that optometry allows the opportunity of getting to know patients while also making a difference in their lives; the eyes really are the window to the body’s overall health. I’m also deaf in one ear, which is why I value the sense of sight so significantly.”

Tell us about yourself:  “My husband, Chris, and I love being back in Iowa. We have two daughters, Charlotte and Molly!”

Fun Fact: “I have two adopted dogs, Brinkley and Scout; I’m a big rescue advocate.”