Merle K. Pickel, O.D.

Merle K. Pickel, O.D.

Dr. Merle K. Pickel began his private practice of optometry in Nashville, IN, in 1979.  He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1970 from the Indiana University School of Optometry in Bloomington, IN.

Dr. Pickel holds professional membership in the American Optometric Association, Indiana Optometric Association and the Stonebelt Optometric Society. He served two terms on the Indiana Optometry Board.

He has been involved with various civic and volunteer organizations, including Lions International, and was recipient of the Lions’ Melvin Jones Fellow award in 1993.

Additionally, Dr. Pickel is a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force, and is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Indiana University School of Optometry.

Jessica R. Wagers, O.D.

Jessica R. Wagers, O.D.

Dr. Jessica R. Wagers was born and raised in Brown County, graduating with honors from Brown County High School in 2000. She graduated from Indiana University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and two minors in Psychology and Chemistry. She graduated from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 2009.

Dr. Wagers knew at an early age that she wanted to be an optometrist. At the age of 7, she was intrigued with an educational program about prosthetic eyes.

“I thought it was interesting to be able to give someone the appearance of having a normal eye, so I wanted to help them,” she says.

“It’s my dream to come back and work where I was born and raised,” she adds.

Dr. Wagers is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Indiana Optometric Association. She serves her community as a member of the American Cancer Society and Brown County Domestic Violence Task Force.