Don H. Sipola, O.D., F.A.A.O. / Minnesota

Board of Directors

 Education

Mesabi Community College, Associate in Arts (AA) 1969

Illinois College of Optometry, Bachelor of Science (BS) 1971

Illinois College of Optometry, Doctor of Optometry (OD) 1973

Professional Post Graduate Training

Pennyslvania College of Optometry 1982

Ohio State University College of Optometry/Summit Laser Technology 1995


Professional Affiliations

American Optometric Society Founding Member, Board Member, MN State Liaison

Minnesota Optometric Association

American Optometric Association

American Public Health Association

American Academy of Optometry

International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS) until 2004

Low Vision Section, American Optometric Association

American Optometric Society Founding Member

Optometric Council on Refractive Technology (OCRT)

Professional Practice

1973 to Present   Private Practice of Optometry

1983-1987            LP Medical Specialists LTD. Virginia, MN.  

 
Specialty Areas of Interest

Medical Optometry

Glaucoma

Contact Lenses

Cataract and Refractive Surgery Peri-Operative Care

Low Vision Rehabilitation of the Partially Sighted

Consultant, State Services For the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Northeastern MN

Certifications Received

Fellow, American Academy of Optometry   1975

Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease   1985

MN. Board Certified in Treatment & Management of Ocular Disease   1993

Radial Keratotomy and Excimer Laser Symposium   1993

Professional Honors

“Volunteer of the Year Award”, Virginia/Mt. Iron/Gilbert/Eveleth Chamber of Commerce, 2002

“Volunteer Award”, Virginia Community Foundation, 2003

“Optometrist of the Year” Award, Minnesota Optometric Association, 2003

“Northland Volunteer Center Hall of Fame Award” recipient 2011

 Don is a second generation Optometrist, with his son, Matt, soon to follow in his footsteps.  He maintains
private practices in his home of Virginia, MN and in Duluth, MN.  His wife, JoAnn is the office manager,
proof reader and typist.  Don is active in his community and currently serves on the Virginia City Council,
is President of the Charter Commission, and Chairman of theVirginia Community and Lakes Committee.
In his spare time, he is a commercial pilot/flight instructor, landscape contractor (Don’s Dig & Dump and
Son…..”You Call, We Haul”), and maintains the heating system at his church.  Matt and  JoAnn are also pilots
and they frequently criss-cross the country in their own plane.