Eye care professionals specialize in understanding how the human eye really works, as well as diseases and conditions that affect your vision - many of which do not have obvious symptoms. Eye doctors know how age and risk factors affect vision over time for young and old, and they understand the benefits and features of corrective lenses including eyeglasses and contacts.
Our optometrists take the time to explain the results of your eye exam, describe your options and listen to your eye care needs. Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing and treating potential vision problems.
Meet our doctors:
Dr. Beth Triebel
Dr. Triebel joined Vision Park Family Eye Care in 1991 after graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She specializes in vision therapy for both children and adults and practices family eye care, which includes contact lenses. Dr. Triebel is a member of the Iowa and American Optometric Associations, the sports vision section, and is a fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. In 1999 Dr. Triebel was named Young Optometrist of the Year by the Iowa Optometric Association and served as its President in 2017. She takes a special interest in rehabilitative optometry, by lecturing and consulting for patients with traumatic brain injuries, concussions and autism.
Outside the office, Dr. Triebel enjoys traveling and participating in agility competitions with her smart and naughty Mini-Australian shepherd, JoJo. She is also very active in Central Presbyterian Church, and enjoys attending shows at the Civic Center, the symphony or Des Moines Metro Opera.
Dr. Wendy Barhite Muller
Dr. Muller attended Iowa State University and received her doctor of optometry degree in 1993 from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. She joined Vision Park in April 1994 and specializes in low vision, glaucoma and ocular disease. Dr. Muller has published articles on low vision aids and age-related macular degeneration. Her greatest joy in practice is helping patients of all ages achieve sharper, clearer vision.
Dr. Muller served as President of the Iowa Optometric Association from 2005-2006, and was named Young Optometrist of the Year in 1997. She served as Director of Accreditation for the Heart of America Eye Care Congress from 2009-2015. Dr. Muller also received the Governor’s Volunteer Award for outstanding service to the State of Iowa.
Dr. Muller resides in Urbandale. She and her family attend Lutheran Church of Hope. Dr. Muller enjoys watching ISU athletics, spending time with friends and family, and staying physically active.
Dr. Melissa Nemmers Billings
Dr. Billings joined Vision Park Family Eye Care in July, 2001. A native of Urbandale, Dr. Billings received her BA in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996, and her Doctorate degree from the Ohio State University College of Optometry in June 2001.
In 2004, Dr. Billings was named Young Optometrist of the Year by the Iowa Optometric Association. She serves on the Board of the Iowa Optometric Association, where she also serves as Chair of the Education Committee. She is alsoa member of the American Optometric Association, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, and is past President of Des Moines Junior Women’s Club. She was second runner-up for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year in 2006. She also serves as Past-President (2010) of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Summit Group, and served as chairperson of several committees in the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. Dr Billings completed her Fellowship in the College of Vision Development in 2018, and currently serves at the Iowa State Coordinator. In addition to primary care, contact lenses, ocular disease and vision therapy, Dr. Billings specializes in sports vision training. She trained under Dr. Don Teig who provides sports training for the New York Mets, New York Rangers and Team USA Volleyball. She is an active member of the International Sports Vision Association.
Dr. Billings, her husband, and two daughters, call Ankeny their home. She is active in the Ankeny Free Church serving as a former AWANA T&T Director. Dr. Billings spends her free time with her family, kickboxing, watching her children play college softball and club volleyball, and watching Ohio State Buckeye football.
Dr. Bryan Larson
Dr. Bryan Larson was born and raised in Ames, where he went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health at Iowa State University. He received his Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Missouri - St. Louis College of Optometry in 2015. Dr. Larson joined Vision Park in June 2018 and practices full-scope optometry with an emphasis on pediatrics and contact lenses. He is a member of the Iowa Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Larson is excited to continue to offer comprehensive eye care in Central Iowa.
Dr. Larson, his wife Lindsay, and three kids reside in Ankeny. He and his family attend St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing golf, and basketball, and attending as many Iowa State Athletic events as his children will allow.
Dr. Ashlyn Ward
Dr. Ashlyn Ward was born and raised in Clive and went on to Taylor University in Upland, Indiana to receive her Bachelor's degree in Biology-Pre Medicine. She also played volleyball at Taylor University and was a 4 year letter winner. She received her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN in 2018. She has been practicing in the Chicagoland area since graduating and recently moved back to be closer to her family that still resides in the West Des Moines area. She practices full-scope optometry and specializes in family practice, dry eye and ocular disease and contact lenses. What she loves most about optometry is the opportunity to help patients and their families to not only achieve the best possible vision, but also to care about them as a whole person. She is a member of the Iowa Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. She is excited to be a part of the Vision Park family and offer comprehensive eye care in the community she grew up in.
Dr. Ward, her husband Tom, and two kids reside in Johnston. Her husband is the student pastor at NorthPoint Church in Johnston where they attend and are active members. Dr. Ward enjoys spending her free time with her family, playing in sand and indoor volleyball leagues and watching Chicago Cubs and Bears games.
