Dr. Gene Clark
Dr. Clark, originally from central Montana, joined Drs Akre and Simpson in 2003 before he became partner, and the name was changed. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he received the David J. Kerko award for his exemplary clinical and academic knowledge in the field of low vision.
Dr. Clark clinical experience includes the VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, and private practice in Golden, Colorado, and Jamestown, North Dakota.
Professionally Dr. Clark is or has been a member of the American Optometric Association, American Diabetes Association, Nation Glaucoma Society and Minnesota Optometric Association.
Locally Dr. Clark has served as a Board Member and President of the New Ulm Area Foundation, and Board Member of New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, New Ulm Basketball Association. Dr. Clark is also actively a member of Rotary-Springfield. Dr. Clark lives in New Ulm with his wife, and son who enjoy travelling and various sports.
Available At:
New Ulm Office
Springfield Office
Dr. Rebecca Huisken
Dr. Huisken, native to southwestern Minnesota, joined the practice of Akre and Clark in 2007. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Dordt College (now Dordt University) in Sioux Center, Iowa, and her doctorate in optometry from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Prior to moving to New Ulm, Dr. Huisken developed extensive clinical experience in Oklahoma and southern Minnesota. Dr. Huisken states, “I love getting to know people, and helping them see well enough to do their own favorite activities.”
She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Minnesota Optometric Association. Locally, she is active with her church and family and was previously on the Steering Committee for Network New Ulm Youth and the Leadership Team for HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Evolve).
Available At:
New Ulm Office
Dr. Taylor Oie
Dr. Oie, originally from Lake Crystal, graduated from University of Northwestern St. Paul with a Bachelors in Biology. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, graduating with the highest distinction. During Optometry school, Dr. Oie was a member of the American Optometric Society, Michigan Optometric Society, Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society, and the student representative for the class of 2017. She also pursued her passion to volunteer through mission trips to Mexico and Guyana, providing eye care to the underprivileged.
Currently, she is a member of the American Optometric Society and Minnesota Optometric Society. A small town native, she appreciates rural community and joys in seeing patient’s of all ages, from infants to elderly.
When Dr. Oie is not focusing on her career, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 young children, doing arts and crafts or spending time outside.
Available At:
New Ulm Office
Waseca
Dr. Lukas Borgwardt
Dr. Lukas Borgwardt, a New Ulm native, earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in 2022 before completing his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, Texas, in 2026.
During his optometric training, Dr. Borgwardt gained valuable clinical experience in a variety of practice settings throughout the United States, including the VA Outpatient Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, several specialty clinics affiliated with the UIW Eye Institute in San Antonio, and Drs. Akre & Clark. Throughout the course of these assignments, he developed the skills to prescribe corrective lenses, diagnose and manage complex ocular diseases, fit contact lenses, and care for patients of all ages.
Dr. Borgwardt is a member of both the American Optometric Association and the Minnesota Optometric Association. He also was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society throughout his optometric education in recognition of his status as an honors student.
Dr. Borgwardt is excited to return to the community where he was raised and to join Drs. Akre & Clark as an optometrist. Having been warmly welcomed by the practice during his clinical training, he appreciates its commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Outside the office, Dr. Borgwardt enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, participating in his church community, running, reading, and enjoying the outdoors.