About Independent Optical

Dr. Kuipers is a third-generation eye care professional. She has been advertising for Independent Optical since she was three-years-old. Dr. Kuipers returned to the Black Hills in 2016 with her Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana University School of Optometry and owns the practice next to Independent Optical. Her passion is the treatment and management of dry eye disease.

 She is on the board of directors for LifeSight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing eye care services to the underserved population of the Black Hills. Dr. Kuipers and her husband have three children, and they spend all their non-work hours chasing after them, or constantly remodeling their house, often simultaneously.

Dr. Penny Haeker

"I always knew I wanted to work in a health profession where I could make a positive difference in people's lives. I have never regretted my choice of profession as an Optometrist. I have the joy of not only helping people see better every day but also improving the quality of their lives."

Dr. Haeker has been in the field of Optometry for over 20 years. Dr. Haeker is an Optometrist at Independent Eyes in Rapid City, SD. She graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry with her doctorate in 1994.

Dr. Haeker practices general optometry with a special interest in the treatment and management of ocular disease. Dr. Haeker has extensive experience with glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.