Grossnickle Eye Center History
In 1957, after two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy, first as a fighter pilot and later as a Navy optometrist, Paul Grossnickle, O.D., founded an optometric practice in Warsaw. The practice grew rapidly, and by the mid 1960s, it had moved to its current location near Kosciusko Community Hospital.

When Steven P. Grossnickle, M.D., completed his residency at the prestigious Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, he returned to his hometown, joining his father’s practice in 1978. In 1982, Dr. Steve’s younger brother, Bruce P. Grossnickle, M.D., also a Case Western grad, joined the practice.

In 1987, the Grossnickle Eye Center built an onsite surgery center, one of the first of its kind. By 1998, the practice had grown to include a new office in Mishawaka on Edison Lakes Parkway. Today, both locations offer cataract surgery, refractive vision correction (including LASIK and multifocal lenses), corneal transplants, and treatment for glaucoma and vision problems related to diabetes.  A third location, in Elkhart, was added in 2011.

As the practice has grown, experienced physicians have joined the staff. Christopher D. Knight, M.D., came to the practice in 1997, specializing in glaucoma treatment. In 2002, David F. Ryser, M.D., was added to the medical team, bringing a special focus on pediatric eye disease. Ann Wiarda, M.D.,  joined us in 2007, and the newest addition to this talented group of physicians is Eric P. Purdy, M.D.  Dr. Purdy specializes in eyelid surgery. 

In 2005, after a half century providing optometric care to the community, Dr. Paul Grossnickle retired.

Today, Grossnickle Eye Center employs six optometrists, all certified in the treatment of ocular disease and post-surgical management: Jon E. Mark, O.D., Dennis R. Miller, O.D., Kevin Hickman, O.D., Elizabeth Roush, O.D., Kristina Offerle, O.D., and Ann Madden, O.D.  In addition, the practice employs a clinical and administrative staff dedicated to providing unparalleled patient care and customer service.

There’s a myth that you have to travel to big cities to get the best medical care. Grossnickle Eye Center proves otherwise: one of the finest eye surgery centers in the country can be found right in your own back yard.