Dr. Lynn Tucker was born in Forsyth, Montana, and grew up in Colville, Washington, where he was active in a variety of sports including football, baseball, basketball and track. As a young man, he helped his parents in their veterinary practice, which put him on the path to a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the Washington State University. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies in 1984, he attended Pacific University College of Optometry and graduated in 1988 with a Doctorate of Optometry Degree. During one of his residency rotations, he interned on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and fell in love with South Dakota, prompting his move to Rapid City to join the practice of Dr. Bert Corwin in 1988.
With over 20 years of optometric experience, Dr. Tucker has developed a broad base of health care knowledge, which he uses to enthusiastically accept the difficult cases that often present themselves in eye care. He particularly enjoys the challenges of the specialty contact lens field; ranging from keratoconus, bifocal, post surgical contact lenses; as well caring for those with ocular diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic ocular pathology, and the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. He is also an excellent source of guidance for patients considering laser-refractive surgery and works very closely with doctors specializing in this field.
Gaylene R. Kudrna
Dr. Kudrna was born and raised on a small family farm and ranch near New Leipzig, North Dakota. She worked on the farm while attending school where she was involved in a variety of activities including choir, drama, student council, track, basketball and cheerleading. Dr. Kudrna received her Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, in 1984, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She worked in various hospital and clinical settings in that field until 1990, when she decided to pursue her ambitions of becoming an optometrist. She continued her education at Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon, graduating in 1994 with Distinction and receiving her degree as a Doctor of Optometry. Dr. Kudrna then joined Dr. Bert Corwin and Dr. Lynn Tucker at their well established practice, and gratefully acknowledges the willingness of these two fine doctors for sharing their experience and knowledge early in her career.
Dr. Kudrna’s upbringing in small town America has helped her to appreciate the simple things in life- family, health, nature, and friendship. Her kind and gentle demeanor is loved by her many patients of all ages, with whom she prides herself on providing with knowledgeable, caring, and individual eye care. From a first pair of glasses or contact lenses, to bifocals, or skillfully guiding them through treatments of various eye diseases. She offers a variety of services to all ages.
Dr. Kudrna, her husband Perry, and their two sons, Jeremy and Landon are all active in playing or supporting community baseball, basketball, football, and track. When not at work, she enjoys gardening, reading, and helping out at their church.
Bill J. Holec
Dr. Bill Holec is a local boy, born and raised in Rapid City, where he attended Stevens High School and participated in several sports including Post 22 baseball. He received a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Biology from the University of South Dakota in 1997, and 1998 respectively. He earned his Doctorate with Distinction from Pacific University College of Optometry in 2002. He joined Drs. Tucker and Kudrna in June of 2002.
Dr. Holec loves working with young patients and the particular challenges of diagnosing the proper treatment and correction for them. He participates in the INFANTSee program providing eye care for newborns. He also works with the Homeless Coalition and the Rapid City Mission providing eye care and glasses to those in need. He is currently a member of the South Dakota Optometric Society and American Optometric Association .
When Dr. Holec is not spending time with his family- wife Jennifer, and children Hayden and Makinley; you can find him fly fishing or hunting. He loves the outdoors and has spent his spare time coaching Little League baseball and Mite hockey.
Falon S. Young
Dr. Falon Young grew up in Mitchell, SD. She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1999. After attending the University of South Dakota, she earned her Bachelor’s in Visual Science and her Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL in 2006. Dr. Young joined Drs. Tucker, Kudrna, and Holec in September of 2007.
Dr. Young is a member of the South Dakota Optometric Society and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Young is involved in Business Network International here in Rapid City. She is very passionate about her work, the people she works with, and about being part of the Tucker-Kudrna-Holec family. Dr. Young and her family,Tony, Finley, and Teegan enjoy camping, biking and traveling.