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EYE DOCTOR
in Waunakee

Our Skilled Optometric Team in Wisconsin


Navigating the complexities of eye health can feel overwhelming. But at New Horizons Vision Therapy Center, you're not alone. We believe in fostering genuine connections with our patients, and at the heart of this belief lies our exceptional optometric team. These dedicated professionals are your partners in achieving optimal vision and lifelong eye health.

Our Optometry Team

Before entering optometry school, Dr. Valerie Frazer received her BA in human physiology from Southern Illinois University with additional studies in the areas of psychology and literature. After graduating from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Frazer moved to Wisconsin to complete a yearlong residency with a concentration in vision therapy and vision development. Two years later, she achieved her board certification from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) in these same areas.

The COVD Fellow Certification process serves to identify doctors of optometry who are prepared to offer state-of-the-art clinical services in behavioral and developmental vision care, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation. Dr. Frazer joins an elite group of Wisconsin Fellows. There are only eight Fellows in the state of Wisconsin.

Dr. Frazer collaborates with optometrists, teachers, occupational therapists and other professionals who treat patients with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit disorder. During her residency, she developed a special interest in working with patients who have functional vision difficulties following a stroke or brain injury. She frequently is invited to speak to these various professionals about visual skills and the role vision therapy can play in the developmental and rehabilitation process.

Dr. Frazer served for two years as an adjunct faculty member for Illinois College of Optometry. She currently is the treasurer of the Great Lakes Optometric Congress and the Vision Leads Foundation. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Optometric Association and is President-Elect for the North Central States Optometric Council. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Wisconsin Optometric Association, College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Optometric Extension Program Foundation, and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.

Dr. Frazer enjoys travel and has provided vision exams to rural populations in Costa Rica and Ghana. She organized and led the Ghanaian mission with the help of her husband, Clay, a former Peace Corps volunteer. She is an active member of the Waunakee Lions Club and is a regular volunteer for the Special Olympics Opening Eyes Program. When not seeing patients, Dr. Frazer spends time with her husband and their sons, Hayden and Avery. Other past-times include reading, camping and other outdoor activities.

Vision Therapist

With a rich background as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist, Beth brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role.

Beth's journey into the eye care industry was driven by a personal experience when her youngest son faced a developmental delay and was recommended for public schooling assistance. Seeking an alternative approach, Beth opted for a developmental optometry evaluation, leading to a transformative six-month vision therapy program. Witnessing her son's remarkable progress from a frustrated child to a thriving student ignited Beth's passion for vision therapy.

In 2002, after both her children successfully completed individual vision therapy programs, Beth decided to embark on a new career path as a Vision Therapist. Joining the New Horizons team, she expresses gratitude for the supportive work environment, highlighting the wonderful colleagues and a boss who values continued education for the enhancement of patient care.

Beth's commitment extends beyond the workplace, as she actively volunteers at her church whenever possible. In her free time, she indulges in hobbies such as gardening, camping, biking, kayaking, hiking, and cherishes moments spent playing with her five grandchildren—Eleanor and Samantha, Alexander, Matthias, and Hazel.

For Beth, the most rewarding aspect of her job is helping individuals of all ages achieve their highest potential. She takes immense joy in hearing from her patients that reading and school have become easier for them. Beth's dedication to her profession and her ability to make a positive impact on the lives of those she works with make her an invaluable member of the New Horizons Vision Therapy Center team.

Vision Therapist

Madeline Merritt is a dedicated Vision Therapist at New Horizons Vision Therapy Center, bringing her passion for improving lives through enhanced vision to the forefront of her career. With a background in Communication Studies and Psychology from the University of Montana, Madeline has combined her academic knowledge with her commitment to helping others achieve better vision.

In her role as a Vision Therapist, Madeline is driven by the opportunity to make a tangible impact on her patients' quality of life. She finds immense satisfaction in guiding individuals towards improved vision, allowing them to gain confidence and enhance their abilities. Working alongside a compassionate team and under the guidance of Dr. Frazer, who shares her passion for comprehensive vision care, Madeline has found a supportive environment at New Horizons Vision Therapy Center.

One of the aspects Madeline cherishes most about her work is the camaraderie among the staff and the relationships built with the patients. The collaborative and inspiring atmosphere at the center fuels her dedication to aiding patients on their journey to better themselves.

Outside of her professional life, Madeline is an adventurous spirit with a love for outdoor activities. Whether it's snowboarding down slopes, paddleboarding on serene waters, or simply enjoying a walk, she embraces an active lifestyle. Her love for recreational sports adds a fun dimension to her personal interests. Madeline's fiancé and their loyal dog, Murphy, are integral parts of her life, and she takes joy in spending quality time with them.

Originally hailing from Illinois, Madeline made Madison her home in 2020 and has wholeheartedly embraced the community. She completed her undergraduate education with a double major, showcasing her dedication to both effective communication and understanding the complexities of human behavior.

On a personal note, Madeline is preparing for an exciting chapter in her life—she is set to get married in 2024. This milestone adds a touch of personal warmth to her biography, illustrating the balance she achieves between her professional and personal life.

Office Administrator, Patient Care Coordinator

Ashley Kerrigan serves as the Patient Care Coordinator and Office Administrator at New Horizons Vision Therapy Center. With a passion for the medical field professions, Ashley finds fulfillment in her role, witnessing the positive impact that Vision Therapy can have on individuals of all ages.

At New Horizons, Ashley embraces the sense of family that permeates the workplace. She takes pride in the supportive environment and the exceptional care provided to patients. Working alongside Dr. Frazer, Ashley admires her leadership and describes her as a truly remarkable woman.

While Ashley does not currently engage in community or outreach work, her focus is on her family and her love for animals. She is a proud mother of two beautiful daughters, aged 5 and 7, and shares her home with a diverse group of pets—three dogs, two cats, a bearded dragon, and two horses.

Outside of her professional commitments, Ashley enjoys a variety of hobbies. She is an avid horse rider, finding solace and joy in spending time with her beloved horses. Family holds a special place in her heart, and Ashley cherishes every moment spent with her kids. Additionally, she finds relaxation in activities such as fishing and hiking, showcasing her appreciation for the outdoors.

Ashley Kerrigan's dedication to her role at New Horizons and her love for family, animals, and outdoor activities contribute to the warm and compassionate atmosphere at the Vision Therapy Center.