Meet Our Des Moines Vision Team

Andrew Milder, OD

Optometrist

Dr. Andrew Milder was born and raised in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he attended Ottumwa High School and was actively involved in cross country, theatre, and show choir. He went on to graduate magna cum laude from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. In 2023, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree with honors from the Indiana University School of Optometry (IUSO). While at IUSO, he was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society and served as a tutor for the classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Following his graduation, Dr. Milder practiced at Vision Care Center in Peoria, Illinois, from 2023 to 2025. During this time, he also served as president of the Illinois Valley Optometric Society. His professional interests include dry eye management, specialty contact lenses, myopia control, and refractive surgery comanagement.

Dr. Milder is excited to return to his home state of Iowa and is dedicated to providing outstanding eye care to patients in the Des Moines area.

 

Education & Experience

 

EDUCATION

• Doctor of Optometry with Honors – Indiana University

• Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Magna Cum Laude – University of Northern Iowa

• Employment and Clinical Experience

• • • Optometrist – Modern Vision Solutions – West Des Moines, IA – Oct. 2025 to Present
    • Optometrist – Vision Care Center – Peoria, IL – Jun. 2023 to Sep. 2025

• Optometry Extern – Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center – Indianapolis, IN – Feb. 2023 to Apr. 2023

• Optometry Extern – Lexington VA Health Care System – Lexington, KY – Nov. 2022 to Feb. 2023

• Optometry Extern – EyeCare Consultants – Evansville, IN – Aug. 2022 to Oct. 2022 

• Optometry Intern – Atwater Eye Care Center – Bloomington, IN

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Dean’s Academic Scholarship – Indiana University 

• • Distinguished Scholar Award – University of Northern Iowa 

• Dean’s Award (College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences) – University of Northern Iowa 

• Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society 

PROFESSIONAL GROUPS

• American Optometric Association 

  

Getting to Know the Doctor  

Why optometry?

I chose optometry because it gives me the chance to connect with patients one-on-one, explaining their visual challenges and partnering with them to find solutions that meet their needs. The continuity of care is especially meaningful to me; I have the opportunity to see patients year after year, monitor their eye health, and often provide care for entire families. In doing so, I know I’m not just addressing immediate concerns but also guiding my patients toward long-term visual wellness.

 

Hobbies?

In my free time, I enjoy staying active through hiking, biking, and exercise, as well as exploring new places when I travel. I also like to unwind with board games, video games, or by watching a good thriller or comedy series or movie. At home, I keep busy caring for my two cats and a large collection of fish.