About Us

Woodstock’s Trusted Optometric Practice

At Family Eye Clinic at Towne Lake, exceptional eye care isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. Dr. Bugenske and our dedicated team prioritize personalized attention for every patient, ages 5 and up. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, we assess refractive errors, eye muscle coordination, ocular disease, and overall eye health with precision and care.

From common concerns like dry eyes and allergies to complex conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts, we’re committed to delivering the kind of thorough, compassionate care that keeps families coming back year after year. We welcome all members of the community — including those with neurodivergent needs — and it would be our privilege to be part of your healthcare team.

Your Optometrist

Meet Dr. Elise Bugenske

Dr. Elise Bugenske earned her Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University School of Optometry in 2014. Originally from Michigan, she joined Family Eye Clinic at Towne Lake in early 2020 and assumed leadership of the practice after Dr. Mike’s retirement in late 2022.

Her clinical passion lies in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and retinal diseases — conditions where early detection makes all the difference. She approaches every exam with the thoroughness and patience those conditions demand, and brings that same standard to every patient she sees.

Dr. Bugenske’s philosophy of care was shaped in part by her mother, a cardiologist, who instilled in her the value of truly listening. As someone who is nearsighted and has personally undergone multiple eye procedures, she brings a rare empathy to her work — she knows what it feels like to sit in the chair.

Outside the office, Dr. B is an avid gardener, crafter, and history enthusiast. She loves traveling and makes summer trips back to Michigan to visit family. Her nieces Alexa and Elodie, and her three pets — Teddy, Archie, and Tiger — keep life full and joyful.

What We Stand For

Our Values

Patient-Centered Care

Every decision we make starts with the patient. We take time to understand your individual needs, explain our findings clearly, and make sure you leave every visit informed and confident about your eye health.

Compassion and Empathy

We know that visiting a doctor — even for a routine exam — requires trust. Our team works hard to earn that trust by listening carefully, responding honestly, and treating every patient the way we’d want to be treated ourselves.

Quality Without Compromise

From the technology we use to the eyewear we carry, we hold ourselves to a high standard. We invest in the best diagnostic equipment and partner with industry-leading brands so that the care and products you receive are genuinely excellent.

Reviews

What Our Patients Say About Us

Courtney and Dr are absolutely wonderful. Always a pleasant experience. Love this place so much.
Im new to wearing glasses and was very nervous until Ms Courtney walked me through a terrific experience. She is a walking angle. If your looking for a new eye doctor this is definitely the place to go, ask for Courtney.
Family eye care is an excellent facility all the staff was very nice and considerate Dr Elise was very thorough with her exam leaving nothing to chance I’ll never go to another eye care top notch
I called the office for information. I spoke with Kaycee, who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Being a new patient at the office, I felt very welcomed. The staff was very kind and quick to get me back to the Dr. They shared that they just got new exam equipment that offers more detailed testing. I was super impressed with their frame selections and how knowledgeable their optician, Kaycee, was for lens options. I was really excited to see that they had Costa Del Mar sunglasses and never knew they had regular style glasses with Costa. I look forward to working with them again in the future.
Friendly staff with little to no wait time. They get you in and out and it is a short wait before your glasses to arrive.
My experience at family eye care was fantastic! When I broke my glasses, I was worried that I wouldn’t find somewhere that had available slots. I explained to them my circumstances, and they were extremely communicative and fast with their process. While in the clinic, the location was very clean and the staff were very friendly. Ms. Kindyl and Dr. B were very helpful as they led me through my appointment. Ms. Kindyl told me about their new machines and equipment as she help me with my pre-screening, which are all very well kept. Overall a great experience, I highly recommend going here!
I want to say thank you to Dr.Bugenske. your so patience I haven't found a eye doctor that took the time out to explain to me about my eyes since I was 11 years old. Today you made my day ! Thank you so much for your patience. I leave your office feeling so confident finding a doctor that care about her patient eye. Your amazing 👏
I have been searching for an optometrist and brought my mom and daughter here. Everything was so well run with no waiting. Dr. B was extremely thorough and very knowledgeable in assessing my 8 year old and my 76 year old mom. We have found a great doctor and look forward to coming back in the future.
Always cheerful staff, very helpful and patient. My kids have been coming to this practice for years. Very happy with the service they provide.
My wait was less than a minute. They did a very thorough exam, answered all of my questions, and I was out within 45 minutes.
I absolutely love the new eye doctor. She is amazing. The rest of the medical staff is just as good as the doctor I highly recommend family eye clinic to anyone.
All the staff is amazing! Doctor Bugneske is the BEST! She took time to discuss all my concerns for my daughter and even called her insurance to get them to cover her thinner lens because they were making her glasses fall off from the weight of her thick lenses. We were able to pick out a pair of glasses we both loved too! Thank you for going above and beyond for me and Jennalee today. She is anxiously waiting to sport her new frames.
Photo from customer review
I highly recommend this Eye clinic, we had a great experience. Everybody was nice and friendly!!
My son has been a patient at Family Eye Clinic for over 12yrs now & we love the Dr.s and the staff! Exceptional care from everyone there! Highly recommend!
Thx guys, Rhonda & Bryson Davitte
Great, friendly, and efficient service! We love Dr B. The office staff are really helpful.
We have been using Family Eye Clinic for years and the entire staff is wonderful. They are always running on time and efficient. The new location across the street from old location is clean and organized. Thank you 😊
my eye visit was excellent finally felt like a person and nota number, my eye doctor found the root of my problem now I see why they calledit FAMILY eye clinic☺️
The girls and Dr. are amazing with my 9 and 6 year old!! I feel so comfortable letting one go in at a time without me when the kids want to do it by themselves or they are so sweet enough to let us all stay together even though im sure its easier one at a time for them. They had such a hard time getting a pressure reading with my daughter because of her long eye lashes and she never got upset or frustrated with the girls trying until they got it. Thats just how comfortable they make them feel. That means alot! I have never taken them anywhere else and wont! I love it here!
There are a lot of eye clinics/eye doctors in
the area, and my family and I have been to pretty much all of them. None even compare to Family Eye Clinic. So we all see them now! Wonderful customer service at the front desk. They always answer your call (also not leaving you sit on hold forever). The two doctors there are amazing! They are both pleasant, thorough and listen to your input and needs. And to top it all off, they have a brand new beautiful office!
Definitely give them a try
The front office staff were very friendly and helpful. The doctor was great as well!
My daughter and I have been coming to this office for several years and we love everything about it. The staff and doctors are amazing!
This place is great. I always get in within 5 minutes of arrival and the staff is very knowledgeable and caring. And, they explain the procedures and results of our eye exam thoroughly. Me and my son both get our exams and glasses here. Highly recommend.
This is my 2nd time visiting Family Eye Clinic…the first was with my daughter and I was so impressed, I decided to visit them for my own needs. The staff and doctor Elise Bugenske are all very nice, patient and very receptive. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a family eye doctor to chose Family Eye Clinic!

Ready to See Clearly?

Whether you’re due for your annual exam, looking for new frames, or managing an eye condition, our team is here for you. We make it easy to schedule, and we promise to make it worth your time. Family Eye Clinic at Towne Lake — where exceptional eye care feels personal.