Meet Dr. Darren Minnich

Dr. Darren Minnich has been in private practice since 1996. He received his Doctorate of Optometry from The Ohio State University College. Preceding that, Dr. Minnich attended Anderson University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology & Business Administration. He received his certification from the National Board of Examiners for the Treatment & Management of Ocular Disease in 1996. Dr. Minnich established Nappanee Family Eyecare in 1999 as a result of buying Dr. Tom Tarman’s (Wakarusa) and Dr. Russell Bolyard’s (Nappanee) Optometry offices and merging them with a new beginning. Dr. Minnich states “I was privileged to have the opportunity to take over two well-esteemed doctors in their respective communities. I often think about Dr. Tarman and Dr. Bolyard and believe they would be astonished to see where education & technology has advanced optometry and proud of how we provide the many services in our office.”

Dr. Minnich is a 29-year member of the American Optometric Association and a 26-year member of the Indiana Optometric Association. He served in every officer position & President for Indiana Optometric Association and the North Central Optometric Society. Dr. Minnich is only the third president from Elkhart County in the 124-year history of the IOA. In addition, he has served as President of the board for the Nappanee Boys & Girls Club and has served on the Board of Trustees for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County. He is a member of Rotary International and has served as chairman of community service for the Nappanee club. Dr. Minnich has been on mission trips to Haiti, Indian reservations in Arizona with Cross Eye Missions, and to Mexico several times with Global Impact teams from Nappanee Missionary Church. He has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 30 years and they have three adult children. Tyler is completing his training in Optometry, Drew is a Chemistry & Physics HS Teacher & Coach, and Alea is pursuing a masters degree in Social Work. He has enjoyed most sports and loves being at the lake with family & friends.