Skip to content

Eye Emergencies in White Bear Lake

Foreign objects or stabbing pains in your eye? Don’t wait!

Experiencing a stab of pain in your eye?

Sudden changes in vision? Images appearing faded, blurry or foggy?

Got chemicals or another foreign object or substance in your eye?

Come visit Birch Lake Eye Clinic for emergency eye care.

Our White Bear Lake optometrists can help you preserve your vision and eye health.

A person wearing gloves and applying tape to another person's face for a procedure

We understand that accidents happen.

Our optometrists know exactly what to do to help you through your eye care emergency.

Whether it’s a workplace accident, an at-home incident, or some other emergency requiring immediate attention, we’re here to help you preserve your eye health and sight!

Close-up of a person's eye with brown iris and eyelashes

What To Do If You Have an Eye Emergency

First things first. Don’t panic! Staying calm is the best way to help you think straight and help those around you to remain calm. Often, it’s not necessary to go to an emergency room for eye emergencies. In fact, the vast majority of people who go to the emergency room for eye care could have received treatment from their local optometrist instead.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing an eye emergency, give us a call immediately! Delay may increase the risk of serious complications and may result in vision loss.

Until you see your eye doctor or seek urgent care, avoid the following:

  • Don’t try to remove an embedded object out of your eye
  • If your eye is injured, don’t press on it or rub it
  • Dry cotton and sharp instruments such as tweezers should never be used on the eye.

Whether you’ve had a workplace accident or an at-home incident, our eye doctors are here to help

Eye Emergencies FAQs

Meet our Eye Doctors

Brian Grudem
Brian Grudem O.D.
Language: English
  • Family Friendly
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Grudem Established Birch Lake Eye Clinic in 1979. Dr. Grudem received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin and his Doctorate of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove,…

Kevin Lucas
Kevin Lucas O.D.
Language: English
  • In Person Appointments
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Kevin Lucas received his Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University in 1998. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Chemistry from Mankato State University. Dr. Lucas has been in practice since 1998 and…

Deanna Lundell
Deanna Lundell O.D.
Language: English
  • Accepting New Patients
  • Family Friendly
  • In Person Appointments
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Lundell is the newest member of our team and specializes in pediatrics, amblyopia, and myopia control. Originally from northeastern Wisconsin, she moved to Duluth to obtain her undergraduate degree with honors from The College of St.…

Franklin Alexander
Franklin Alexander O.D.
Language: English
  • Accepting New Patients
  • Family Friendly
  • In Person Appointments

Franklin Alexander, O.D., received his Doctor of Optometry from Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from North Dakota State University in 2020. Dr. Alexander’s passion…

Brad Schwantke
Brad Schwantke O.D.
Language: English
  • Accepting New Patients
  • Family Friendly
  • In Person Appointments
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Brad Schwantke received his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from St. John’s University. Dr. Schwantke, specializing in pediatric eyecare, has been practicing…

Patient Reviews

4.9
593 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
Tim R. - Jun 22, 2026
Dr. Lucas is excellent.
beth m. - Jun 2, 2026
Very happy to have found this great eye clinic in White Bear Lake! I had a visit with Dr Kevin Luca... s who was fabulous! He was so nice, thorough, and explained everything fully. The staff was friendly and consistent in making sure you had what you needed.

Urgent Eye Care in White Bear Lake

Outside Birch Lake Eye Clinic
Photograph of Brian Grudem
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Davis Vision
  • Superior Vision
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
A close-up of a woman with curly hair holding her head with both hands and looking down with red eyes.

Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting Birch Lake Eye Clinic in White Bear Lake without delay!