Dr. Dana L. Day
Dr. Day is an Optometrist in Casper and Douglas providing complete eye care services for the surrounding communities. Dr. Day began his career as a resident with The Eye Institute of Utah shortly after receiving his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 1998. After completing a one year residency in ocular disease, he was hired as the clinic director of the Casper, Wyoming office for The Eye Institute of Utah. In 2004, Dr. Day founded The Eye Institute of Wyoming, P.C. and established a second office in Douglas, Wyoming.
As a licensed optometrist, Dr. Day provides exams, diagnoses, and treatments of all disorders that affect the eye or vision. In addition to training in eye diseases and disorders, Dr. Day is also trained in anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and physiology. With this background, Dr. Day is trained to recognize a range of health issues; such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, and dry eye.
Dr. Day works hard to stay current on the latest advances in eye health and vision care and regularly attends continuing education seminars and advanced training courses. It is because of Dr. Day’s dedication to continuing education that our patients receive the most modern and progressive vision care available. Dr. Day is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a member of the American Optometric Association, and Past-President of the Wyoming Optometric Association.
Dr. Day is actively engaged in the community and has served on various boards including the Chamber of Commerce and the Boy Scouts of America. He has received various scouting awards including the Eagle Scout Award, the Scoutmaster Award of Merit, the District Award of Merit, and the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. He is active in his church and currently holds a leadership position there. He is also serving as the Wyoming Optometric Legislative Chair, and as a committee member on the American Optometric Association’s Education Center Committee. He was the recipient of the Wyoming Optometric Optometrist of the Year award in 2020 and the esteemed American Optometric Association’s Presidential Award in 2021. Most recently, he received the James A. Boucher Distinguished Service Award from the Wyoming Optometric Association in 2022.
Dr. Day and his wife, Nikki are the proud parents of four children, grandparents of four grandchildren, and are happy to call Wyoming home. They do enjoy an occasional trip to somewhere tropical and warm in the winter time. Extra curricular activities include golfing, recreational league softball and volleyball, water-skiing/wakeboarding, woodworking, and home improvement projects.
Dr. Teresa Taylor-Back
Dr. Teresa Taylor-Back practices optometry in our Casper and Douglas offices. After receiving her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1997, Dr. Taylor-Back performed a residency in Primary Care/Ocular Disease at NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry. After her residency, she remained as clinical staff until she moved to Wyoming. Dr. Taylor-Back practiced in Jackson and Riverton for several years. She has also practiced in the state of Washington and in Colorado, but considers Wyoming her home.
In 2015, she purchased Quality Vision of Wyoming in Casper, changing the name to Back Country Vision. In October of 2017, she merged the practice with Dr. Day and The Eye Institute of Wyoming.
As a licensed optometrist, Dr. Taylor-Back provides comprehensive care for patients with a broad spectrum of visual ailments and ocular disease, including Glaucoma, Diabetic eye disease, Macular Degeneration and dry eye. She especially enjoys and is very comfortable with infants and children. Her expertise, outstanding care, and service gained her a 2014 award and recognition in Colorado Parents Magazine as #1 for children’s vision care.
Dr. Taylor-Back is a member of the American Optometric Association, Wyoming Optometric Association, and was previously an Associate in the College of Optometrists of Vision Development. Dr. Taylor-Back participates in annual continuing education in order to provide the best and most up-to-date vision care to her patients.
Dr. Taylor-Back has two teenage children, and is pleased to be settled back in Wyoming closer to family. Dr. Taylor-Back is a member of Rotary Five Trails club where she serves as Treasurer. She has previously been a Girl Scout Co-loader and a Cub Scout Den leader. Dr. Taylor-Back is active in martial arts and has a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Nikki Day
CPOC., Business Manager
With over 20 years of experience in the eye care industry, Nikki is exceptionally qualified and skilled as our business manager. She has been with The Eye Institute of Wyoming since the start and is the person we all turn to for advice and direction. Nikki strives to ensure that your experience at The Eye Institute of Wyoming, P.C. is as pleasant as possible. She is certified in billing and coding by the American Optometric Association, and she works vigorously to ensure that your exam is processed accurately to help you maximize your insurance benefits. We are fortunate to have her expertise and attribute much of our success to her professionalism. When not keeping The Eye Institute of Wyoming, P.C. “on the right track”, she is busy being “Mimi” to her 4 grandchildren. Other interests include a good movie, time with family, and the occasional vacation to somewhere much warmer.
Sara Garnica
Douglas Office Optician
Sara is a native to Douglas and 2ND generation in her family to have fallen in love with the Douglas community. She can be seen around town with 3 Little’s, 2 girls and a boy smack dab in the middle of them. Her hobbies include reading, crafting, TV bingeing or playing kickball in the warmer months. She has a wonderful demeanor and brings a calming influence to the office. She has been with The Eye Institute of Wyoming since 1999. While she can do almost any position in the office, her specialty is that of an optician. Glasses technology is always improving and changing. It’s Sara’s job to ensure that you are getting glasses for your specific needs. Sara is able to customize your lenses and educate you on your many options. Your glasses should be as unique as you are. If you need an adjustment or maybe have something that needs to be fixed, stop in or give us a call. She works wonders and is always willing to lend a hand. Whatever you need, Sara will have a solution or help to find the answer. It is her passion to help you see your best!
Sarah Bedsaul
CPOA, Douglas Office Technician
I grew up in the town of Roosevelt, UT (population 7,070). My paternal grandparents raised cattle, pigs, and chickens. My playground was acreage, as we resided just adjacent to the property. I loved roaming on the tractor, being pulled on the sled in the winter time and feeding the calves any chance I got. We moved several times in hopes of finding our forever; I attended East Hollywood High, a charter school in West Valley, UT for my freshman year of high school.
In moving to Wyoming as a 14 year old from the city, I really disliked the opportunity I had been restricted to. I was adamant that when I was able to choose things for myself I would find someplace else to call home. Everything changed my mind when I met my now husband during my junior year of high school, it was the cliché “love at first sight”. In May of 2015 I married my best friend, on a rainy day, with few friends or witnesses. Together we have brought to life two marvelous children who are so smart, so stubborn and so much “mini-me’s”. In all things I do in this life, I do it for them, as any parent would admit.
As for current day, I am intrigued and fascinated with my current position as a Technician for the Eye Institute of Wyoming. Being here and doing what I do Monday through Friday has taught me so much more about the eye(s) and the health of the organ than I could’ve ever really imagined.
Michele Westover
Douglas Office Assistant
My name is Michele – as the Office Assistant I help with billing, insurance and the website (blog). I work from home but once in a while you will see me helping out in the Douglas or Casper Office. I graduated from Preston High School in Preston, Idaho. I attended Utah State University for over 3 yrs. in Business Administration and Office Support Systems. With over 20 years of experience in Office Support and Administrative Assistance, in the future I hope to continue my college education.
I’m originally from all over Southeastern Idaho. My husband and I have been married for 25 yrs. and we have five children (four daughters and a son), a son-in-law and two little dogs. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my husband and children. My family keeps me very busy so when I get time- I like to read, make crafts, and home decorating. I’m active in the community and volunteer my time as a youth leader for my church. I love helping and supporting the youth in our area. I have always enjoyed traveling with my husband, and visiting with family and friends.
Amanda Gallegos
Casper Office Technician
Hello, my name is Amanda. I started at Eye Institute in fall 2021. I currently work as a Tech at the Casper location. I have been thrilled to be apart of this team. I am continuously learning something new each day! I also am currently attending Casper College. When I am not working or studying for classes, I enjoy being outdoors including fishing, dirt biking, hiking and of course spending time with my favorite dog Millie.
Bridgett Sims
Casper Office Receptionist
My name is Bridgett and I’ve been a Casper resident my whole life. I graduated from Natrona County High School. Outside of the office, I enjoy exploring the spaces around me. I’m big on the outdoors and enjoy hiking and spending my time at the lake with my fur babies.
Aliscia Svrko
Casper Office Optician
Hey everyone, my name is Aliscia! Let me tell you a little bit about me..
I was born in Renton, WA with bright red hair and an attitude to match blessing my (mother) Stacey and (father) Travis on November 9th 1999, becoming my grandfathers birthday twin! I grew up in Seattle, WA till I was 6. I moved to Glenrock, WY in 2007 and have lived in Glenrock ever since. I grew up with my 2 siblings, My older sister Krysten, and my little brother Bryant…making me the middle child.
Now I have a beautiful family of my own. I was given the best gift of my life on September 18th of 2019. My son Kyron entered the world at 7:59pm in Douglas, WY. He is truly my world and I am so grateful I get to be his momma. My gratefulness doesn’t stop there though! March of 2020 I met my best friend and love of my life Kevin! He is the best father and I couldn’t be luckier!!
I may only be 22 years old, but I truly am happy with the way my life’s path is being built. Being able to start this new job and opportunity to start an amazing career for myself is a great accomplishment. That’s not all of me yet though!!
As crazy as it sounds between the work life and mom life I have some time for my hobbies too…. I love lake days when the weather permits and the sun isn’t frying me to a crisp. I love to sing, not to bad if I say so myself. I have a shopping problem too. I love shopping for new clothes for my son and plotting new things to add to our house decor! During the winter months I like to stay inside and stay warm cuddling my baby. I’m not a huge fan of reading but if my nose is in a book its probably a memoir.
Peyton Nystul
Douglas Office Receptionist
Hi! I’m Peyton. I am a Douglas native. I have lived here for 20 years. I am the daughter of Clint and Connie Nystul. I have three children of my own. Kayden is 6, Kolter is 4 and Hudson is 6 months! If you ever see me out and around town, I am probably at the grocery store, the baseball field or The Eye Institute. I love to travel and create new memories with my children an boyfriend, Brandon. Our favorite vacation spots to date are Watiki, Estes Park, absolutely anywhere in Minnesota, and so many more. During the few moments I get alone, I like to do absolutely nothing at home. I love to sit and veg on the couch while Lifetime movies play in the background and I aimlessly scroll through Tic Tok and Facebook. That’s all there is to me, a very simple life, but full of so much love and adventure! I cannot wait to assist you and your family in our Douglas office.
Paula Dupree
Hey y’all! My name is Paula Dupree and I’m back from Carlsbad, New Mexico! I just recently moved back here in June. Wyoming was just telling me I needed to come back home. I now have two wiener dogs, Beans and Winnie, that keep me on my toes but they stay spoiled. Outside of work hours you can catch me doing some of the following; hiking, kayaking, shed hunting, fishing, two-steppin on the dance floor, and cooking up some dinner for my little family. I’m excited to be back with the Eye Institute, and ready to assist y’all to the best of my ability! See ya soon!