Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment Beth DeSpiegelaere to the Board of Optometry.

DeSpiegelaere, of Bloomington, has been an optometrist for 11 years and currently practices with Park Nicollet Clinic in St. Louis Park, Bloomington and Brooklyn Center. DeSpiegelaere received her doctor of optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry, in Chicago, and holds a bachelor of science degree in interior design from the University of Minnesota.

DeSpiegelaere has a special interest in proving vision rehabilitation care for persons with permanent vision loss from various eye diseases. She is appointed as an optometrist member of the board to a for year term that expires in January 2011.

She replaces Dr. Larry Morrison on the board. The Board of Optometry is responsible for licensing and disciplining optometrists. The board is made up of seven members appointed by the Governor.