Charles W. Paepke, OD, FAAO
Dr. Charles W. Paepke received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1972 from The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physiological optics from Ohio State and completed the pre-optometry curriculum at Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh.
Dr. Paepke is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and long-time member of the American Optometric Association, New York Optometric Association, Northern New York Optometric Association, and Armed Forces Optometric Society. He currently serves as a legislative keyperson for the New York State Optometric Association.
Dr. Paepke holds the rank of Colonel (retired) in the United States Air Force Reserves. He served three years active duty as chief of optometry services at USAF Hospital (SAC), Plattsburgh, New York. In 1994, Dr. Paepke was awarded the Meritorious Service medal for his participation in hospital activities during operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Paepke is also extremely active and dedicated to the community. He has been a member (since 1981), past president (1988-1989), and Paul Harris Fellow (1995) of the Plattsburgh Rotary Club. He is also a member and past president of the Plattsburgh YMCA Board of Directors, a past member of the local chapter of the American Heart Association’s Board of Directors, a past member of the North Country Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, past professional and leadership division chair and 2005 Campaign Chairperson of the local United Way Fund Drive, and member of the Corporate Board of the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital.
As a member of the Contact Lens Section of the American Optometric Association, Dr. Paepke practices with an emphasis on contact lenses and family optometric care.
Professional Organizations/Affiliations:
- Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry
- American Optometric Association
- New York State Optometric Association
- Northern New York Optometric Association
- Armed Forces Optometric Society
Caitrin E. Herdic, OD
Dr. Caitrin Herdic received her Doctor of Optometry degree from SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan, NY in 2013, where she graduated with high honors and a member of Beta Sigma Kappa. Dr. Herdic is experienced in all areas of primary eye care, and has a special interest in the treatment and management of ocular disease and pediatric eye care. Prior to joining FirstView Eye Care, Dr. Herdic practiced in Connecticut for four years, where she earned a reputation for her caring and gentle demeanor. She also instructed and mentored optometry students at an external clinical site for the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Dr. Herdic holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Connecticut College in cell and molecular biology, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 2009. While studying at Connecticut College, she spent a summer interning with the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation in Portland, OR, where she volunteered her time arranging and participating in community vision screenings, and helping low-income citizens obtain access to sight-restoring surgical procedures.
Dr. Herdic is a North Country native, having grown up in Champlain, NY. She is an avid runner and has run cross-country at the collegiate level, attaining MVP her senior year. She enjoys figure skating and coaches locally. She also loves to hike and is slowly working toward attaining status as an Adirondack 46er.
Professional Organizations/Affiliations:
- American Optometric Association
- New York State Optometric Association
- Northern New York Optometric Association
- Beta Sigma Kappa
- Phi Beta Kappa
Brett M. Paepke, OD
Dr. Paepke received a Bachelor of Science degree in Visual Science and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, PA. While attending the school, he completed training at the VA Medical Center in Newington, CT, the Contact Lens Clinic of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, and the Lynch Pediatric Unit and William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Clinic of the Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA.
He was also active in student organizations such as the American Optometric Student Association, the student branch of the American Academy of Optometry, and the International Optometric Honor Society, Beta Sigma Kappa. Dr. Paepke also assisted in teaching clinical diagnostic procedures at the College.
Professional Organizations/Affiliations:
- American Optometric Association
- New York State Optometric Association
- Northern New York Optometric Association
- Beta Sigma Kappa
