In the heart of Franklin there is a place where patients feel like family, and stepping in for an eye checkup is a comforting and reassuring experience. This place is none other than Blue Iris, the private practice of optometrist Amanda Dininger.
Soon celebrating five years in business, Dininger has created a warm and inviting atmosphere for her patients, where professionalism meets a down-to-earth approach that sets her apart from the rest.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you walk into Blue Iris is Boiler, the emotional support dog that accompanies Dininger in her practice. A COVID puppy, Boiler has become an integral part of the team, providing comfort and companionship to both patients and staff.
Dininger’s approach to optometry is marked by her love for working with both the young and the elderly. After years in corporate optometry, she took a leap of faith and opened her own practice in 2018. Inspired by a book written by Joanna Gaines, she named her practice Blue Iris, symbolizing faith and confidence. She wanted her practice to feel like a home to both her staff and patients – a place where relationships are built, and genuine care is provided.
One such relationship that touched Dininger’s heart is with a patient her children now affectionally call Grandma Beth. What started as a patient-doctor relationship has blossomed into a deep bond, with Grandma Beth becoming a part of their extended family. Dininger recalls the emotional moment when Grandma Beth was diagnosed with a detached retina, and they cried together, highlighting the connection and empathy she shares with her patients.
Born and raised in Franklin, Dininger grew up as an IndyCar and Purdue fan, evident in her dog’s name. Her love for the Indy 500 stems from working with her dad as a pit lane liaison. It also led to her meeting her husband, JD, of Janko Realty Group. A passionate Disney fan, Dininger has taken each of her three children, Mollie, Luke and Morgan, individually to Disney World for their fifth birthdays, creating cherished memories with each visit. Outside of work, Dininger enjoys rewatching “Gilmore Girls” with her daughter, and adores the show “Friends,” with Chandler as her favorite character. Traveling with her husband is another cherished pastime, allowing them to explore new places and create lasting memories together. Faith plays a significant role in her life, both at work and at home.
Be sure to visit Blue Iris Optometry on Facebook and Instagram, and go to blueirisoptometry.com for additional details about the practice.