Dr. M. Scott Ellender, Optometrist

Dr. Scott Ellender received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1990 from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana where he was born and raised. Following in his father’s footsteps, he attended University of Houston College of Optometry where he received his Doctorate in Optometry in 1995. He then practiced Optometry in Ft. Worth, TX for 6 years, where he developed a special interest in Specialty Contact Lenses and Lasik Co-Management. In December 2001, he and his wife purchased a practice in Rapid City, South Dakota where they currently practice together. Dr. Scott also participates in the Vision USA and Infantsee programs.

Growing up in Louisiana, Dr. Scott began hunting, fishing, golfing, and enjoying the out of doors at a young age. He has continued these activities in beautiful South Dakota, and has discovered South Dakota’s biggest asset—its people.

Dr. Elizabeth Ellender, Optometrist

Dr. Elizabeth Ellender is a native South Dakotan, born and raised in Winner, South Dakota. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD in 1991 and then attended University of Houston College of Optometry where she graduated in 1995. After completing her Doctorate, she practiced Optometry in Ft. Worth, TX for 6 years where she developed a special interest in Pediatric Optometry. In December 2001, she and her husband returned to South Dakota after purchasing a practice in Rapid City. Dr. Elizabeth also participates in the Vision USA and Infantsee programs.

Dr. Elizabeth enjoys running, working with horses, snow skiing, camping, hiking, and spending time with her three young children.

Dr. Brad Moriarty, Optometrist

Dr. Moriarty earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1986 from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. In 1990, he the graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove OR. After graduation Dr. Moriarty worked in an eye surgery practice in California before starting private practice here in Rapid City in 1991. Dr. Moriarty is a member of the American Optometric Association, South Dakota Optometric Society, Black Hills Optometric Society and Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity. He also participates in the Vision USA and Infantsee programs.

Dr. Moriarty enjoys spending time with his family hiking, biking, kayaking and playing soccer. He is also the optometrist for the SD Army National Guard.

Ms. Roberta Luera, Optician

Roberta Luera started working in the optical field in 1989. She joined the staff of Budget Optical in 2005. Roberta assists patients with preliminary tests such as visual field testing and intraocular pressures. She also assists patients with selecting frames and lenses for eyeglasses and instructs new contact lens wearers on how to wear and care for their contact lenses. Roberta orders new frames for the office so if we don't have that special look you have in mind, She will be happy to order in frames for you to try. Roberta enjoys four wheeling in her spare time.

Mr. Joe Bodeson, CPOT

Joe Bodeson has been working in the eye care field since 1980, including 21 years in the US Air Force and 6 years in the Indian Health Service. He is a retired Master Sergeant and has been an American Optometric Association, Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) since 1997. Joe joined the Budget Optical Staff in 2008. He assists patients with preliminary tests such as visual field testing and intraocular pressures. He also assists patients with selecting frames and lenses for eyeglasses and instructs new contact lens wearers on how to wear and care for their contact lenses.

Mr. Jonathan Simonson

John Simonson started working in the optical field in 1995. He joined the staff of Budget Optical in 2008. John enjoys working with our patients. He assists patients with preliminary tests such as visual field testing and intraocular pressures. He also assists patients with selecting frames and lenses for eyeglasses. In his spare time John enjoys riding ATV and playing paintball.

Ms. Patty Link

Patty Link started working in the optical field in 2004. She joined the staff of Budget Optical in 2008. Patty likes helping patients with a variety of different vision needs. She assists patients with preliminary tests such as visual field testing and intraocular pressures. She also assists patients with selecting frames and lenses for eyeglasses. In her free time, she enjoys activities with her church.