Our Team

Dr. Mark D. Jackson began his journey in eye care after graduating from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. His career first took root at the Wal-Mart Vision Center in Columbus, Nebraska, but it wasn’t long before the Rocky Mountains called. In 2001, he opened the first Jackson Eye Care at the Wal-Mart Vision Center, where he quickly fell in love with the vibrant energy, friendly faces, and unmistakable charm of the Front Range.

Recognizing his commitment to quality eye care, he was invited in 2004 to bring his expertise to the Loveland Wal-Mart Vision Center. As Jackson Eye Care continued to grow, the Loveland office moved to the Timnath Wal-Mart Vision Center in 2009. Today, Jackson Eye Care thrives in two welcoming Fort Collins locations: the Wal-Mart near Old Town and the practice conveniently nestled beside Poudre Valley Hospital. 

Dr. Jackson has truly planted deep roots in Fort Collins. A dedicated member of the Fort Collins Breakfast Rotary, he’s known for his community spirit and ongoing support of local sports. He proudly serves as the official sponsor of the Colorado Eagles hockey referees—roles that perfectly blend his professional passion with his love for hometown athletics. Whether he’s caring for patients at Jackson Eye Care or cheering from the stands, Dr. Jackson embraces all that Northern Colorado has to offer. When he isn’t busy improving vision, you’ll find him enjoying time with family and friends at hockey games or weekend golf scrambles, fundraising for the community, exploring the Fort Collins food scene or out soaking up the sunshine and scenery of the Colorado outdoors.

Dr. Katie Engel is a proud Colorado native, born and raised in the city of Thornton. Her academic journey began at Colorado State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2018. During her time at CSU, Dr. Engel developed a deep passion for the sciences, which led her to work as technician at Jackson Eye Care (JEC) from 2016 to 2019, gaining hands-on experience that would shape her future in healthcare. 

In June 2023, Dr. Engel graduated from Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry with her Doctor of Optometry degree, and we were thrilled to welcome her back to JEC as an optometrist that same year. Her dedication to patient care, paired with her warm and approachable demeanor, makes her a valued member of our team. 

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Engel is a lover of all things Colorado-whether it’s hiking the majestic Rocky Mountains, exploring the vibrant community of Fort Collins, or enjoying time with her husband, Zach, Winnie (their sweet corgi), family, and friends. She has a creative side too, often spending her free time knitting, crocheting, or watching a good movie. Dr. Engel believes in balancing hard work with the things that bring joy, and she brings that same thoughtful approach to her patient care.