An estimated 61 million adults in the United States are at risk for serious vision loss, but only half visited an eye doctor in the last 12 months.
– Centers for Disease Control

Meet Our Doctors

Our talented team of highly trained doctors are absolutely committed to providing the highest standard of eyecare available. From protecting the health of your eyes, to ensuring the best vision possible, our doctors deliver the care you and your eyes deserve.

Joseph Aschenbrenner, O.D.

About Dr. Aschenbrenner
Joseph Aschenbrenner, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1985 and earned his Pre-Med Bachelor of Science from Lewis University. Dr. Aschenbrenner is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Illinois Optometric Association, and the Volunteer Optometric Service for Humanity (VOSH).

In practice since 1985, Dr. Aschenbrenner has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Bausch and Lomb Contact Lens Outstanding Achievement Award and the Syntax Contact Lens Award.

Dr. Aschenbrenner enjoys the challenge of designing lenses for patients with unique and complex prescriptions. In addition, he provides laser refractive care, low vision care, pre- and post-operative surgical care, treatment of ocular disease care and myopia control. He is dedicated to offering his patients the best possible vision care and does so by staying current with today’s technological advancements in the optometry field.

Outside of the office, Dr. Aschenbrenner volunteers his time locally through the Barrington Lions Club, and internationally as a longtime member of VOSH, by providing eyecare services, exams, and glasses to patients in need.

Lisa Kowar, O.D.

About Dr. Kowar
Lisa Kowar, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry and Bachelor of Science in Visual Science from the Illinois College of Optometry and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University. Dr. Kowar is an active member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, the American Optometric Association, the Illinois Optometric Association, and the Optometric Extension Program.

With decades of experience, Dr. Kowar focuses on caring for the visual and eye health needs of her patients across all age ranges. In addition to comprehensive eye health exams, Dr. Kowar also provides pre- and post-operative care for patients with cataracts and refractive surgery procedures. In addition, Dr. Kowar is certified in the treatment of myopia.

Dr. Kowar enjoys solving her patients’ individual vision-related issues as well as providing additional expertise in the areas of specialty contact lens fittings and visual rehabilitation.

Toshio Nakajima, O.D.

About Dr. Nakajima
Dr. Toshio Nakajima received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University in 1987. A native of Japan, Dr. Nakajima also completed an optometry and ophthalmic optics program in Japan prior to optometry school in the United States.

After graduation from Indiana University, Dr. Nakajima returned to Japan to teach clinical optometry and optics. After one year, he returned to practice full-scope optometry in the United States. He and Dr. Penner opened Elgin Family Eye Care in 1989. For over 30 years, he has been seeing patients and managing the day-to-day operations of the practice.

Dr. Nakajima is a decades-long member of the American Optometric Association and the Illinois Optometric Association. In his free time, Dr. Nakajima enjoys spending time with his children as well as jogging, tennis, and computer programming.

Michael Kennedy, O.D.

About Dr. Kennedy
Dr. Michael Kennedy did his undergraduate work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he received a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where he graduated with Beta Sigma Kappa honors.

During his optometric training, he served as a class representative and Executive President of Student Council, and had the honor of being named to the Gold Key Optometric honor society. At Ohio State, he was named Student Leader of the Year, Junior of the Year, and Senior of the Year. At his graduation commencement, he had the honor of receiving the Lyle A. Gassmann Memorial Award.

​Prior to joining Elgin Family Eye Care in 2008, Dr. Kennedy gained invaluable experience working for years as an optometric technician in Naperville, IL as well as during optometry school in Columbus, OH. Dr. Kennedy is an active member of both the American Optometric Association and Illinois Optometric Association. He is an alumnus of the Epsilon Psi Epsilon optometric fraternity.

Dr Kennedy practices full-scope optometry, but has a particular interest in contact lenses and eye disease, especially dry eye and corneal disease. He also manages glaucoma, keratoconus, and retinal disease. He takes pride in spending time with his patients, so that together they can find successful treatment options that may not have been considered in the past. Dr Kennedy enjoys making personal connections with his patients and watching families grow year after year.

Andrew J. Brauer, O.D.

About Dr. Brauer
Dr. Brauer focuses on contact lenses and myopia control. He was among the first doctors in the country to obtain advanced fitting certifications for several specialty contact lenses. He has also been fitting scleral lenses for keratoconus and other conditions for years, including designs with aberration control and decentered optics for the most precise vision possible, even for challenging patients with corneal disease.

One of Dr. Brauer’s core practice beliefs is that way too many people put up with lackluster vision or comfort in their contact lenses (or worse, drop out altogether) because they have come to think these problems are normal and unavoidable. With the right tools and the right expertise, virtually anyone can experience clear, comfortable vision in contact lenses.

Another of Dr. Brauer’s fundamental values is that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Nowhere is this more applicable than myopia control. Myopia control is one of the most powerful preventative treatments in eye care, in which specialized lenses or eye drop medications are prescribed to slow or stop the eyes from getting worse. In contrast to the “old way” of simply getting thicker and thicker glasses each year as the eyes get worse and worse, myopia control is a childhood preventative treatment that provides dramatically better vision (with and without glasses), reduces risk of many blinding eye diseases, and improves quality of life relating to vision- all benefits that literally last a lifetime, even after their myopia control treatment is over!

Mubashra Tahir, O.D.

About Dr. Tahir
Mubashra Tahir received her Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1993. In 1989, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry and her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from The University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Tahir specializes in primary eye care, treating red eye, ocular diseases, and dry eye. She became an optometrist to help people with their basic needs to achieve a clear vision. Dr. Tahir said that the moment someone receives their first pair of glasses or contacts and looks around, there is amazement in their eyes and face, which is genuinely rewarding.

Dr. Tahir enjoys going to the theater, reading, knitting, biking, and traveling when not seeing patients.

Susan M. Penner, O.D.

About Dr. Penner
Dr. Susan M. Penner, O.D. earned her optometry degree with honors from Indiana University in 1987. Dr. Penner was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometry Honor Society and earned the Irvin M. Borish Optometry Award and the Bausch & Lomb Practice Initiation Award

Dr. Penner entered private practice in Mt. Morris in 1987. She and Dr. Nakajima established Elgin Family Eye Care in 1989. In September of 2007, Dr. Penner opened EyeCare Dimensions in Byron, and in June of 2010, the Mt. Morris office merged with EyeCare Dimensions.

Dr. Penner is intimately involved in the management of Elgin Family Eye Care, but sees patients on a daily basis at EyeCare Dimensions in Byron, IL. For more information about that office, go to eyecaredimensions.com.

Outside the office, Dr. Penner is an accomplished keyboard musician, and enjoys theater and her 4 kids Marisa, Erik, Anna, and Naomi.

Randall D. Kittle, O.D.

Edgebrook Primary EyeCare Centers

 

About Dr. Kittle
Dr. Kittle has over 38 years of experience caring for patient’s vision and the health of their eyes. He was born and raised in Rockford, where his father worked at Sundstrand for over 35 years. He enjoys writing and photography, and is very active in the Christian community having pastored a local church for more than eight years.

Dr. Kittle did his undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa, and entered Illinois College of Optometry to pursue his medical training as one of only five early enrollment candidates. There, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Visual Science in 1980 and graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1981.

Dr. Kittle resides in Rockford with his wife, Gini, and their son, Benjamin. Doctor Kittle especially enjoys children’s vision and advanced contact lens design, and cares for patients from birth through adulthood. He focuses on primary eye care including the prescribing of eyeglasses and contacts, and the diagnosis and management of eye disease.

Will A. Watson, O.D.

Primary EyeCare Centers Edgebrook | Crystal Lake

About Dr. Watson
Dr. William Watson pursued his medical training at the Illinois College of Optometry and was awarded his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1999. He holds certification on competency-based examination in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease from THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY.

​Doctor Watson cares for patients from birth through adulthood. He focuses on primary eye care including the prescribing of eyeglasses and contacts and the diagnosis and management of eye disease.

Richard E. Anderson, O.D.

Edgebrook Primary EyeCare Centers

About Dr. Anderson
Dr. Anderson has over 40 years of experience as a practicing Optometrist. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University. He pursued his Optometric training and was awarded his doctorate at Indiana University School of Optometry. He holds certification on competency-based examination in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease from THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY. He is a charter member of the American Optometric Association Contact Lens Section.

Dr. Anderson is very active in his church and Men’s Community Bible Study. Dr. Anderson joined Primary Eye Care Centers in March of 2014. His favorite part of practicing Optometry is helping people see life clearly.

​Dr. Anderson and his wife, Ann, live in Rockford and have two children and 3 grandchildren. Dr. Anderson enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

Erika K. Cleland, O.D.

Edgebrook Primary EyeCare Centers

About Dr. Cleland

Dr. Cleland discovered her interest in visual science at Indiana University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Wanting to incorporate this knowledge with her passion to help people, she pursued her medical training at the Illinois College of Optometry

She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2011. She holds certification on competency-based examination in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease from THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY.

Dr. Cleland provides primary eye care for patients from birth to adulthood. Her professional interests include specialty contact lens design for keratoconic patients and the diagnosis and management of eye disease, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. She also enjoys helping individuals with dry eye and ocular allergies.

Dr. Cleland lives in McHenry with her husband Justin, her daughter, and her dog Emma.

Dr. Christina DalPorto, O.D.

Carillon Vision Care

About Dr. DalPorto

Dr. Christina DalPorto is a La Grange, Illinois native who pursued her dream of becoming an optometrist since the 10th grade.

Dr. DalPorto received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Iowa and subsequently completed her Doctorate at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She pursued residency training within the V.A. Palo Alto Health Care System, specializing in Primary Care and Brain Injury Vision Rehabilitation, and has additional clinical experience in the fields of Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy from The Eye Institute in Philadelphia. In fall 2019, Dr. DalPorto became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Fellows pass rigorous qualifications in education, patient care, and clinical practice. This certification identifies dedicated doctors who practice at the very highest level in the profession.

Additionally, Dr. DalPorto volunteers to bring eye care to those with poor access to healthcare around the world through the program Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity (VOSH).

While Dr. DalPorto is passionate about providing high quality eye care to patients of all ages, she especially enjoys working with the pediatric population and providing rehabilitation to patients with traumatic brain injuries. In her spare time, Dr. DalPorto loves to travel, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. She sees patients most Mondays through Fridays.

Andrew J. Neukirch, O.D.

Carillon Vision Care

About Dr. Neukirch
Dr. Neukirch received his Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana University in 2008. Dr. Neukirch completed training in the areas of Specialty Contact Lens, Pediatric Optometry, Ocular Disease, Orthokeratology, and Myopia Management.

He serves as the Chicago Member Director for the Independent Doctors of Optometric Care (IDOC). He has been published in a number of optometric journals and serves on the Professional Affairs Committee for CooperVision. In 2014, he was a recipient of the Vision Monday Optometric Business Innovator Award and was the recipient of the 2017 Illinois Optometric Association Young Optometrist of the Year award.

He frequently travels and lectures on the topics of contact lenses and practice management. He is the leading prescriber of MiSight 1 Day Contact lenses for Myopia Management in the country, and the leading provider for Myopia Management in the North Shore of Chicago.

Dr. Neukirch lives with his wife, a physician at Northwest Community Hospital, their 3 year old daughter, and our office dog Leo in Glenview. He is a former professional musician and enjoys photography and playing drums and percussion with friends. Dr. Neukirch sees patients most Mondays through Thursdays.

Roger H. Hill, O.D.

Edgebrook Primary EyeCare Centers

About Dr. Hill
Dr. Hill has over 40 years of experience as a practicing Optometrist. He was awarded his Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry in 1974. He holds certification on competency-based examination in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease from THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY. Dr. Hill began his optometric career in Dixon, IL. He then moved to Rockford starting his own practice in 1978.

Dr. Hill joined Primary Eye Care Centers in March of 2014. Dr. Hill enjoys being able to help people, and to help people see in a painless process. Dr. Hill and his wife, Pam, have four children. He and his family live in Rockton, IL. Some of Dr. Hill’s interests include, camping, boating, water skiing, and spending time with his family.

Praksha Butala, O.D.

Edgebrook Primary EyeCare Centers

About Dr. Butala

Praksha Butala, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry and earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois.

Dr. Butala’s love for helping people of all ages led her to become an optometrist where she makes an impact on her patients by helping them see better. Dr. Butala especially loves educating her patients on how systemic conditions can affect their ocular health and seeing their reactions when they get their first pair of glasses or contact lenses.

When Dr. Butala isn’t caring for patients, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, exploring new restaurants, cooking, and baking.

Shrey Patel, O.D.

Edgebrook Primary EyeCare Centers

About Dr. Patel
Shrey Patel, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. He earned his Bachelor of Liberal Arts, majoring in Biology, from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Patel completed his residency in the management of ocular diseases and urgent care at Northern Indiana Health Care System (VA Hospital) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
When Dr. Patel is not treating patients, he enjoys sports and music.

Sung Kim, O.D.

About Dr. Kim
Sung Kim, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. She completed her undergraduate studies at Loyola University Chicago.

Dr. Kim’s clinical externship was at the University of Chicago Ophthalmology Department, Battle Creek VA Ophthalmology Department, and Vision Care Specialists (CIBA Vision). She is a board-certified optometrist specializing in the areas of ocular disease treatment, specialty contact lens fitting, pediatric eye care, orthokeratology, and color vision correction.

Dr. Kim has a passion for collaborating with patients and helping them to see better. She offers comprehensive LASIK consultation and co-manages after LASIK procedures. Dr. Kim will offer the highest quality eye care with the state-of-the art latest technology to evaluate patients’ eyes.

When she is not treating patients, Dr. Kim enjoys traveling and spending time with her three children, friends, and her husband.

Niki Mehta, O.D.

About Dr. Mehta
Niki Mehta, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry and earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois. An Elk Grove native, Dr. Mehta is excited to be joining Elk Grove Optical! Dr. Mehta is able to provide examinations in English and Gujarati.

Upon graduating, Dr. Mehta completed clinical rotations at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and William Feinbloom Center for low vision. Dr. Mehta practices comprehensive eye care, with an emphasis on contact lens fittings, management of ocular surface diseases, and dry eye management.

Dr. Mehta loves building relationships with her patients to be able to treat their daily visual needs. Dr. Mehta’s goal as an Optometrist is to educate her patients on how complex the visual system is and how it goes far beyond the need for glasses and contacts.

When Dr. Mehta isn’t caring for patients, she enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her dog.

Lisha Patel, O.D.

About Dr. Lisha Patel
Lisha Patel, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Patel specializes in contact lenses and says that what inspired her to become an optometrist was that she had some optometrists in her family and she became interested in the field at a very young age. She enjoys the patient interaction and being able to help people see and make a difference in their quality of life.

When she is not treating patients, Dr. Patel enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband.

Charlene Morfoot, O.D.

Primary EyeCare Centers

About Dr. Morfoot

Charlene Morfoot, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry where she received honors in her clinical rotations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Finally, she completed a year of post-graduate training in ocular disease at Omni Eye Services in New Jersey and New York.

While performing thorough comprehensive eye examinations, Dr. Morfoot focuses on the diagnosis and management of eye disease. Her professional interests include fitting specialty contact lenses, glaucoma and surgical co-management. She particularly enjoys teaching her patients about the newest innovations in contact lens technology.

Since she was a young child, Dr. Morfoot has been interested in optometry. She became her eye doctor’s youngest contact lens patient in first grade at age 6. Dr. Morfoot has been in practice and providing eyecare in the Northwest suburbs since 2007.
Dr. Morfoot resides in Huntley with her husband, two daughters and two Dobermans. In her free time, she enjoys running, cycling, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Amie Gandhi, O.D.

About Dr. Gandhi
Amie Gandhi, O.D., received her Doctor of Optometry from Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry in 2022 and earned her Bachelor of Science from Loyola University Chicago.

Dr. Gandhi’s passion for optometry began at a young age when she received her first pair of eyeglasses. She believes that the sense of sight is a crucial aspect of one’s quality of life and finds it rewarding to help others achieve clear, comfortable vision. Furthermore, Dr. Gandhi values that the eyes are the window to inside the body where you can see conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure and enjoys working with fellow medical professionals to provide quality healthcare to patients.

When Dr. Gandhi isn’t caring for patients, she is exploring new restaurants and cities, spending time with loved ones, and caring for her cat, Louie.

Javier Rodriguez, O.D.

About Dr. Rodriguez

Javier Rodriguez, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2017. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Pre-Optometry, and a Minor in Spanish at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois.

Dr. Rodriguez specializes in ocular disease and vision therapy. He holds certification on competency-based examination in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease from the International Association of Boards of Examiners in Optometry.

On becoming an optometrist, Dr. Rodriguez says he knew he wanted to help people and had always enjoyed math and science. He shadowed his childhood optometrist who also provided vision therapy and realized the difference it had made in the lives of kids who were struggling to learn in school.

While in graduate school, Dr. Rodriguez realized the importance of optometry as a preventative health care beyond prescribing new glasses or contact lenses. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Rodriguez finds it rewarding to help detect and manage patients with various eye diseases they otherwise may not have known they had. He enjoys helping to enhance his patients’ vision, treating and managing their ocular health to improve their quality of life.
When Dr. Rodriguez is not with his patients, he is spending quality time with his wife and their newborn daughter. He is a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and finds great interest in hiking, bowling, and disc golf.

Matthew Bluemlein, O.D.

About Dr. Bluemlein
Dr. Matthew Bluemlein, O.D. started as a patient of Dr. Robinson. Dr. Bluemlein went on to attend the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. Dr. Bluemlein began working at Coventry EyeCare in 2013.

S. Barry Eiden, O.D.

About Dr. Eiden

Deerfield Office President & Medical Director, Comprehensive Medical Eye Care, Complex Contact Lens Management, Keratoconus Management.

S. Barry Eiden, OD, FAAO, FSLS received his Doctor of Optometry from the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry where he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Dr. Eiden completed his residency in Ocular Disease Management at the Illinois College of Optometry in affiliation with the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center and the Westside Veterans Administration Medical Center in 1982 and 1983, respectively.

Before he founded North Suburban Vision Consultants in 1990, Dr. Eiden was a full-time assistant clinical professor at the SUNY College of Optometry and Chief of Primary Eye Care Services from 1984 to 1989.

Dr. Eiden specializes in anterior segment disease management with special emphasis in keratoconus and corneal ectasia, advanced contact lens management, and ocular surface disease/dry eye management.

His interest in medical care “focused” into optometry as he came to understand the impact of visual dysfunction and ocular disease on patients. “Seeing how we can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life made the choice to practice optometry an easy one,” says Dr. Eiden. He enjoys having the ability to provide advanced care to patients and impacting their lives in a positive and dramatic way daily.

When he is not treating patients, Dr. Eiden finds great interest in playing golf and the guitar. He is also a wine enthusiast and is a Level One sommelier.

Carol L. Barron, O.D.

About Dr. Barron
Deerfield Office Low Vision Rehabilitation: Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma Management.

Carol Barron, O.D., F.A.A.O. received her Doctor of Optometry from the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry in 1981, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prior to beginning her private practice optometry career, Dr. Barron was full-time in academy as Assistant Professor at the SUNY College of Optometry. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University Medical Center.

Dr. Barron’s mother developed a genetic eye disease that resulted in her legal blindness. From that experience, Dr. Barron decided at a young age that she wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of those who suffer from vision loss. Dr. Barron specializes in low vision rehabilitation, and especially values the positive impact she has on her patients’ quality of life based on the expert and thorough eye care services she provides.

In her free time away from the office, Dr. Barron enjoys cooking, learning about wine appreciation, and exercising, but mostly loves spending quality time with her family.

Raphaella Tran, O.D.

About Dr. Raphaella
Dr. Raphaella Tran specializes in myopia management, dry eye disease, and specialty contact lens services. She graduated summa cum laude at the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she also completed her Master of Science in Physiological Optics and Vision Science. Her master’s thesis was concentrated on the effects of lens defocus on myopia management.

She is certified to fit myopia management contact lenses such as, but not limited to, MiSight, NaturalVue, and Paragon CRT. She received her certificate for the Keratoconus Essentials Program.

She was awarded the Ebling Award in Medical Contact Lenses and the GP Lens Institute for Clinical Excellence with fitting specialty contact lenses.

She has also developed a passion for the treatment and management of dry eye disease.

Megan Allen, O.D.

About Dr. Allen
Deerfield OfficeComprehensive Family & Pediatric Eye Care, Vision Therapy/Binocular Vision Services.

Megan Allen, O.D., FAAO received her Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana University.

Specializing in pediatric vision care and binocular vision, Dr. Allen says she became an optometrist because she wanted to be a doctor, care for others and make a difference. She’s loved pediatric optometry since witnessing what a proper correction can do for the development of a young child. She is passionate about the science of the eye and the fact that much can be seen and diagnosed from a simple eye exam that can change a patient’s life.

Dr. Allen is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). She educates future optometrists and enjoys working with symptomatic patients to improve their visual function through therapy, which in turn makes their vision better and more comfortable.

In her free time, Dr. Allen is a fitness fanatic and enjoys everything from barre and running to cycling and weights! She refers to her fitness activities as her meditation. She loves the arts, ballet, dance, and theater. Dr. Allen also enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants. She is a wife and mother of three beautiful girls who keep her on her toes.

Michelle K. Man, O.D., FAAO, FSLS

About Dr. Man
Michelle Man, O.D., FAAO, FSLS received her Doctor of Optometry degree with clinical honors from the UC Berkeley School of Optometry. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from UCLA.

Dr. Man further completed a residency in Cornea and Contact Lens Management where she trained at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) and University of Chicago. She was presented with the GP Lens Institute Clinical Excellence Award and the Sheldon Wechsler Contact Lens Residency Award for her expertise in fitting specialty lenses.

Dr. Man specializes in anterior segment and advanced contact lens fitting with a passion for managing keratoconus and corneal ectasia, post-transplant, and ocular surface/dry eye disease. She is certified in myopia management with treatment options such as orthokeratology, soft multifocal contact lenses, and eye drops.

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society (FSLS). Dr. Man has also held adjunct faculty and assistant professor positions at ICO, with extensive clinical experience teaching students and residents in the Cornea Clinic and the Urgent Eye Care Clinic. She is involved with clinical research and has presented at national meetings.

When Dr. Man is not treating patients, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with their dog, Bear.

Casey Hogan
O.D. FAAO, FSLS, Dipl. AAO,

About Dr. Hogan

Dr. Casey Hogan is the owner of Advanced Eye Care Professionals PC since 2003.

Dr. Hogan is only the fourth optometrist in the country to attain Diplomate status in Anterior Segment diseases of the eye, from the American Academy of Optometry.

Diplomates are Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry who have invested hundreds of hours of preparation and assessment in order to be recognized by peers for their extensive skill and expertise in their research or practice.

Tiffany Polanek O.D.

About Dr.Polanek

Dr. Tiffany Polanek grew up in a small farming community in southern Minnesota. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Moorhead State University in Minnesota in 1996, and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2000. She continued her training at the Illinois College of Optometry, completing the Primary Care and Ocular Disease residency program in 2001. Dr. Polanek has provided optometric care in a variety of different settings. Her career includes 15 years of teaching at the Illinois Eye Institute as an Associate Clinical Instructor in both the Primary Care Clinic and in the Cornea and Contact Lens Center for Clinical Excellence. While there, she provided eye care to patients, and clinical education to optometry students. She has extensive expertise in both adult and pediatric primary eye care, contact lenses – both traditional and specialty, and ocular disease. Dr. Polanek joined AEP in March 2016, where she provides eye care to patients of all ages. Dr. Polanek, her husband, and 4 children have made their home in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago, and enjoy being a part of this beautiful community.

Regino Flora, OD

About Dr. Flora
Regino Flora, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1997 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from The Ohio State University in 1992.

Dr. Flora was raised in Napoleon, Ohio, and graduated from Napoleon High School. He has lived and practiced in the Chicagoland areas for over 25 years. After needing vision care in his youth, he became familiar with the profession and admired his doctor’s passion for optometry. This led him to pursue his career path as an optometrist. He says the best part about being an Optometrist is forming relationships with his associates and patients.

In his free time, Dr. Flora enjoys playing golf, listening to music, and keeping up with The Ohio State Athletics, Chicago Bears football, and classic arcade gaming and memorabilia.

Sam Forzley, OD

About Dr. Forzley
Samuel Forzley, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Eastern Illinois University.

Dr. Forzley specializes in family optometry and glaucoma management. He jokes that he became an optometrist because he did not make it to the NFL and did not have the voice to be a rock star. Nonetheless, he does enjoy being able to help his patients with their visual needs.
When he is not treating patients, Dr. Forzley finds joy in outdoor activities, Jimmy Buffett concerts, college football, and most of all, spending time with his family.

Natalie Hutchison , O.D.

About Dr. Hutchison

Dr. Natalie Hutchison is a native from the St. Louis Metro East area and graduated from Saint Louis University receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Biology.

She attended the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL where she completed clinical rotations specializing in ocular disease, contact lenses, and pediatrics at the Sidney Hillman Health Center, Illinois College of Optometry, University of Chicago Hospital, and Dr. Becherer and Associates. While in school, Dr. Hutchison was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society.

Dr. Hutchison is a member of the American Optometric Association, Illinois Optometric Association, and the Southwestern Illinois Optometric Society. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and is experienced with diabetic examinations, pediatric and kindergarten exams, management of glaucoma, pre and postoperative refractive surgery and cataract management.

John Kleinhoffer, O.D.

About Dr. Kleinhoffer

Dr. John Kleinhoffer is a life long resident of Highland, IL. He graduated from UMSL School of Optometry in 1986. He opened his practice Dr. John Kleinhoffer Family Eye Care in 1994.

Dr. Kleinhoffer specializes in eye examinations, specialty contact fittings, lasik work ups, glaucoma treatment, cataract screening, and emergency eye health. When Dr. Kleinhoffer is not working he enjoys spending time with his family, playing the drums with his band Effic, and traveling.

Deana LaBrosse, O.D.

About Dr. LaBrosse

Deana LaBrosse, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, where she graduated magna cum laude. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Specializing in dry eye treatment, Dr. LaBrosse loves creating relationships with people and seeing them return year after year. She says it is very gratifying when patients follow the treatment plan and see the positive results.

Dr. LaBrosse had amblyopia as a child. Later, while completing her undergraduate degree in Chemistry, she worked for an optometrist who encouraged her to look at optometry as a career. Her clinical experience is varied, and includes pediatrics, medical and surgical eye care, and low vision care for the visually impaired. Currently, she provides advanced treatment and care for dry eye patients in her Evanston practice.

Dr. LaBrosse is a proud participant in the InfantSEE program and volunteers her time for the Special Olympics Opening Eyes program.

When she is not treating patients, Dr. LaBrosse is putting her chemistry skills to work as a craft brewer at home. She also makes hard cider. Her husband is cultivating an apple orchard in their yard (40 trees and counting), so the goal is to use apples sourced from their home.


Jonathon Thoele, O.D.

About Dr. Thoele

Dr. Jonathon Thoele completed his undergraduate degree at Quincy University and received his Doctorate of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, IL. He began practicing optometry at IEC in 2012.
Dr. Thoele finds optometry to be a “family friendly” career choice. One of his favorite parts of his profession is when a child gets excited to be seeing clearly with new glasses for the first time in his/her life.

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Kurtis Carlson, O.D.

About Dr. Carlson

Dr. Carlson grew up just outside of Chicago in Elgin, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He earned his doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry on the Dean’s List in 1989 and was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society.

Dr. Carlson moved to Quincy, Illinois and in 2002 opened 20/20 EyeCare, Inc.

He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Illinois Optometric Association.

In his spare time, Dr. Carlson enjoys motorcycling and jet skiing. He is an AVID Chicago Bears fan.

Robert Gerowitz, O.D.

About Dr. Gerowitz

Robert Gerowitz, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1981. In 1979 at the Illinois College of Optometry, he received a second bachelor’s degree in Visual Science. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Optometry from Northeastern Illinois University in 1977 with honors.

Since 2000, Dr. Gerowitz has been successfully managing progressive myopia (nearsightedness that increases each year in children) in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Corneal reshaping may sound like a miracle, but it really works. Dr. Gerowitz has been using this application himself for over 20 years. In 2002, Dr. Rob participated in the first-ever Global Orthokeratology Symposium in Toronto. As a result of those seminars, Dr. Gerowitz has often been invited to speak at other meetings of fellow orthokeratologists.

Dr. Rob is also a charter member of the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, a fellow of the Academy, and serves on its board of directors. He helped establish the group of orthokeratologists who became the FDA’s S.M.A.R.T. Study investigators. Over the years, he has sponsored anti-drug campaigns in area schools, toy drives for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and lectured on ocular trauma for Northwest Community Hospital’s Emergency Medical Services program. He has worked actively with the deaf community in the Northwest suburbs to bring qualified vision care to that population.

In 1994, Dr. Gerowitz was named “Best and Brightest” in Optometry by 20/20 Magazine, and in 1997 Eyegrad named him “Optometrist of the Year“. In 1996 Dr. Gerowitz completed extensive training in the treatment of external eye disease to enhance his licensure.
When he is not treating patients, Dr. Gerowitz and his family reside in Palatine. As a community supporter, Dr. Gerowitz is a member of the Rotary Club of Palatine and was listed as “Rotarian of the Year 1998-99”. He has also served on the board of directors for the Palatine Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Robert Gerowitz truly is Palatine’s Hometown Eye Doctor.


Leon Kubicki, O.D.

About Dr. Kubicki

Leon Kubicki, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, where he graduated cum laude. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign. While attending the Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Kubicki received numerous academic and clinical awards recognizing his dedication and hard work in pursuing his career in optometry.

During his studies, Dr. Kubicki was the president of the Private Practice Society and a member of numerous student-volunteer clubs. He was also inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor fraternity and the Tomb and Key Honor Society. Dr. Kubicki has also been a proctor for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) to assess new graduates in their certification and licensure.

Dr. Kubicki provides “life-enhancing” vision care to all his patients and is passionate about his mission to help make EyeCare of Palatine a leader in cutting-edge vision care. His clinical interests include specialty contact lens fitting with an emphasis on scleral lens design and multifocal gas permeable lenses, anterior segment disease, and dry eye assessment and treatment.

When he is away from the office, Dr. Kubicki enjoys running, biking, and traveling and is an avid Bears fan.