Top 10 Best Optometrists In Chicago Illinois + Optometrist Vs Ophthalmologist

Getting an annual eye exam is an important part of taking care of your eyes as well as your overall health. Going to the eye doctor doesn’t have to be scary. Even if you haven’t been to the office in a while.

We all know how important it is to get an eye exam every two years. But if you’re an adult, it might be a good idea to come in and get an eye exam. Your optometrist might suggest that you come in more often, but it’s still important to make sure you get an eye exam as often as possible.

You might also need to come in for an eye exam for other reasons, like if you’re having sudden eye pains, if you have an eye infection, if you’re having double vision, or something else. Keep reading to find out about our list of top 10 best optometrists in Chicago Illinois.

 ➡ A podcast of this article has been provided for your listening pleasure:

1. Dr. Sattie Sarai

Dr. Sattie Sarai is a highly experienced optometrist with over 14 years of experience in the Chicago area. He has provided Village Eyecare with a wide range of valuable services, including cutting-edge technology for advanced diagnostic capabilities.

Dr. Sarai is consistently at the forefront of developments in the optometry field, and has extensive experience in the use of Scleral lenses and Synergeyes and Duette lenses for the treatment of a variety of eye conditions, including keratoconus, corneal eczema, dry eye syndrome, myopia control with orthokeratology and the treatment and management of glaucoma.

Dr Sarai is a top-notch eye doctor who knows his stuff. He’s always up-to-date on eye health, leading and attending seminars and conferences to stay informed. His services include eye exams, contact lens fittings, dry eye treatment, laser vision correction, keratoconus care, and diabetes management.

 

2. Dr. Tanvi Mago

Ms. Mago has extensive experience in the field of eye care. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston and her doctoral studies at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, where she obtained her Doctorate in Optometry.

Subsequently, Ms. Mago completed a Postgraduate Residency Program at a New York State University College of Ophthalmology affiliate clinic in Manhattan, New York. Subsequently, she completed a fellowship program in the New York State University Ophthalmology program in Manhattan VA Hospital.

Ms. Mago is currently a Clinical Instructor at the Illini Eye Institute, providing guidance and instruction to students in the field of ophthalmic services.

Her primary areas of practice include: contact lens exams, dry eye treatment, ocular and eye and vision examinations, eyewear, Glaucoma Management & Treatment, Hard to Fit Contacts, Pediatric Optometry, Pink Eye Treatment, Pre-op and Post-op LASIK Treatment, Prescription Glass, Vision Rehabilitation, Common Eye Injuries, Scleral Lenses, and Keratoconus.

 

3. Dr. Shira Gelb

Dr. Shira Gelb is a Chicago native who went to college and got her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois. After that, she went on to get her optometry degree from the College of Optometry in Illinois, graduating in 2004. She also did some internships at West Side veterans hospital, Illinois eye institute, and St. James hospital.

She’s a member of the American Optometric Association and Illinois Optometric Association.

She’s also an associate member of COVD and a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. For the past 12 years, Dr. Gelb has been providing comprehensive eye exams, diagnosing and treating eye diseases and disorders, pre and post-op Lasik co-management, emergency eye care, vision therapy/occupation therapy, and optical services in and around West Rogers Park.

 

4. Dr. Matthew Gifford

Born and raised in Chicago, Matthew Gifford holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Optometry, both from UIUC, in 1997. Subsequently, he completed his externship training at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. Currently, he is married and resides in Chicago, Illinois.

He is the proud father of two grown stepchildren. When not working, Matthew enjoys leisure activities such as travel, golf, music, dining, and spending quality time with his loved ones. In addition to his day-to-day duties as an Optometrist, Matthew also volunteers in Chicago as a volunteer Eye Care Volunteer, traveling with his wife to provide eye care, eyeglass, and medication to individuals in need.

In May 2017, Matthew and his wife traveled to the African nation of Ivory Coast, where they met with mothers and children suffering from corneal disease.

 

5. Dr. Juanna Slusky

Dr. Slusky received her bachelor’s degree in visual science from UIUC and her master’s in optometry from UIUC, where she graduated Magna cum laude in optometry. She was a member of UIUC’s Tomb and key honor societies, as well as the international honor society Beta Sigma Kappa.

Dr. Slusky is not only an expert in comprehensive eye examinations, but she is passionate about pediatric vision care as well as the care of the adult’s front segment of the eye. She specializes in vision and eye health, with an emphasis on eye allergies and dry eye.

She is also an expert in specialized contact lens care, and has received highly recommended recommendations from contact lens industry leaders on the best options in vision care. What is Dr. Slusky’s specialty? Dry eye treatment Complete eye care Contact lenses Pediatric optometry Cancer screening & detection.

 

6. Dr. Colman R. Kraff

Dr. Kraff received his medical degree from Rush medical college, Rush University, in 1985. He is one of only three primary doctor exciter laser trainer in the U.S. Dr. Kraff has completed tens of thousands laser vision correction procedures with the utmost accuracy, safety and satisfaction.

He also performed the 1st excimer laser procedure in Chicagoland using VISX excimer laser. Dr. KRAFF has lectured doctors all over the world. Dr. Kolman R. Kraff performs treatments and diagnostics at Kraff eye institute. Dr. Kraff Eye Institute uses the latest and the most advanced instruments and procedures to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.

Our laser vision correction physicians are among the most experienced in the Midwest.

 

7. Dr. Sunshine Chu

Dr. Sunshine is a Chicago-based optometrist who grew up in Brooklyn NY. She’s passionate about helping people keep their vision healthy and improve their lives. She’s a graduate of Sony Brook University in Biology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Optometry.

She’s dedicated to giving personalized care to each patient based on their individual needs. She’s an ophthalmologist who helps diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses and conditions that affect your eyes, eyesight, and the rest of your body. He owns an eye clinic in Illinois that goes by the name Eyeedo Sunshine LLC Center.

 

8. Dr. Charita Smith

Dr Charita Smith is an Optometrist based in Chicago, Illinois who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and disorders related to the eye and the visual system. She has a background in pre-university education and four years of post-university education, leading to her doctor of optometry degree.

Her active license number for Optometry in the state of Illinois is 045010855. She is a state-licensed eye health care professional.

 

9. Dr. Kaori Asano

Kaori Asano, MD is an optometrist practicing in Chicago, IL. Dr. Asano has more than 17 years of medical practice experience. He obtained his medical degree from Illinois College of Optometry At Chicago in 2006.

He is licensed to practice medicine by the state board of Illinois (doc. 009874). Dr. Asano is available for appointments, preventive care, medical care, and ongoing patient care at his Chicago, IL medical office at 3241 south Michigan Avenue.

 

10. Dr. Gabrielle M. Szwajca

Dr. Gabby is a Chicago-based Optometrist with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Optometry from UI and a PhD in Optometry from College of Optometry. During her time in the Optometry School and as an Optometrist, Dr. Gabby has been involved in a variety of organizations, such as SVOSH and OneSight.

Additionally, she has had the privilege of travelling extensively to offer eye care services to underprivileged populations, such as Mexico, Peru, and Nepal, where she has administered eye exams and glasses to individuals living in poverty.

In addition to her native Polish and Spanish, Dr. Schroder has a passion for working with children and providing pediatric eye exams. When not working on her practice, she is an avid runner and baker, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Roman, and their Welsh corgis, Stanley.

What is The Difference Between An Optometrist and Ophthalmologist?

 

Optometrist:

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry who provides primary eye care services, similar to that of a general practitioner. Optometrists specialize in optimizing visual acuity and managing and optimizing vision as it changes over the course of a person’s life.

Their services may include eye exams, vision tests, eyeglass prescription updates, eye wear solutions, contact lens fittings, and examination for common ocular diseases and conditions.

 

Ophthalmologist:

A doctor who practices medicine and surgery is an ophthalmologist. They are a secondary-level provider of eye care, often working alongside an optometrist. It is similar to comparing an optometrist to a cardiologist. An ophthalmologist provides the same services as an optometrist, and many of them offer complete eye care.

However, if a person has a heart condition and needs more advanced care, they should consult a cardiologist. Ophthalmologists complete medical school and specialize in specific ophthalmological fields. Some optometrists and ophthalmologists choose to sub specialize in specific areas, which usually requires an additional year of specialized training.

Some of these subspecialties include glaucoma and retinal conditions, pediatric eye conditions, plastic surgery, interventional eye care, and more.

 

When To Visit An Eye Doctor?

If you’re having eye pain, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor right away. It could be a sign that you have an eye infection, or it could be something more serious. If you’re only having mild eye pain, don’t worry too much.

But if it’s really bad or it’s been going on for a while, you should book an appointment right away. If you’re feeling tired, it could be an ocular infection. Seasonal allergies, or even the flu, can cause tired eyes, so it’s important to get it checked out right away.

If you suddenly start to see blurry vision or have trouble focusing, it could be a sign of a bigger health problem. If this happens, you should get an emergency eye exam right away. But if it just comes and goes or is only one eye, it’s best to get a regular exam from your eye doctor.

If you’ve been getting more and more blurry over time, don’t worry – it’s probably just your eyes changing. You should see an optometrist right away. If you have dry or itchy eyes, it could be because of seasonal allergies or too much screen time.

But it could also be a sign of something more serious like dry eye, which is a long-term condition that you can treat with a range of noninvasive treatments at home or in the office.

 

To End,

If you want to keep your eyesight clear and healthy for the rest of your life, it’s important to get an eye exam from a reliable optometrist. These exams are key in preventing a bunch of diseases and conditions that don’t always show up right away, especially in the beginning.

With a good eye exam and an early diagnosis of your vision issues, you’ll be able to get the help you need right away, which could even save your eyesight. If you haven’t had an eye exam in a while or haven’t had one in a while, it can be scary to go to the eye doctor.

Even if you have great eyesight, you should still go for regular eye exams for early detection and to get an accurate picture of your anatomy. Accordingly, we made an attempt to provide you with a list of the top 10 best optometrists in Chicago Illinois to help you find your eye doctor easier and more wisely.