Introducing our doctors

I am a native of Central Kansas and an active member in local and national optometric organizations. After graduating from Kansas State University with a BS in Biology in 2004, I then attended the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry and graduated with multiple honors in 2008.

After receiving my degree I chose to further my education and was selected to complete an eye disease residency program at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital of the Gila River Indian Reservation. There I treated a variety of eye diseases and developed a strong interest in managing glaucoma, diabetic complications, and uveitis. My professional experience has strengthened my skills to co-manage more complicated cases with not only ophthalmologists but other medical providers.

I was fortunate to learn from some of the best contact lens educators and practitioners in the country. Since then I have helped thousands of patients with complicated eye diseases live life to its fullest.

I specialize in and take great pride in fitting "Hard to Fit" and specialty contact lenses for those patients who rely on them.

I am originally from the Midwest, born in Lake Forest (IL) and grew up in Lake Geneva (WI). I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in Spanish at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI while being a student athlete. I attended optometry school at NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL and graduated with Beta Sigma Kappa honors.

I have completed externships in various areas of optometry including contact lenses with specialty fittings, pediatrics with emphasis of strabismus and amblyopia, and low vision services.

Completing an internship at a multi-facet OD/MD practice has allowed me to become comfortable diagnosing and treating various ocular manifestations and diseases including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetes, and dry eye.

I enjoy the one-on-one relationship with the patient and experiencing that each case is unique. Building a strong professional trust is very important me, and it starts with patient education. Today's medical world is rapidly evolving and helping send a message of good overall health is also key to good ocular health. I look forward creating professional relationships with the people of the Phoenix area and tending to their individualized ocular and visual needs. In my spare time I enjoy visiting with family and friends, watching sports, and working out. I also have enjoyed some volunteer time participating in vision screenings for Special Olympic athletes.

I also have experience in sports vision, as I have been part of the vision screenings for the NFL's Miami Dolphins.

I grew up in a small farming town near Valparaiso, Indiana. I was fortunate enough to attend Indiana University on a full ride scholarship where I received a BS in Biology with highest distinction. During undergrad, I also took the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Wollongong, Australia. 

After undergrad, I attended Indiana University School of Optometry where I graduated with highest honors. Through clinical rotations at a veteran’s hospital, corneal referral center, and contact lens specialty clinic, I gained diverse experience in the management of ocular disease such as cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, keratoconus, and corneal transplants. I also became proficient at fitting soft and specialty contact lenses including multifocal contacts, scleral lenses, and ortho-K. 

During school, I worked as an associate instructor for multiple optometry courses and discovered my enjoyment of teaching. The best part of my job is having the opportunity to educate my patients about their eye health, any eye conditions they may have, and their options for best vision. I love finding solutions to help my patients see and function optimally in their schooling, careers, and hobbies. One area that I find particularly rewarding is the management of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. More options exist nowadays than ever before to slow down prescription progression and protect the longterm eye health of kids.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing slow-pitch softball, scuba diving, exploring Arizona with my wife, rooting for the Chicago Bears, and losing money in fantasy football.