Our Doctors - Illinois Eye Center of Central Illinois

Our Doctors

Our Ophthalmologists

Illinois Eye Center is the only medical facility in Central Illinois to offer seven different fellowships amongst our physicians within one practice eliminating the need for patients to drive to Chicago or Iowa for specialized treatment or surgery.

Our M.D.’s specialize in eye and vision care, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease and provide comprehensive eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, prescribe and administer medication and perform surgery.

Thomas Wyman, MD

Since joining Dr. George Wyman's practice in 1977, Dr. Thomas Wyman has been a major force in the development of outpatient eye surgery in Peoria. As a cataract surgeon, he has contributed to new developments in lens implants, anesthesia practices, and surgical techniques.
Raised in Peoria, Dr. Wyman received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and medical degree from Chicago Medical School. He served an internship at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, and his residency in Ophthalmology at Rush Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital in Chicago. He was a surgeon at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver before coming to Peoria where he and his wife currently reside.

Dr. Wyman was instrumental in bringing refractive surgery for high myopia (nearsightedness) to the Peoria area. He has attended numerous courses in refractive services and performs a full range including Laser Vision Correction, PRK and LASIK. He was a principal investigator with the CRS LASIK study to aid in approval of LASIK by the FDA and has participated in multiple clinical trials.

	Cataract Surgeon
	Refractive Surgeon
	B.S. University of Wisconsin
	Doctorate of Medicine: Chicago Medical School
	Internship: Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, AZ.
	Ophthalmology Residency: Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago
	Surgeon: Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver

	Member: Numerous National and International Surgical and Medical Societies and a national instructor in cataract surgery techniques.

	Faculty: University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and Chicago
	Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

Steven Sicher, MD

Dr. Steven Sicher, a fellowship-trained specialist in corneal and external eye diseases, is a cum laude graduate of Harvard University and received his medical training at Rush Medical College in Chicago. He completed his internship and residency training in ophthalmology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He continued with fellowship training in cornea, external diseases, and uveitis at the Francis I. Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalomology, University of California, San Francisco. A New York native, Dr. Sicher opened his practice in Peoria in 1980.

Dr. Sicher has been performing refractive surgery in the Peoria area since 1984 when Radial Keratotomy was first introduced in the U.S. Since that time, Dr. Sicher has been fully trained in a full complement of refractive surgery. He performs Laser Vision Correction, PRK and LASIK. He was a principal investigator with the CRS LASIK Study to aid in approval of LASIK by the FDA.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Sicher lives in Peoria with his wife, a Peoria native. They have two sons and a daughter.

	Cornea and External Diseases
	Lasik Surgeon
	B.S.: cum laude Harvard University
	Doctorate of Medicine: Rush Medical College in Chicago
	Internship and Residency: Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City

	Fellowship in Cornea and external Diseases and Uveitis: Francis I. Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco

	Faculty: Chief of the Section of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria since 1982
	Faculty: University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and Chicago

	University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago
	Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

Pete Lagouros, MD

Dr. Pete Lagouros, a fellowship trained specialist in Vitreo-Retinal diseases, joined the Illinois Eye Center in 1986. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, completed his medical training at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and served his internship at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Dr. Lagouros then returned to Chicago, where he completed his residency in Ophthalmology and fellowship training in vitreo-retinal diseases at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary. He was named House staff Clinician of the Year in 1985.

With his special interest in diabetic eye diseases, Dr. Lagouros was a guest lecturer on diabetic retinopathy at Aravind Eye Hospital in India. A Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, he has co-authored numerous medical journal articles related to diseases and injuries that affect the eye. He is on the faculty of the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and Chicago.

Dr. Lagouros was raised in Peoria Heights and resides there with his wife, a Peoria attorney, and their four sons.

	B.S. University of Illinois
	B.A. University of Illinois
	Doctorate of Medicine: University of Illinois, Chicago
	Internship: St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria Ophthalmology
	Residency: University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary
	Fellowship in Vitreo-Retinal Diseases: University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary
	Guest Lecturer: On diabetic retinopathy, Aravind Eye Hospital, India
	Faculty: University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and Chicago
	Member: Vitreous Society
	Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

J. Patrick Rhode, MD

Dr. Patrick Rhode, a fellowship-trained physician and surgeon specializing in glaucoma, is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He completed his internship at Illinois Masonic Medical Center followed by residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago. Following residency, he became an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois and served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Rhode completed his training with a fellowship in glaucoma at the Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago and then joined the Illinois Eye Center in 1995. His specialty includes management of glaucoma; a condition that involves pressure related damage to the eye. Treatment options include laser surgery, medications and traditional surgery.

Dr. Rhode, a native of Piper City, IL resides in Peoria Heights with his wife, a radiologist, and their two children.

	Glaucoma Specialist
	Doctorate of Medicine: University of Illinois School of Medicine, Chicago
	Internship: Illinois Masonic Medical Center
	Ophthalmology Residency: University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago
	Fellowship in Glaucoma: University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago
	Faculty: University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and Chicago
	Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

Jean Vahey, MD

Dr. Jean Vahey: is a fellowship-trained specialist in both pediatric eye diseases and vitreoretinal disease. She completed her internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland and her residency in ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Florida. Dr. Vahey continued with subspecialty training at the University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary, where she completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, and at West Virginia University, Morgantown, where she completed a fellowship in retina and vitreous disease.

Dr. Vahey, who was raised in Ohio, is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology a board certified member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the Vitreous Society. She has contributed to articles in OPHTHALMIC SURGERY and the JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS. At the Illinois Eye Center, her concentration is pediatric eye care and strabismus.

Residing in Peoria, Dr. Vahey's greatest pleasure outside of work is spending quality time with her two daughters.

	Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus
	Internship: Mount Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
	Ophthalmology Residency: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/ University of Miami, FL
	Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus: University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago
	Fellowship in Retina and Vitreous Disease: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
	Faculty: University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and Chicago
	Member: American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Vitreous Society
	Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

Catherine Cuite, MD

Dr. Catherine Cuite is a fellowship-trained specialist in oculoplastic surgery. She completed her internship at Norwalk Hospital/Yale University in Connecticut and her ophthalmology residency at Casey Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Cuite continued with subspecialty training at the Dean A. McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where she completed fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery. She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Originally from New York, Dr. Cuite resides in Princeville with her husband and son. Her professional credentials appear below.

	Oculoplastic Surgery
	B.A.: Harvard & Radcliffe
	Doctorate of Medicine: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
	Internship: Norwalk Hospital/Yale University
	Ophthalmology Residency:Casey Eye Institute, Portland, OR
	Fellowship in Oculoplastic Surgery:
	Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK
	Faculty: University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and Chicago
	Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

Yannis Kolettis, MD

Dr. Yannis Kolettis is a fellowship-trained specialist in refractive surgery and completed his fellowship training with Dr. Ioanis Pallikaris, the physician credited with pioneering the LASIK procedure. He completed his internship at the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Virginia and his residency at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Dr. Kolettis continued with subspecialty training at the University of Crete in Greece. He is a board certified member of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the International Society of Refractive Surgery. Although Dr. Kolettis is originally from the east coast, he now resides in Dunlap with his wife and 2 children.

	Fellowship-trained, Refractive Surgeon
	B.S. magna cum laude University of Maryland
	Doctorate of Medicine: University of Virginia, Charlottesville
	Internship: Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
	Ophthalmology Residency: University of Virginia, Charlottesville
	Fellowship in Refractive Surgery: University of Crete, Greece
	Faculty: University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and Chicago
	Member: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery,
	International Society of Refractive Surgery
	Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

Steven J. Lichtenstein, MD

Dr. Steven J. Lichtenstein is a fellowship-trained specialist in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. He completed his internship at the University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals in Louisville, Kentucky and his residency in ophthalmology at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Lichtenstein continued with subspecialty training at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital in Massachusetts where he completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.

In 1988, Dr. Lichtenstein began serving as an Instructor for the clinical faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science for the University of Louisville School of Medicine: from 1990 to 2005, he served as Assistant Clinical Professor.

He is currently an Associate Clinical Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at both Peoria and Chicago.

Dr. Lichtenstein has lectured extensively throughout the United States and Japan on Pediatric Ophthalmology and ophthalmic pharmacology.

He has served as the Chair for the Section on Ophthalmology of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, and lived in Louisville, Kentucky for 29 years. Dr. Lichtenstein and his wife, Pam, an ophthalmic medical technologist with the Illinois Eye Center, reside in Peoria. They have three children, the eldest is a former Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, the middle, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and their youngest, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

	Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus
	B.A. Biology LaSalle College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
	M.S. in Anatomy, University of Louisville, Kentucky
	Doctorate of Medicine: University of Louisville School of Medicine
	Internship: University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals, Department of Internal Medicine

	Residency in Ophthalmology: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, New Haven, Connecticut

	Fellowship: Harvard Medical School Children's Hospital Boston, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston, Massachusetts
	Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Surgeons

	Faculty: Visiting Associate Clinical Professor Departments of Surgery & Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria and Chicago

	Member: Pediatric Advisory Committee, Prevent Blindness America
	Member: American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

Quentin Allen, MD

Born in Champaign-Urbana, Dr. Allen graduated with honors from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and received his medical degree from Durham, NC's Duke University. While completing his medical degree, Dr. Allen served as a research fellow and received an award from Bristol Myers Squibb for his work in the field of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Dr. Allen completed his internship at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Allen completed his ophthalmology residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. During his residency, Dr. Allen completed eye trauma surgery training in Mexico City, Mexico where he became fluent in Spanish. His senior research project while at Cleveland Clinic evaluating postoperative outcomes for cataract surgery was chosen as the first place paper. Scoring in the 99th percentile nationwide, Dr. Allen became board certified in 2000.

After leaving Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Allen worked in a group ophthalmology practice in Akron, Ohio. He was appointed Associate Professor for Akron City Hospital and served as the physician advisor to the Portage County Diabetes Association. He accepted a position for the Cleveland Clinic Florida in Fort Lauderdale where he assumed multiple leadership roles during his tenure, including his appointment as chair of the Cleveland Clinic Florida World Class Service team and chair of the Physician Satisfaction Committee.

Dr. Allen was one of the first ophthalmologists in South Florida to be approved for the ReSTOR bifocal cataract implants procedure. He has extensive experience in cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, diabetic eye care and advanced ophthalmic surgical techniques. Dr. Allen has lectured extensively at local and national meetings for various professional organizations and agencies.

Dr. Allen and his wife, Nicole who is a school teacher, enjoy spending their free time in their new home in Dunlap with their two Shih-tzus, Ally and Lunna.

	B.S. Morehouse College - Atlanta, GA
	Doctorate of Medicine:Duke University School of Medicine
	Internship:Mayo Clinic - Jacksonville, FL
	Ophthalmology Residency:Cleveland Clinic Foundation
	Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology

	Member: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, National Medical Association, American Medical Association

	Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology

Our Optometrists

A Doctor of Optometry is an eye care professional who is a primary care clinician for both vision and ocular health concerns. Optometrists are trained to diagnose, manage, and treat a multitude of visual and ocular health-related concerns, including but not limited to, fitting and prescribing glasses and contact lenses, diagnosing and treating muscular abnormalities, treating minor ocular injuries, diagnosing and treating diseases such as glaucoma and diagnosing others such as diabetic retinopathy.

Donald Buehler, OD

Dr. Donald Buehler is a graduate of Indiana University School of Optometry. He graduated with high honors from Western Illinois University. Dr. Buehler is originally from Peoria and graduated from Manual High School. He completed the following internships:

	Fort Wayne VA Hospital, Indianapolis
	Fort Benjamin-Harrison Army Base
	Indianapolis University Low Vision Clinic

Dr. Buehler joined Illinois Eye Center in 1994. He is licensed to perform diagnostic and therapeutic optometry. He has completed specialty training in contact lens fitting and works with patients who require bifocal lenses, have astigmatism or corneal deformities.

A former president of the Illinois Valley Optometric Association and a current member of the American Optometric Association and the Illinois Optometric Association since 1985.

Dr. Buehler is married to Dr. Christine Buehler, a local pediatrician, and they have two daughters.

	B.S.: Western Illinois University , Macomb , IL , with honors
	Doctorate of Optometry: Indiana University School of Optometry
	Feinbloom Low Vision Award, Irvin M. Borish Award, Member of Beta Sigma Kappa, Optometric Honors Society

	Clinical Rotations: Indiana University Community Eye Clinic, Hawley Army Community Hospital (Fort Benjamin Harrison , IN) Fort Wayne VA Medical Center, Illinois Street Eye Clinic, Indianapolis , IN.

	Member: American Optometric Association, Illinois Optometric Association

Thomas Kirchgessner, OD

Dr. Thomas Kirchgessner completed his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport , Iowa . He earned his Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Kirchgessner has completed the following internships:

	Scott Air Force Base in O'fallon, Illinois
	Mountain Home VAMC in Mountain Home, Tennessee
	Illinois Eye Institute Pediatrics Clinic, Chicago Illinois
	Wolfe Eye Clinic in Cedar Rapids , Iowa .

Dr. Kirchgessner is a Member of the American Optometric Association. He is fully licensed to diagnose and treat most eye diseases. He has special training on the fitting of all contact lenses.

Dr. Kirchgessner joined Illinois Eye Center in 2000. He was born and raised in Peoria where he resides with his wife and three children.

He enjoys spending his free time outdoors.

	Peoria Notre Dame High School
	B.S. St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA
	Doctorate of Optometry: Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago
	Feinbloom Low Vision Award, Irvin M. Borish Award, Member of Beta Sigma Kappa, Optometric Honors Society

	Internships: Scott Air Force Base, O'fallon, IL ; Mountain Home VAMC, Mountain Home, TN; Illinois Eye Center Pediatrics Clinic, Chicago Illinois

	Wolfe Eye Clinic, Cedar Rapids, IA.
	Member: American Optometric Association,
	Illinois Optometric Association

Jacqueline Crow, OD

Dr. Jacqueline Crow graduated from Indiana University with a Doctor of Optometry; her undergraduate degree was in music performance. A native of Peoria, she is a Richwoods High School alumna. During her time in optometry school, Dr. Crow was part of the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society and volunteered in Guanajuato, Mexico, through Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. Additionally, she completed the following clinical rotations:

	Indianapolis Eye Care Center, Indianapolis, IN
	Huntington VA Medical Center, Huntington, WV
	Atwater and Community Eye Care Centers, Bloomington, IN
	Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN

Dr. Crow joined Illinois Eye Center in 2009. She is licensed to perform primary care optometry, including the treatment and management of ocular disease. Her research was presented at The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology conference, and she has completed specialty training in contact lens fitting.

In her free time, Dr. Crow enjoys classical music and spending time outdoors with her dog.

	Richwoods High School
	B.M.: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
	Doctorate of Optometry: Indiana University School of Optometry
	Rotations: Indianapolis Eye Care Center, Indianapolis, IN; Huntington VA Medical Center, Huntington, WV; Atwater and Community Eye Care Centers, Bloomington, IN; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN

	Internships: Scott Air Force Base, O'fallon, IL ; Mountain Home VAMC, Mountain Home, TN; Illinois Eye Center Pediatrics Clinic, Chicago Illinois

	Member: Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society, American Optometric Association, Illinois Optometric Association

Our Technicians



Rex Brown, Certified Orthoptist	Dennis Cioni, R.N. C.O.T.	Pat Kaiser, C.O.T.	Pam Lichtenstein, C.O.M.T.



Vicki Mahrt, C.O.T.	Ron Moss, C.O.T.

Illinois Eye Center
8921 North Wood Sage Road
Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 243-2400
Toll Free: (800) 872-4651