Our exceptional, friendly staff is our greatest asset. They are excited about what they do, and they care personally about getting the best results for our patients.
Our receptionists will try to accommodate your busy schedule by finding appointments that suit your needs. We will help you understand your insurance coverage and if financial arrangements are necessary, we will be glad to help you develop a plan to make your vision care treatment possible.
Nikki is a wonderful addition to the Illiana Eyecare team. While she handles many administrative details and projects, you will also see her engaging in patient care. She spends time in both the Cedar Lake and Dyer offices and is able to answer questions regarding insurance, benefits and options. Her warmth and positive attitude will make you feel welcome. Nikki plays competitive volleyball and coaches highschool volleyball in the spring. She and her husband live in northwest Indiana with their greyhound, Zeke.
Michelle and our dispensary staff are highly trained to help you select the most appropriate frames and lenses to meet your individual needs. Michelle also takes care to properly fit and adjust your new glasses and assist you with any eye wear counseling. Subsequent adjustments are free of charge and if you have any questions or concerns she will be delighted to address them as meticulously as possible.
Michelle has over 30 years experience in the optical field and over 10 years experience at Illiana Eye Care. You may see Michelle in our dispenary assisting patients with frame and lens selections, adjustments and repairs, and contact lens training. Michelle also assists the doctors in pre-exam testing, lab expertise, and insurance. Michelle gradutated from the Allied School for Medical Billing and Coding.
Barb is a valued employee who is competent in many optical situations. She is able to assist during exams and answer billing questions you may have. Barb is gifted in helping you select glasses which are both functional and beautiful. She was raised in Lowell and is a graduate of Lowell High School. Along with her husband and daughter, Barb is a long time resident of Cedar Lake. She has a background in accounting and has enjoyed working in the business field for 20 years.
Karen is from Cedar Lake and is a busy mother of five children who are active in volleyball and soccer. Karen enjoys watching these games and also enjoys playing volleyball herself. She received her nursing degree from Purdue and worked as an ICU nurse before joining Illiana Eye Care. You will find Karen helping patients with exam testing and frame selection in both our Cedar Lake and Dyer offices.
Patti grew up in Grant Park, IL and is a longtime resident of northwest IN. She is a graduate of Illiana Christian High School and attended Calvin College. Her and her husband have three children who are involved in horsemanship. Patti enjoys boating and reading a good book.
Julie is a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington. She is a wife and mother of three children who have been very involved in the Lake Central choir and band programs. Julie has devoted much of her time to supporting music performances and competitions. She is an avid reader and enjoys camping and hiking with her family.
Vivian comes to Illiana Eyecare with over three years in optical experience. She graduated from T.F North High School and lived in Guatemala for two and half years. In her spare time she enjoys listening to music but also plays an instrument called the Marimba and participates in a cultural organization to conserve the Guatemalan culture. She is fluent in Spanish and loves working with people.
Karen Derks brings 15 years of optical experience to the Illiana Eye Care team. Karen is a lifelong Chicagoan and loves spending her time biking and hiking with her husband. She also enjoys listening to music and spending time with her granddaughter.