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  • Dr. Vrabec greeting patients

Our Doctors

Surgeons

Michael Vrabec, MD, FACS

Michael P. Vrabec, MD

Dr. Vrabec, a native of Wisconsin, graduated with honors (AOA) from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, where he also completed his residency training in ophthalmology. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he is certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery.

Dr. Vrabec completed fellowships in corneal transplantation at the University of Iowa and another fellowship in refractive surgery at the Hunkeler Eye Center in Kansas City, MO. For six years, he directed the corneal transplant and refractive surgery service at the University of Vermont, earning tenure in 1994. Since that time, he has maintained an active practice in the Fox Valley in small incision, no-stitch, no-shot High Definition Laser Cataract Surgery™ (including lifestyle and toric IOLs), refractive surgery (including ICL and PRK), corneal transplantation (PK, DSAEK, and DMEK) and other types of laser surgery. He has performed over 30,000 refractive procedures, nearly 50,000 cataract surgeries, and is the only double board-certified surgeon in Wisconsin (in both LASIK and cataract surgery) by the American Board of Eye Surgeons. He was the first doctor in Wisconsin to perform iLASIK, High Definition Laser Cataract Surgery, INTACS, ECP laser treatment, the Verisyse implantable contact lens, and the Fugo blade. He also performed the first laser-assisted cornea transplant in Wisconsin and was the first surgeon in the state to be included in an FDA study on corneal collagen crosslinking (a treatment for keratoconus), demonstrating his commitment to bringing patients the best eye technology the world has to offer.

Dr. Vrabec has authored over 50 professional journal articles and two textbooks and belongs to numerous professional societies. He has lectured and taught extensively on medical and surgical aspects of eye care to doctors in 30 countries on five different continents. He received the American Academy of Ophthalmology Honor Award in 1997 and was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010.

Douglas Salm, MD

Douglas F. Salm, MD

Dr. Salm is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a native of the Fox Valley area. He was valedictorian at Appleton North High School, and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he also finished his medical school training. He began his residency in Grand Rapids, MI where he did a rotating internship. From there, he spent three years in Chicago, IL where he finished his prestigious ophthalmology residency at Loyola University, gaining exposure to all areas of medical and surgical eye care.

Dr. Salm has particular interests in diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, cataract surgery, and glaucoma. His training included Avastin and Lucentis treatment for macular degeneration as well as a high volume of cataract surgeries.

Dr. Salm is excited to be back in the Fox Valley and to practice alongside a group of doctors that have shown their commitment to providing the highest quality eye care possible.

Mark Austin, MD

Mark C. Austin, MD

Dr. Austin graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota with high honors. He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1989. During medical school, he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Austin completed his transitional year internship at the Marshfield Clinic.

Dr. Austin completed his ophthalmology residency at Willis Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he trained in medical and surgical treatments of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and general ophthalmic conditions. Dr. Austin is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology as well as a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Austin has practiced in the Appleton area since 1995 where he developed Fox Cities Eye Clinic. His practice focused on all ophthalmic conditions, but especially cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye care, and macular degeneration. He provides high quality small-incisional cataract surgery.

Family is most important to Dr. Austin and his wife, Jill. They are the proud parents of three grown children who have all graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison. The family enjoys cheering for the Badgers and the Packers. Dr. Austin enjoys many outdoor activities including golf, skiing, and boating.

Charisse M. Chin, DO

Dr. Charisse Chin is a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in disorders of the eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit. She performs both functional and cosmetic evaluations, treatments, and surgery.

Dr. Chin completed a fellowship in oculoplastic, reconstructive, orbit, and skull base surgery at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While at Wills Eye Hospital, she took part in resident education and staffed the Wills Eye Emergency Room. Dr. Chin completed her ophthalmology residency and internship training at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Chin has a formal undergraduate and graduate education in public health with degrees from the University of Southern California and Tulane University.  She has a passion for improving health outcomes and believes in approaching her patients holistically.

She speaks English and Spanish and she is currently accepting new patients.

Phil M. Smith, MD

Dr. Smith attended Texas Tech University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Medicine degrees. He then completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo, Texas, where he was awarded outstanding first year resident in internal medicine and served as chief resident of internal medicine. Dr. Smith then attended Friedenwald Eye Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, where he served as chief resident, completing his ophthalmology residency in 2006.

Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Smith specializes in comprehensive medical and surgical ophthalmology with an emphasis on cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Smith has over fifteen years of experience performing cataract and refractive surgery using the most advanced technology and surgical techniques. He has focused on the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and has extensive training in microinvasive glaucoma surgeries for the treatment of glaucoma. Dr. Smith strives to provide patient-centered, compassionate care to his patients.

During his time away from the office, Dr. Smith can be found playing ice hockey, scuba diving, kayaking, golfing, cooking, and traveling with his family. He is an accomplished musician, earning a scholarship to play trombone in both the Texas Tech Marching Band and Jazz Band, playing cello in the Plainview Symphony, and mastering the Scottish Great Highland bagpipes.

Optometrists

Katie Abata, OD

Katie Abata, OD

Dr. Abata received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2009. She then received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. Her interests include primary care, specialty contact lenses, dry eye, pre- and post-operative cataract and refractive surgery, and glaucoma.

Dr. Abata is a Yooper coming to us from Iron River, MI. In her free time, Dr. Abata enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, kayaking, arts and crafts, and most importantly, time with her friends and family. Dr. Abata loves working with and meeting new people. She focuses on patient education and strives to exceed the individual needs of her patients.

Garry Brown, OD

Garry Brown, OD

Dr. Brown is a native of Indiana and a graduate of the Indiana University School of Optometry. He has been practicing in Oshkosh since 1985. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and is a past president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association and the Lake Winnebago Optometric Society.

Dr. Brown enjoys seeing patients of all ages. He provides routine eye examinations, contact lens fittings, diagnosis and management of ocular disease, as well as pre- and post-operative care of cataract and refractive surgery patients.

Dr. Brown is married and has two children. Outside of the office, he is an avid supporter of his children’s activities and enjoys golfing and traveling.

Dean Delwiche, OD

Dr. Delwiche has been practicing in the Oshkosh and Fox Cities area since 1990. He received his undergraduate degree from UW Madison and another bachelor of science degree in visual science as well as his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He and his wife reside in Oshkosh.

They have three adult children. When Dr. Delwiche isn’t caring for his patients, he enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, snowmobiling, running, and hiking.

Dylan Foss, OD

Dr. Foss grew up in Haddonfield, NJ. He studied biochemistry and molecular biology at Marquette University. From there, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1998. He then moved to Oshkosh and has lived there since.

Dr Foss’ professional interests include general optometry, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. He is a member of the American Optometric Society and the Wisconsin Optometric Society.

He and his wife have five children, most of whom are grown. Together they pursue hiking, cross-country skiing, and kayaking. Dr. Foss is also enthusiastic about home-brewing, calligraphy, gardening, and reading, especially books by Evelyn Waugh and Walker Percy. He is the son of an architect, and because of that, has developed a love of home improvement projects, which he completes as time allows.

Mindy Harrington, OD

Mindy Harrington, OD

Dr. Harrington grew up in Ishpeming, MI. She received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan Technological University and graduated summa cum laude. She went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry degree from Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, where she graduated with distinction.

Dr. Harrington was active in many organizations during optometry school, including Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH). In 2018, she took a mission trip to La Esperanza, Honduras to provide eye care to underserved members of the community. She is currently a member of the American Optometric Association and the Wisconsin Optometric Association.

Dr. Harrington loves being able to help patients better understand their eye health. Her optometric interests include care for the whole family, contact lenses, and ocular disease.

In her free time, Dr. Harrington enjoys any activity that allows her to spend time with her family. She also enjoys being outside, playing tennis, crafting, and reading.

Ross Jensen, OD

Ross Jensen, OD

Dr. Jensen received his undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 2003 and went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Ohio State University College of Optometry in 2011. 

Having grown up in Gurnee, IL, he moved to Wisconsin to practice in Green Bay and Appleton after graduation. His experience is in primary care optometry, contact lens fitting, pediatrics, pre- and post-operative cataract and refractive surgery, glaucoma, and disease treatment.

In his free time, Dr. Jensen enjoys time with his wife and dogs, as well as hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports. Dr. Jensen is grateful to work with the doctors and staff at Valley Eye Associates and provide exceptional eye care to the Fox Valley.

Adam Kluck, OD

Dr. Kluck is a native of central Wisconsin. He graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and a Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University–Bloomington. During external rotations, he concentrated on advanced contact lens fitting, managing ocular disease, and primary care for all ages. He particularly enjoyed working with veterans at the VA hospital in Green Bay.

Following a passion for ocular disease, Dr. Kluck then completed a 13-month residency at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. There, he worked with world-renowned doctors as they performed cutting-edge ophthalmologic treatments and surgeries. The experience allowed him to receive highly specialized training in cornea, glaucoma, uveitis, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, retina, cataracts, and ocular oncology. To further his commitment to lifelong learning and the profession, Dr. Kluck has given continuing education lectures, became certified by the American Board of Optometry, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Outside the office, Dr. Kluck is extremely passionate about fishing and hunting. Additionally, he enjoys golf, downhill skiing, and is an avid Wisconsin sports fan.

Dr. Kluck loves eyecare, as it allows him to develop connections with people and make a meaningful difference in their lives. His goal is always to help patients better understand their eye health and provide personalized care. It is an absolute privilege for him to serve the people in his home state of Wisconsin.

Natalie Kurth, OD

Dr. Kurth, a native of New London, WI, completed her Bachelor of Science degree in biology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2017. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Indiana University School of Optometry in May 2021 with high academic honors.

Her clinical interests include primary care, specialty contact lenses, ocular disease, and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Kurth is a member of the Wisconsin Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society, and the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), with whom she traveled to Jamaica to serve those in need.

In her spare time, Dr. Kurth enjoys spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, traveling, and cooking.

Kimberly Landwehr, OD

Kimberly Landwehr, OD

Dr. Landwehr is a native of Appleton. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry.

Dr. Landwehr specializes in primary care optometry including eye health exams for the whole family, contact lens fittings, pre- and post-operative surgery care, and urgent care services. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Wisconsin Optometric Association.

Elizabeth Melchert, OD

Elizabeth Melchert, OD

Dr. Melchert was born and raised in the Fox Valley, graduated cum laude from Ripon College and magna cum laude from the Illinois College of Optometry. Her clinical interests include routine eye exams, contact lens fittings, pre- and post-operative cataract and refractive surgery, glaucoma treatment, and other ocular diseases.

Dr. Melchert is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Wisconsin Optometric Association, the Fox Cities Optometric Association and is certified by the American Board of Optometry. She is also a past member of Beta Sigma Kappa, an optometric honor fraternity that supports research, as well as Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), having traveled to Guatemala and the Dominican Republic to give eye exams to those in need.

Daniel Nowak, OD

Daniel Nowak, OD

Dr. Nowak received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He then attended the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where he received his master’s in visual science in 1989 followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1991.

Dr. Nowak’s ocular interests include primary eye care, vision enhancement procedures (including iLASIK, refractive lensectomy, and implantable contact lenses), and working with glaucoma patients. He is also interested in myopia control for children. Dr. Nowak is active in the Wisconsin Optometric Association, having volunteered on numerous committees, as well as served as president.

For recreation, Dr. Nowak enjoys spending time with his family, biking, golfing, and skiing. Dr. Nowak splits his time between the Valley Eye East and West locations.

Angela Rodriguez, OD

Angela Rodriguez, OD

Dr. Rodriguez, a native of Wisconsin, received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2007. She then received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2011.

Her clinical interests include primary care, contact lenses, pediatric vision, dry eye management, pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery, and glaucoma. Dr. Rodriguez is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Wisconsin Optometric Association, Lakeshore Optometric Society, and Volunteer Optometric Services of Humanity (VOSH), having traveled to Honduras and Haiti to give eye exams to those in need.

Her interests outside optometry include spending time with her husband and daughters, golfing, and fishing.

Melissa Metzger-Romatz, OD

Melissa Romatz, OD

Dr. Romatz has been seeing patients at Valley Eye Associates since 1995. She enjoys seeing patients of all ages, fitting contact lenses (including bifocal and specialty lenses), treating eye disease, and and pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery patients. She has her therapeutic license allowing her to treat eye diseases and remove foreign bodies from the eye.

Dr. Romatz is a graduate of Indiana University School of Optometry. She is a member of the Wisconsin Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the Contact Lens Section of the AOA.

Dr. Romatz lives in Hortonville with her husband and two children.

Brianne Scanlon, OD

Brianne Scanlon, OD

Dr. Scanlon, a Wisconsin native, received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2011. She went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2016 from the Illinois College of Optometry where she graduated cum laude and with honors from Beta Sigma Kappa and the Tomb and Key Honor Societies. She is currently a member of the American Optometric Association and the Wisconsin Optometric Association.

Dr. Scanlon is passionate about providing comprehensive eye care for the whole family. She has special interests in contact lenses and ocular disease, as well as providing pre- and post-operative care for surgical patients. What she values most in providing patient care is the relationships she is able to build with her patients.

Outside the office, Dr. Scanlon enjoys staying healthy and being active outdoors. She loves spending time with family and friends as often as possible and can usually be found cheering on all Wisconsin sports.

Sara Schalk, OD

Sara Schalk, OD

Dr. Schalk is a Minnesota native who has been practicing in Appleton since 2004. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Oregon and her master’s in anatomy and neurobiology from Colorado State University. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Wisconsin Optometric Association.

Dr. Schalk is dedicated to patients of all ages and especially enjoys working with children. She specializes in all forms of cataracts, glaucoma and other ocular diseases, urgent care for infections and corneal abrasions, pre- and post-operative care for surgical patients, and routine eye examinations. She has a special interest in neuro-optometry including double vision, headache evaluations, and vision problems related to head trauma.

Dr. Schalk has enjoyed going on optometric mission trips to Chile and Thailand as well as serving those in need locally. She also enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing, traveling, and reading.

Colin Sigmund, OD

Dr. Sigmund is a native of Green Bay. He graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and Indiana University-Bloomington with a Doctor of Optometry degree.

During his training, Dr. Sigmund concentrated on managing ocular disease, fitting contact lenses, co-managing surgical cases, and providing generalized eye care for all age groups. He received training at the regionally recognized Bennett and Bloom multi-specialty clinics in Louisville, KY. He has also trained at various VA hospitals in Baltimore, MD and here in Green Bay at the Milo C. Huempfner Clinic.

Dr. Sigmund enjoys spending time with his family and friends, is an avid Packer fan, and loves to travel. He is grateful to have the opportunity to serve his home community.

Parisa Sobhi, OD

Dr. Sobhi grew up in Iran and moved to the U.S. after high school. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado-Denver and graduated cum laude. She followed her passion for optometry by attending the Illinois College of Optometry, where she received her Doctor of Optometry.

Dr. Sobhi completed several externships in primary care optometry, contact lenses and cornea, pediatrics, cataract and refractive surgery management, glaucoma, and ocular diseases. Dr. Sobhi is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society and the American Optometric Association.

Dr. Sobhi enjoys providing vision care for her patients and goes above and beyond to help them better understand their eye health. Dr. Sobhi is excited and honored to serve the Northeast Wisconsin community.

Dr. Sobhi and her husband enjoy road trips, dining out, traveling, and supporting charities such Save the Children and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks and meditating.

Ryan Tetting, OD

Ryan Tetting, OD

Dr. Tetting, a native of Appleton, received his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Marian University in Fond du Lac in 1996. He returned to school and attended the Illinois College of Optometry where he received his master’s in visual science in 2006 and his Doctor of Optometry degree in 2008.

Dr. Tetting’s ocular management interests include primary care, pre- and post-operative cataract and refractive surgery care, glaucoma, and contact lenses. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Wisconsin Optometric Association.

Dr. Tetting’s interests beyond optometry include traveling and many outdoor and sporting activities with his wife and three boys.

Paul Thompson, OD

Paul Thompson, OD

Dr. Thompson is a graduate of New London High School in Wisconsin. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee and his Doctor of Optometry degree with honors from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.

Dr. Thompson has been the President of the Fox Valley Optometric Society and a member of the Wisconsin Optometric Association Board of Directors. He has been a leader in teaching optometry to other optometrists at educational meetings.

In addition to providing routine eye exams, Dr. Thompson also enjoys medical eye care and fitting contact lenses.

Ashley Torreano, OD

Dr. Torreano was born and raised in Green Bay. After graduating from Bay Port High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse majoring in biology with a concentration in biomedical sciences. After completing her undergraduate degree, she attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry where she received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2014.

She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Wisconsin Optometric Association. Her areas of interest include diagnosing and managing ocular disease and pediatric eye care. She also co-manages cataract and laser vision correction surgeries. 

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Torreano enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, as well as traveling, wine tasting, and cooking.

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