We’re sad and excited all at once. Sad because long-time Valley Eye Associates doctor Jennifer Unger is leaving our practice at the end of this month. We’re excited because she’s pursuing a new opportunity, one that we know she will excel in and will bring her joy.

In nearly eight years with VEA, Dr. Unger has become a well-known and trusted ophthalmologist who cares for her patients well and provides them with life-changing treatments that get them back to doing what they love most, with the people they love most.

Dr. Unger’s contributions to our practice are many, and she will be missed. The team at Valley Eye Associates, along with her patients, are all wishing her the very best as her career takes her down a new path.

If you are a patient of Dr. Unger, please know that we are already at work transitioning your care to another ophthalmologist in our practice. We will do this as quickly and as smoothly as possible to avoid gaps in treatment and to maintain appointments that have already been scheduled. If you have questions or know you need to be transferred to another doctor, you are welcome to call our office at (920) 739-4361. Otherwise, one of our representatives will be in touch soon to make alternative arrangements.

As always, we are committed to offering exceptional eye care to our patients in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, and the surrounding areas – especially during times of transition and change.

Valley Eye Associates feels extremely fortunate to have worked alongside Dr. Daniel L. Dale throughout the last several years. He has played an integral role in furthering the field of oculoplastics, and we are honored to have witnessed his contributions firsthand. We will always admire his unwavering commitment to patients as he constantly strived to better patients’ quality of life by improving their vision.

A Note of thanks From Dr. Dale

To the patients,

I wish to thank you for the opportunity to provide your oculoplastic eye care over the past 31 years, both in Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Among you, I have made many acquaintances and a number of friends, which makes saying farewell bitter sweet. I feel particularly blessed to have been able to provide service to you and relieve your concerns, which I tried to tackle to the best of my ability. I feel honored that you entrusted me with your care for this management. I just want to say that you have made my dream of being a physician very special, and you will not soon be forgotten. Best wishes to you all!

Facts About Me

I have practiced as a physician for 41 years, an ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon for 37 years and have provided care in Wisconsin for 31 years.

I consider my professional highlights to be developing oculoplastic care in northeast Wisconsin, starting and growing my own private practice, building surgery centers, and conceiving and assisting in creating BayCare Clinic.

My personal highlights include raising my son with my wife, Boy Scout service, and getting to travel and see much of the world.

My favorite thing in oculoplastics has been the patients! I have also enjoyed the surgical challenges and trying to both solve and better problems. (I have a strong desire to try to fix things!)

Our team is excited to see Dr. Dale take on this new chapter of his life. We will certainly miss his incredible talent and joyful personality around the clinic and will always consider him a part of our team. Dr. Dale, we wish you a happy retirement. Enjoy time spent with your family and the outdoors!

All Valley Eye Associates’ locations are ready to serve you. Please call ahead for an appointment. In addition, all Park Place Optical locations are open to take care of your glasses and contact lens needs. No appointment is necessary at Park Place Optical.

Below are a few frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your appointment:

What measures has Valley Eye Associates taken to protect patients and visitors?

Valley Eye Associates has been and always will be committed to providing the best care possible for our patients and visitors. Masks are optional for patients and staff, but we do encourage all visitors and staff to wear a mask if they are experiencing cold/flu symptoms.

Patients may request that the Valley Eye Associates staff wear a mask during their visit. We want patients to feel comfortable and safe, so we are happy to accommodate the request, especially if we are not able to social distance for an extended period of time.

*Encircle Health Patients: Masks will be required to enter the Encircle Health building. Patients may remove their mask, if they choose, upon entering the Valley Eye Associates clinic.

Are there any measures that I as the patient need to take before coming to my appointment?

We have taken many measures on your behalf, including screening to create the safest possible environment. If you are not feeling well or have been in close contact with someone who is sick, we do ask that you please wear a mask or call to reschedule your appointment.

Is it safe to have eye surgery during the pandemic?

Yes, we believe it is. There have been no known cases of COVID-19 (SARSCOV-2) transmission from eye surgery.

Can I get COVID-19 by having surgery?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread from person to person. While there have been no known cases of COVID-19 transmission from eye surgery, it is always important to practice pre-surgery precautions like diligent handwashing leading up to and following your surgery.

How does VEA respect social distancing?

We are taking several measures to respect social distancing. We have greatly limited traffic in our lobby areas by spacing out chairs. We have also installed shields at all front desk locations.

May I bring a driver with me to my appointment?

Many times you will be unable to drive following a procedure, so it is recommended that you arrange for a family member or friend to drive you. As of Monday, June 7, all patients may have someone accompany them for appointments.