Get to Know Dr. Phil Smith

We are excited to add Dr. Phil Smith to our surgical team!  Read Dr. Smith’s professional bio here, and learn more about his life outside of the OR below.

What is your favorite thing about being an ophthalmologist?

My favorite thing about being an ophthalmologist is being able to transform people’s lives by helping to restore, improve, or preserve their vision. I am lucky enough to be practicing in a time of tremendous innovation in our field.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays. My wife and I tend to spend quality time with our extended families on or around Thanksgiving. And it is nice to spend the holiday with my in-laws in Hawaii.

Where would you like to travel to?

There are so many places I would love to visit with my wife. Spain would be on the top of the list, as my wife has some extended family there. We enjoy scuba diving, so anywhere with a beach and reef – the Caribbean, Australia, Indonesia. With my Scottish heritage, I would like to visit Scotland, as well, and maybe play bagpipes in the Scottish Highland.

What are you most looking forward to doing now that you’re back in Wisconsin?

I am looking forward to having four seasons again, and the year-round opportunities for outdoor activities. I love the fall with the changing colors and missed good cheese! And the people here are just fabulous. I have made so many life-long friends in Wisconsin. It will be great to be able to visit with them again and make new friends, as well.

Welcome, Dr. Smith!

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Meet the Valley Eye Green Bay Team

The team at Valley Eye Associates in Green Bay loves a lot of things — happy patients, clear vision, Wisconsin summer days. But an even more common thread for them is a love of the outdoors. Though their favorite ways to take advantage of the area’s scenery are as varied as their personalities, we count their ready-for-anything mindset as an asset at VEA.

It’s just one of many assets they bring to the VEA team. Surgical skill is integral to a practice; however, our surgeons, as gifted as they are, cannot cover all the bases required to make our patients’ experience an excellent one.

Thankfully, our surgeons are supported by a highly competent team that not only greets your calls with enthusiasm, but also makes sure you’re welcomed to our practice, gives you details about your surgery, and answers many of your questions. Without their support, our MDs couldn’t accomplish as much as they do each day.

Of our offices, Green Bay is one of the newer locations, and the team there has excelled at coming together to serve one another and their patients. It’s not only time to meet this team, but to read, in their own words, how much they truly care about their patients.

Optometrists

Valley Eye Associates in Green Bay has four optometrists who work alongside our surgeons. Their expertise multiplies the presence of our MDs and increases your quality of care. Each of our ODs has become a specialist in the specific conditions and care of ophthalmology.

Katie Abata, OD

Why eye care?
I love meeting new people and visiting with my patients. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to help patients with their eyes and vision and to hopefully make some sort of connection with them along the way.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
I love walking, running, or biking with my family on the Fox River trail.

Learn more about Dr. Katie Abata

Ross Jensen, OD

Why eye care?
I love working with people! I bring joy to patients as they begin to see better for their daily activities, and I get to help improve vision and comfort of the eye — what could be more worthwhile? Every day is different and every patient is different and I look forward to those differences.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
My wife and I love to hike and take our dogs on adventures. I also like to hunt and fish.

Learn more about Dr. Ross Jensen

Colin Sigmund, OD

Why eye care?
I welcome discussions with patients about eye conditions and figuring out how best to treat them.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
Walking on the many trails in the area with my wife and dog during the summer months.

Learn more about Dr. Colin Sigmund

Ashley Torreano, OD

Why eye care?
Establishing great communication with each patient to best serve their eye care needs is what I look forward to most.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
Visiting parks like Barkhausen, Voyager, and Titletown with my boys.

Learn more about Dr. Ashley Torreano

Technicians

Our technicians provide direct care to patients by performing the pre- and post-surgery measurements and diagnostics vital to good outcomes. Should you need glasses, the data they collect about your eye’s health, specific size and shape, and needs are relayed to our optician for the perfect fit.

Renee Godin

Why eye care?
Patients! I have worked in eye care for 30+ years, and during that time, I have developed some very close friendships with many of our patients.  And every now and then, they share a few great recipes.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
I live outside the Green Bay area, but I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, and gardening.

Angel Henry

Why eye care?
Working in eye care means seeing the look of excitement and happiness on patients’ faces when they can see clearly again after cataract surgery, corneal surgery, or LASIK. Patients are so excited to be able to read, play cards, enjoy their hobbies, or simply see their friends and family with clarity. We only get one set of eyes, and we need to take care of them!

Favorite Green Bay Activity
Taking my nieces, nephews, and grandkids to Bay Beach, Wildlife Sanctuary, or the NEW Zoo.

Patient Service Representatives & Surgery Scheduling

This group of folks plays a vital role at the beginning of your surgical journey. It can be intimidating to know where to start, but these friendly professionals are here to help you book consultations, fill out preliminary paperwork, and begin the process of becoming a patient at Valley Eye Associates.

Morgan Hervas

Why eye care?
My favorite thing about working in eye care is caring for people. Coming from an ER background, I enjoy taking care of patients and  can still do that here as well.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
My favorite thing to do in Green Bay is to go fishing out on the bay.

Rebecca Keup

Why eye care?
I appreciate working with patients and interacting with them. Our clinic is like a small family. We form a bond of friendship with our patients.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
We like to take our dog for a walk on all the area trails. Our favorite one is Mountain Bay Trail Howard/Suamico area. My family also likes fishing and golfing.

Cori Miskin

Why eye care?
I enjoy helping and getting to know our patients. Each time they come in, we become more and more familiar with one another, and it makes our interactions like saying “hi” to a friend each day. I also love my coworkers, which we know makes all the difference in your work life.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
I am still fairly new to Green Bay, so my family and I are still exploring all the different things to do. Right now, since we live right by the bay, we enjoy going down to watch the sunsets and walking on the beach. We also look forward to taking our kids to Bay Beach and Title Town on warm nights, and even to the sledding hill in the winter. We have seen a few games at the stadium and it’s always a fun experience.

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Wishing Dr. Unger a Fond Farewell

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.

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Happy 15-Year Anniversary, Krystle!

What made you interested in working for Valley Eye Associates?

I was working as a veterinary assistant and realized it was not my “jam”. I previously had worked as a receptionist at my dad’s chiropractic office, so I applied to VEA for a receptionist position until I figured out what I wanted to do when I grow up… and HERE I AM!!

What do you like most about working for Valley Eye Associates?

I love my VEA family! In the last 15 years I have been through a lot with this group and everyone here always has each other’s backs and look out for one another I feel like I have made the best of friends here over the years.

What is your favorite part about your role?

I love being a part of our patients LASIK experience, it brings a lot of happiness to me just knowing I can share that life-changing surgery with them.

How has your role evolved over the years?

Well you see, I started working here at the good ol’ age of 12 (that’s just what I tell patients at least)… But for real, I went from working in patient services right into teching with Dr. Vrabec and then becoming the LASIK leader. It’s been an adventure!

Do you have a favorite memory from the last 15 years?

It’s a toss-up between going to San Francisco to a Johnson & Johnson meeting/tour and Lana booking our hotel rooms in the same hotel as the Furry Convention OR going to the Blizzard game for a work retreat and people waking up with endless all-you-can-eat hot dogs in their purses the next morning.

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Get to Know Dr. Charisse Chin

What is your favorite thing about being an eye doctor?

I love everything about being an eye doctor — from helping patients improve their vision, to the art of surgery, to the sounds the slit lamp makes as I examine a patient — all of it! I feel very fortunate to have “found” ophthalmology and oculoplastics.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Definitely Christmas. It’s such a joyful time. There’s a chill in the air and eggnog lattes – what more could you ask for?

Where would you like to travel to someday?

The Dead Sea. An elementary school teacher shared her experience of floating in the sea with us and it’s been on my travel list ever since.

What is your favorite thing about working at VEA?

It’s the people who make up VEA! Staff members care about helping patients have a good experience. It’s really encouraging to see.

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Get to Know Dr. Adam Kluck

What is your favorite thing about being an optometrist?

I really enjoy getting to know my patients. I also love that it allows me to help people with something as important as their eyesight.

What are your hobbies?

A few of my favorite hobbies are fishing, hunting, golfing, and skiing.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I would probably go with Thanksgiving because it combines family, food, and hunting all into one day.

Where has been your favorite place you’ve traveled and where would you like to travel to someday?

My favorite place would either be Big Sky, Montana or Ontario, Canada. I would love to go skiing in British Columbia someday.

What is your favorite thing about working at VEA?

It is absolutely the great staff and office environment that makes VEA an excellent place to be.

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Congratulations on Your Retirement, Dr. Dale!

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!

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Get to Know Dr. Dylan Foss

What is your favorite thing about being an optometrist?

Helping people. The best day at work for me is the day that I’ve improved someone’s vision or eye health.

What are your hobbies?

There are many. If I had more time, there would be more! I enjoy home improvement projects, gardening, reading, kayaking, hiking, cross country skiing, the calligraphic arts, and homebrewing.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Easter. It is my greatest hope.

Where would you love to travel to?

Rome. I studied Classical Latin in high school and would love to see the places I read about. Additionally, I am a practicing Catholic and would love to see all of the Station churches.

What has been your favorite thing about working at VEA so far?

There’s always a colleague nearby to ask questions to or to learn from.

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COVID-19 Updates and FAQs

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.

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All About Family

The holidays are officially here! And that means time with family. Did you know that Valley Eye Associates has multiple internal family connections? We asked them what their favorite holiday traditions are!

Ivy Blue, Surgery Coder/Prior Authorization Specialist
Krystle Blue, COA, Technician

Krystle shared, “I would say our family’s favorite holiday tradition is playing games and watching football!”

Ivy added, “I always make orange Danish with breakfast and we listen to old school Christmas songs. Mitch Miller is what my husband’s family listened to while he was growing up. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without that music!”

Faith Lambie, COA, Surgery Manager
Casey Lambie, Business Office

Casey shared, “My favorite holiday tradition is going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house.”

Cherie Mader, COA, Clinic Administrator
Donna Cummings, Patient Service Representative

Cherie and Donna shared, “Some of our holiday traditions include playing an assortment of holiday games and trying a new recipe each year.”

Kristina Meneau, Patient Service Representative
Rebekah Mikulaj, Patient Service Representative

Tina and Becky shared, “Every family picnic in the summer consists of Tina’s deviled eggs and Becky’s poppyseed tort. We have a lot of fun working together.”

We also see patients as members of our family. For us, it’s all about family! Thank you to all members of the VEA family, for your continuous support year after year.

Happy Holidays!

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