With more than 50 years of experience in the field, our doctors do not simply provide the highest level of vision correction. Drs. Helen, Neil, Margaret, Nelly, Amy, and Nimi have all worked hand in hand with some of the most respected eye surgeons in Chicago and the Midwest. Each doctor is trained and licensed to manage difficult medical issues that may be affecting the eyes. We value a great pair of glasses and the safest, most comfortable contact lenses. But our singular, the most paramount focus will always be your eyes. Definitely the most friendly eye doctors in Chicago, Illinois!
Eye doctors in Chicago, Illinois
Meet our Doctors and Staff
Education: University of Wisconsin – Madison, Illinois College of Optometry
Since moving to Illinois from Wisconsin over 20 years ago, Neil Boldus has proudly adapted to becoming a Chicagoan. When he’s not busy bringing vision to the masses, Neil works on his golf game, but never seems to improve. As a Doctor of Optometry, Neil has a knack for difficult contact lens fits, taking the time and care to improve your vision. He realizes that not all eyes are created equal and will faithfully match your eyes with the correct product. His best tip for your eyes? Wear sunglasses. They protect your eyes and the face around them from damaging UV rays. They’re not just for being cool.
nboldus@vision-boutique.com
Education: Loyola University – Chicago, Illinois College of Optometry
Helen Tzanetakos has called Chicago home for over 20 years and always made it her goal provide eye care here. Helen wants the world to see you as clearly as you’ll see the world. It’s her ability to connect with patients and to form lasting relationships that she excels in as a Doctor of Optometry. At Vision Boutique, it is Helen’s personal mission to keep your eyes as fashionable as they are clear-sighted. Her best tip for your eyes? Computers cause most contact lens wearers dryness and discomfort. Get your eyes checked every year to make sure you have the best contacts and glasses for the job.
htzanetakos@vision-boutique.com
Education: Loyola University – Chicago, Illinois College of Optometry
Born and raised in Krakow, Poland, Malgorzata Kiwacz has made Chicago her home since she was 13. Now, if she isn’t out biking, she’s busy making sure Chicagoans get a picture perfect view of the world. Margaret became a Doctor of Optometry because, in part, she enjoys Pediatrics and working with children. Her best advice is to get kids to have their first eye exam when they can reliably read the alphabet. Being proactive with children will help them be better prepared for the stress their eyes will endure as they enter the wired classroom and beyond.
mkiwacz@vision-boutique.com
Education: DePaul University, Illinois College of Optometry
Dr. Nelly has spent the last 20 years living in the Chicagoland area. Providing high-quality, comprehensive eye care is her priority. At the same time, Nelly enjoys helping patients achieve a fashionable look with trendy frames. She believes in individualizing care to meet the unique needs of each patient. Nelly is a strong proponent of preventative care and takes great pride in educating patients about their ocular health. Outside of the office, Nelly enjoys traveling, exploring Chicago’s diverse culinary scene, and spending time with her husband and two children.
nkamenetsky@vision-boutique.com
Education: Ohio State University
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Namrata (Nimi) Shah earned her Bachelor’s and Doctorate of Optometry degree at Ohio State University. With a passion for learning, she went on to complete a residency specializing in ocular disease at the Cleveland VA Medical Center. In her spare time, when she’s not perfecting vision, she likes to check out Chicago’s food festivals, go for a run on the lake, and travel the world.
nshah@vision-boutique.com
Dr. Amy Cartwright was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron, moving to Chicago to complete her Doctorate of Optometry Degree from the Illinois College of Optometry. She prioritizes providing exceptional ophthalmic care for her patients in a comfortable environment. She enjoys helping her patients find the best correction for their individual needs, whether that be a fashionable pair of glasses or comfortable contact lenses. When she is not at the office she enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and exploring the city.
acartwright@vision-boutique.com
Dr. Scott grew up in Orland Park, IL, and obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Augustana College. He completed his Doctorate Degree at the Illinois College of Optometry, and is excited to join the Vision Boutique team!
Dr. Scott strives to give his patients the best quality of vision possible, and is especially passionate about offering relief to those suffering with Dry Eye.
In his free time, you might catch Dr. Scott cheering for Da' Bears, raising a pint of craft brew at a local brewpub, or shooting hoops with friends.
Dr. Aleksandra Susol, who we lovingly refer to as Dr. Ola, was born in Poland.
She moved to the States as a 1 year old, and was raised in Barrington, IL.
She moved to the States as a 1 year old, and was raised in Barrington, IL.
Dr. Ola earned her Bachelor's Degree from DePaul University, and completed her Doctorate Degree at the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Ola is passionate about working with kids and education. She has 8+ years of experience teaching swim lessons, and loves teaching patients about their eyes. When she's not working hard, you can find Dr. Ola testing new recipes, and making delicious treats.
Tiffany has been in the optical industry for 20 years now, with an ABO Certification to add to her hands-on experience. She has been a part of Vision Boutique from the time it all started: 2004. Tiffany’s favorite part of being an optician is helping patients select the perfect frames that highlight their personality. She’s seen that if the frames make them look great, then it makes them feel great! Tiffany likes pushing the limit and getting patients to love frames they normally wouldn't have even tried on.
Tiffany is passionate about sports and all Chicago teams... except the White Sox! She loves being from Chicago because of all the great food, giving her the opportunity to explore the city and try new restaurants. Tiffany loves bowling whether it's Monday night league or traveling to different places for the national tournament every year. High game is 279.
tiffany@vision-boutique.com
Often mistaken to be from the Philippines, but actually born and raised in India, Zuala, or more commonly referred to as "Z", started his optical career almost a decade and a half ago. He joined the Vision Boutique family in early 2011, while still managing a different optical store. He came on board full-time later that year as the manager of our then newest location in Lakeview.
Z has been a board certified optician since 2007. His love for the field stems beyond just styling his patients with the latest trends and technology in lenses; he loves the theoretical components of optics, and the manufacturing process as well. He heads our 3 labs, training any and all interested staff to be able to produce patient's glasses. Combine all that with his managerial skills, you could very well say he is a jack of all trades!
With his very down-to-earth personality and laid-back style, you can always count on Z to make you laugh, or reel you into some silliness (when appropriate!). It is no wonder the staff confide in Z, and feel he is a great advocate for them. Outside of work, he likes long walks on the beach with his wife and dog....OK, maybe not, but he is pretty much down to do almost anything.
z@vision-boutique.com
As a Chicago native, Fernando loves the city and the entertainment that can be enjoyed in the area. He’s been an Optician for 8 years, is ABO certified, and has 2 years of experience manufacturing lenses. Fernando always provides excellent service with a smile! When not fitting people for glasses, Fernando works as sound engineer and travels to Mexico every year to visit family.
fdiaz@vision-boutique.com
Matthew was born and raised in Muncie, IN, until he moved to Chicago in 2006. He has a keen eye for design and studied fashion merchandising at the Academy of Design. Matthew has been an Optician for 3 years and is a Board Certified Optician. He’s a board game enthusiast and enjoys spending time with friends. It’s easy to see that he’s passionate about customer service, with a goal to provide an amazing experience for every patient.
mmyers@vision-boutique.com
For the past few years, Dominique has enjoyed being part of the West Loop Eye Care/Vision Boutique team as a Lead Optometric Technician. She brings over twenty years of customer service experience, and takes great pleasure in assisting patients with scheduling appointment and preliminary testing. Outside the office, Dominique enjoys living a healthy lifestyle. She spends much of her free time pursuing various fitness goals in bodybuilding. She loves spending time with her family; including her fur baby Z2.
dlalrinzuala@vision-boutique.com
Lynette joined us in Chicago after 28 years as an Optician in New York and New Jersey. She is passionate about eyewear for its utility, form, and fashion. She wants customers to love their eyeglasses!
Whenever she gets the chance, Lynette loves to travel and experience new cultures and cuisines.
Whenever she gets the chance, Lynette loves to travel and experience new cultures and cuisines.
lcababa@vision-boutique.com
Danny is our Chicago born optical technician. You can always find him with an upbeat attitude when in his workspace! In his free time away from the pre-test room, he likes to spend time mastering his music production and playing basketball. He's currently completing his degree in health services.
Originally from central Illinois, Catherine has called Chicago home for almost 6 years. She began her career in eye care in 2004 and has has experience in optical, hospital settings, and LASIK surgery centers. Wherever she's been, Catherine has always had the same goal: To help patients see, look, and feel their best. In her free time, Catherine enjoys spending time with her husband and 5 year old daughter, Netflix binging, and is always on the quest for the perfect donut.
cnolte@vision-boutique.com
Born and raised in the Logan Square/ Humboldt Park neighborhoods of Chicago; Cynthia has been working in the optical field in between her breaks during undergrad for the past two years. She enjoys greeting patients with a smile, explaining instruments in the pretest room, and teaching patients how to put on contacts for the first time. Outside of work, Cynthia spends her time attending concerts, checking out neighborhood festivals, and spending time with her family. Cynthia recently earned her degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Go Illini!), she plans on applying to and attending Optometry school.
ccasarrubias@vision-boutique.com
Chicago raised and born into and optical family. His father an Optometrist and his mother has owned and run opticals for decades, Greg has been called the optical prodigy of his generation. Raised in opticals his whole life even learning how to edge lenses before he could walk, he has been working as an ABO certified optician for the past 6 years. When he is not curing the blind, he spends his free time making music, DJing, and riding his Harley.
gartim@vision-boutique.com
Ariele was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and is excited to bring her knowledge of the region community into the Saint John, IN location. She graduated from Purdue University Northwest in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has dabbled in many industries including teaching, customer service, and finances. This is her first opportunity to work in the optical field, and she is currently studying to obtain her certification through the American Board of Opticianry. Her favorite part about being an optician is encouraging patients to be open to trying new styles. She loves watching patients’ faces light up when they find the pair of glasses that works for them! In her spare time, she enjoys keeping up with her favorite shows on Netflix and Hulu and expressing her creativity through painting, drawing, and photography.
amorris@vision-boutique.com
Bre is one of our newest opticians. She exudes with personality, and enjoys making every day something to smile about. In her free time, Bre likes to spend time with family and friends creating new memories.
bharper@vision-boutique.com
Jackson is originally from Greensboro, North Carolina where he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. Jackson has worked in the customer service industry for over seven years and loves using his experiences to help patients. Styling patients in the perfect eyewear that they absolutely love is Jackson's favorite part of working with Vision Boutique. When not at work, Jackson loves singing and shopping. Interesting fun fact about Jackson is that he loves gymnastics and competed in Power Tumbling for the United States National Team for 4 years and earned a bronze medal at the 2015 World Trampoline and Tumbling Gymnastics Championships in Denmark. Jackson is also a father to two adorable Chihuahua Maltese puppies.
jtyson@vision-boutique.com
Yaxeni really enjoys traveling and seeing what memories different cities have to bring. She was born and raised in Chicago and began her 1+ years of optical experience in San Diego. She then transitioned her move from sunny SoCal, to upstate NY. Yaxeni is really good at styling patients into pairs of glasses that can bring out their confidence and best selves. She is excited to continue in the industry of optical work and cannot wait for what the future holds!
When she isn't immersing herself in her optical work, she loves diving into her passion for real estate, running, and enjoying a good eat out with friends. She is currently in the process of getting her real estate license and hopes to one day be able to rebuild the neighborhoods in the Southside of Chicago and donate to Chicago Public Schools.
ysanchezcamilo@vision-boutique.com
Brianna recently moved to Chicago from Pennsylvania and she already feels at home! She has more than 2 years in the optical industry and loves helping patients find their perfect frames. In her spare time she enjoys doing upholstery and spending time with her husband and two cats, Koko and Poki. Brianna is also an avid reader and horse enthusiast.
bpandya@vision-boutique.com
Veronica joined the vision boutique family in 2020. Born and raised in Chicago she has 20 years of customer service experience and loves working with people. She Enjoys outdoor activities, Art and Halloween. She loves to travel to one new state every year, and also discovering new places in Illinois. She has 2 Fur babies, Theodore and Hobleston and loves cuddling with them when at home.
vgonzalez@vision-boutique.com
Brooke has been in the optical business for 10 + years working with both ophthalmology and optometry practices. She feels the right pair of glasses not only changes how you see, but can boost your self confidence and improve how you feel. Brooke is a Chicago native. She loves spending time outdoors hiking and kayaking with her family and friends.
brodriguez@vision-boutique.com
Born Gabriela, Gabi for short, she is one of the warmest people you could ever ask to meet. Her kindness and attention to detail number in her attributes. She is a very hard worker. When she is not manufacturing glasses for our busiest stores, she is crunching numbers and keeping the company organized and focused. She also runs a nail salon in her “down time.” She is an Illinois native, but attended a prestigious boarding school in Indiana for high school. She received a full ride scholarship. When she is not working she enjoys walks with her dog August, a spunky seven year old hound dog!
gmleczko@vision-boutique.com
Cristal was born in Mexico, Guanajuato and moved to the United States when she was six years old. Cristal has had many different jobs throughout her adult life but recently found a passion for teching in the optometry field. She enjoys learning new things everyday and being part of a team that helps the community with their eyewear needs. Cristal is a jack of all trades and is interested in developing many new skills while working at vision boutique. Cristal enjoys art through painting, drawing and photography. Her favorite pastime is indulging in nature or getting creative with her canvas and camera.
cuhan@vision-boutique.com
Johanna was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She has spent the last eight years working customer service in different states, and she loves to meet new people. She recently moved to Chicago, and is excited for the summer. Johanna absolutely loves a good cup of coffee, and in her free time she enjoys painting. She also loves spending time with her two cats, Theodore and Ethan.
jvictorero@vision-boutique.com
