A Legacy of Exceptional Eye Care
Since our founding in 1985, Eye Care Specialists has been dedicated to protecting and preserving the vision of patients throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Our practice has since grown and evolved alongside the field of ophthalmology, embracing innovation, expanding access to specialized care, and building lasting relationships with patients and healthcare providers throughout our community.
​
Today, we are proud to carry forward a legacy built on clinical excellence, innovation, education, and compassionate patient care.
Where Our Story Began
Eye Care Specialists was founded in 1985 by Dr. Norman Cohen and Dr. Robert Sucher, two pioneering cataract surgeons who helped bring innovative surgical techniques to patients in Wisconsin.
​
Drs. Cohen and Sucher were among the early leaders in modern cataract care, becoming the first eye surgeons in Wisconsin to perform phacoemulsification cataract removal and implant foldable artificial lenses. Their commitment to advancing eye care helped establish Eye Care Specialists as a trusted destination for medical and surgical ophthalmology.
​
That spirit of innovation became part of the foundation of our practice and continues to influence the care we provide today.
Growing With Southeastern Wisconsin
As Eye Care Specialists grew, so did our team and the range of specialized care available to our patients.
In 1992, Dr. David Scheidt joined Eye Care Specialists, providing medical optometry and supporting patients throughout their care, including before and after cataract, glaucoma, and laser vision procedures.
​
In 1992, Dr. David Scheidt joined Eye Care Specialists, providing medical optometry and supporting patients throughout their care, including before and after cataract, glaucoma, and laser vision procedures.
​
Dr. Brett Rhode joined in 1996, expanding the practice's expertise in comprehensive ophthalmology and the treatment of retinal conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
​
Dr. Daniel Ferguson joined in 2005, bringing advanced training in the medical and surgical treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and corneal disease.
​
Dr. Daniel Paskowitz joined in 2012, bringing extensive training in comprehensive ophthalmology and corneal care, with particular expertise in complex cataract surgery, corneal disease, and corneal transplantation.
​
Dr. Michael Raciti joined in 2013, providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care with expertise in cataract surgery, advanced technology lens implants, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
​
Most recently, Dr. Austin Hribar joined Eye Care Specialists in 2024, providing comprehensive medical optometry and working alongside our ophthalmologists to care for patients with a wide range of eye conditions.
​
Each new physician has brought additional knowledge, experience, and perspective to Eye Care Specialists while building upon the foundation established in 1985.
​
Today, our team continues that tradition, combining decades of experience with advancements in medical, surgical, and diagnostic eye care. Through all of that growth, our focus has remained the same: providing exceptional specialty eye care while treating every patient with the personal attention and respect they deserve.
A Tradition of Innovation
Ophthalmology has changed dramatically since Eye Care Specialists opened its doors in 1985. Advances in cataract surgery, retinal care, glaucoma treatment, diagnostic imaging, and other areas of eye care have transformed what is possible for patients.
​
Eye Care Specialists has continued to evolve alongside those advancements.
​
From our founders' pioneering work in cataract surgery to the technology and treatment options available within our practice today, we have continually sought opportunities to improve how eye conditions are diagnosed, managed, and treated.
The technology may change, but the goal remains the same: helping our patients achieve their best possible vision and eye health.
Our Legacy Today
What began in 1985 with two pioneering eye surgeons has grown into a comprehensive specialty eye care practice serving communities throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
​
Our physicians provide advanced medical and surgical care for conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and other complex eye conditions.
​
While our team, locations, technology, and treatments have evolved over the decades, the principles established at the beginning of our practice remain at the heart of Eye Care Specialists: expertise, innovation, collaboration, education, and compassionate care.
Committed to Education and Our Community
Ophthalmology has changed dramatically since Eye Care Specialists opened its doors in 1985. Advances in cataract surgery, retinal care, glaucoma treatment, diagnostic imaging, and other areas of eye care have transformed what is possible for patients.
​
Eye Care Specialists has continued to evolve alongside those advancements.
​
From our founders' pioneering work in cataract surgery to the technology and treatment options available within our practice today, we have continually sought opportunities to improve how eye conditions are diagnosed, managed, and treated.
The technology may change, but the goal remains the same: helping our patients achieve their best possible vision and eye health.
Looking Ahead
We are proud of where we started, how far we have come, and the trust our patients and referring providers have placed in us for more than four decades.
​
As we look toward the future, Eye Care Specialists remains committed to advancing the care we provide while preserving the personal, community focused approach that has defined our practice since 1985.
​
Our history is built on caring for sight. Our future is dedicated to continuing that legacy for generations to come.
