Background
Union Eyes LLC is dedicated to delivering high-quality, comprehensive ophthalmic care to America's union workers and their families. The company's mission is to provide superior diagnosis, treatment, and management of visual system diseases and ocular effects of systemic conditions. Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and digital imaging, Union Eyes operates in professional, modern environments featuring American-made frames and lenses.
Key Strategic Focus
Union Eyes specializes in serving local trade unions, focusing exclusively on the health and wellness needs of union members and their families. This dedicated approach allows optometrists to spend more time understanding the specific needs of tradesmen and tradeswomen. The company emphasizes the importance of annual eye examinations and early detection of systemic diseases through comprehensive eye exams. Union Eyes offers premium, peer-reviewed products, treatments, and technology to benefit patients' health, vision, and appearance. Additionally, the company promotes workplace eye safety and provides immediate access to urgent eye care for injured members.
Services Offered
- Comprehensive Eye Examinations: Professional care tailored to the unique needs of union members.
- Children's Contact Lenses: Safe, comfortable, daily disposable lenses for children.
- Orthokeratology & Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT): Non-invasive contact lenses that reshape the cornea during sleep.
- Scleral Lenses: Advanced contact lens technology for corneal irregularities.
- Glasses: A selection of American-made frames to suit various styles.
- Soft Contact Lenses: Custom-designed lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Bifocal Lenses: Digitally surfaced no-line bifocal technology.
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Keratoconus: Early diagnosis using advanced diagnostic technology.
Locations
Union Eyes operates multiple centers across Illinois and Indiana, including:
- Lemont, IL: 15900 W 127th St STE 221B
- Crystal Lake, IL: 360 Station Dr STE 260B
- Bellwood, IL: 2400 Madison St STE 102B
- Channahon, IL: 25407 S Bell Rd STE B
- Rosemont, IL: 6300 N River Rd Suite 100B
- Warrenville, IL: 28600 Bella Vista Pkwy Suite 2010B
- Merrillville, IN: 616 81st Ave STE B
Leadership Team
- Dr. Robert J. Steinmetz, O.D., F.A.A.O.: Director and Co-founder. Graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and the Illinois College of Optometry. Former member of Local 134. Recognized as the 2006 Illinois Young Optometrist of the Year and the 2015 Illinois Optometrist of the Year.
- Dr. Eric A. Baas, O.D., F.A.A.O.: Co-founder and Principal. Graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Illinois College of Optometry. Completed a residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease. Recipient of the 2016 Young Alumnus of the Year at the Illinois College of Optometry.
- Dr. Kimberly Garvey, O.D.: Attended Lewis University and earned her Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, graduating Cum Laude. Completed internships focusing on pediatric care, ocular disease, and specialty contact lens fittings.
- Dr. Viktoria Loydall, O.D.: Earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Illinois College of Optometry. Experienced in diagnosing and treating various ocular diseases and fitting specialty contact lenses.
- Dr. Alexis Zimmerman, O.D.: Graduated from Augustana College and earned her Doctorate of Optometry at Chicago College of Optometry. Fluent in Spanish, with interests in primary care, ocular disease, and dry eye management.
- Ms. Jennifer Pankow: Vice President with over 30 years of experience in the eye care industry. Holds a degree in Medical Assisting from Robert Morris College and Paraoptometric Certification from Indiana University.
- Ms. Leigh Cosgrove: Director of Operations with over 25 years of customer service experience, specializing in patient care and office operations.
Competitor Profile
Union Eyes operates within the optometry and ophthalmic care industry, focusing on serving union members and their families. Key competitors include:
- LensCrafters: A major eyewear retailer offering comprehensive eye exams and a wide selection of frames and lenses.
- America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses: Provides affordable eye exams and eyewear, with numerous locations nationwide.
- Walmart Vision Center: Offers eye exams and a variety of eyewear options at competitive prices.
These competitors cater to a broad customer base, whereas Union Eyes differentiates itself by exclusively serving union members and their families, emphasizing personalized care and American-made products.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Union Eyes partners with local trade unions to provide specialized eye care services. By joining forces, local trade unions negotiate affordable and accessible care, achieving long-term cost savings through the identification of chronic systemic conditions, treatment of sight-threatening diseases, reduction of myopia in the union-dependent population, and prevention and treatment of eye-related injuries. This partnership enables unions to build and operate centers that offer comprehensive services in convenient locations for members and their families.
Operational Insights
Union Eyes' strategic focus on serving union members and their families provides a distinct competitive advantage. By understanding the unique needs of tradesmen and tradeswomen, the company offers tailored services that larger, more generalized competitors may not provide. The emphasis on American-made products and partnerships with local trade unions further strengthen its market position.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Union Eyes has the opportunity to expand its services to additional union groups and geographic regions, leveraging its successful partnership model. Investing in advanced diagnostic technologies and expanding telehealth services could enhance accessibility and convenience for members. Continued focus on personalized care and American-made products will reinforce its brand identity and appeal to its target market.
Contact Information
For more information, visit Union Eyes' official website:
Union Eyes LLC is committed to providing exceptional eye care services tailored to the unique needs of union members and their families, ensuring optimal eye health and vision for America's hardworking individuals.
