meet our doctors

At Halsted Eye Boutique, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled eye care that combines state-of-the-art technology with a personalized, patient-first approach. By seamlessly integrating the latest in non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic advancements, we eliminate the need for traditional dilating drops and can detect and manage Dry Eye Disease in its earliest stages—long before it impacts quality of life. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond conventional treatments; we embrace homeopathic and natural therapies, offering a comprehensive, holistic approach that has established us as one of Chicago’s most highly-regarded Optometric practices, trusted by both patients and professional peers.

Dr. Joanna Slusky

Dr. Joanna Slusky: A Pioneer in Integrative Optometry and Dry Eye Care

Dr. Joanna Slusky is an accomplished Entrepreneur and Integrative Medical Optometrist with nearly 20 years of expertise in comprehensive eye care and dry eye management. As the founder and owner of Halsted Eye Boutique, Dr. Slusky has been a cornerstone of eye health in Chicagoland since 2007. Her practice has expanded to include advanced treatments and a holistic approach that caters to the unique needs of her patients.

Dr. Slusky’s journey began when she immigrated from Poland at age 12, arriving with her mother, two suitcases, $500, and no knowledge of English. Through perseverance, she excelled academically, achieving a 4.0 GPA, attending Northwestern University, and graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Illinois College of Optometry. Her passion for eye health was ignited when her grandfather's eye exam revealed a tumor, which ultimately led to the diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer. This personal experience underscored the critical connection between eye health and overall systemic well-being, shaping her future career.

A Leader in Dry Eye Disease Management

Dr. Slusky is renowned for her groundbreaking work in managing Dry Eye Disease (DED). Her decision to specialize in this field was deeply personal: in her early 20s, Dr. Slusky developed severe dry eye as a result of her eczema. Despite seeking treatment from multiple sources, no one could effectively alleviate her discomfort. This experience sparked her journey to improve her own health and motivated her to help others facing similar challenges. She committed to an integrative approach to eye care, blending natural, holistic, homeopathic, and conventional medical therapies to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Dr. Slusky’s patient care philosophy focuses on addressing the root cause of eye conditions, not just the symptoms. Her comprehensive treatment plans include at-home remedies, nutritional guidance, holistic approaches, specialty drops, prescription medications, punctal plugs, amniotic membranes, scleral lenses, as well as advanced in-office dry eye procedures and treatments. This integrated approach combines state-of-the-art technology with lifestyle and nutritional counseling, emphasizing preventive care and a deeper understanding of eye health. Her dedication has earned her thousands of patient referrals from other Optometrists and Ophthalmologists seeking effective solutions for their patients’ chronic dry eye.

Halsted Eye Boutique, led by Dr. Slusky, was the first practice in Chicago to offer exclusive, FDA-approved (2023) Radio Frequency (RF) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments. These cutting-edge therapies target Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—the leading cause of DED affecting 85% of sufferers. The innovative RF and IPL treatments restore gland function, alleviate symptoms, and enhance tear production, providing lasting relief for patients. Additionally, these non-invasive procedures effectively treat blepharitis, ocular rosacea, inflammatory dry eye, and Demodex infestations, while promoting collagen production for a youthful eye appearance.

Dr. Slusky’s commitment to comprehensive, integrative eye care and her expertise in utilizing advanced diagnostic technology have solidified her reputation as a leader in dry eye management. Her dedication to tackling the root causes of eye conditions has positioned Halsted Eye Boutique as a trusted destination for patients seeking specialized and empathetic care.

Comprehensive Eye Care and Specialties

Dr. Slusky provides a full spectrum of eye care services, including:

- Annual and wellness eye examinations

- Management of ocular and systemic diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetes, thyroid issues, & more)

- Emergency eye care (pink eye, styes, corneal abrasions, retinal detachment)

- Pediatric vision care and myopia control

- LASIK, cataract, and lid surgery co-management

- Aesthetic treatments for Rosacea, Acne, and Ptosis (droopy lids)

She also tailors her recommendations to include safe skincare and makeup products, nutraceuticals, and nutrition guidance to optimize eye health and overall well-being. Dr. Slusky's dedication to patient-centered care is reflected in her personalized, thorough, and compassionate approach, with many patients praising her patience, attentiveness, and exceptional ability to enhance visual comfort and clarity.

Beyond the Clinic

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Slusky is fluent in Polish and Russian and has a working knowledge of Ukrainian and Spanish, which enables her to connect meaningfully with a diverse patient base. She is a passionate advocate for several causes that resonate deeply with her, including vision-focused charities such as Optometry Giving Sight, Eversight, and Lighthouse for the Blind, as well as cancer foundations like the H Foundation, Bear Necessities, Imerman Angels, and A Silver Lining Foundation. As a member of The Service Club of Chicago and the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Dr. Slusky actively engages with her community, leveraging her platform to make a positive impact. Outside of her professional commitments, she indulges in a rich tapestry of interests, including photography, art, music, dance, theater, fine dining, fitness, and travel, all of which contribute to a fulfilling personal life that beautifully complements her dedication to eye care.

Dr. Slusky is available By Appointment Only, reflecting the high demand for her specialized care. To schedule a consultation or inquire about availability, please text (773) 549-1111.

Dr. EKTA PATEL

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Dr. Ekta Patel is originally from Bettendorf, Iowa. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, followed by a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Rush University. Dr. Patel completed her Optometric education at the Chicago College of Optometry and is an active member of both the American Optometric Association and the Illinois Optometric Association.

Dr. Patel is deeply committed to ongoing learning and staying at the forefront of advancements in optometry. She provides Comprehensive Primary Eye Care with a focus on Ocular Disease, Contact Lenses, and a primary specialty in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Dry Eye Disease. Her passion for Dry Eye care drives her to explore the latest treatments and technology to deliver the best possible outcomes for her patients. Dr. Patel has extensive training in ocular disease and has worked alongside some of Illinois' top cornea specialists. With kindness, compassion, and enthusiasm, she is dedicated to exceeding her patients’ expectations, helping to improve both their visual experience and quality of life.

Dr. Patel also enjoys working with young patients of all ages, ensuring a thorough yet fun eye exam experience. She offers Myopia Control to support children’s long-term eye health and slow down the progression of nearsightedness when needed.

Currently residing in Chicago’s West Loop, Dr. Patel loves exploring the city’s unique restaurants and hidden gems. In her free time, she plays volleyball, enjoys yoga, and is always on the lookout for her next hiking trail. If you have travel recommendations, feel free to share—they may just inspire her next adventure!

DR . TRACY BECHERER

Dr. Tracy Becherer is originally from Arlington Heights, IL, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Miami University of Ohio. She began her optometric education at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where she graduated with clinical honors and was inducted into the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society, an acknowledgment of her leadership and service.

Dr. Becherer has extensive training in Dry Eye, Cornea, and Specialty Contact Lens clinics and takes pride in utilizing the latest advances in eye care technology to help manage Dry Eye Disease. She is also passionate about Pediatrics and Vision Therapy, serving on the executive board of three organizations focused on neuro-optometry and vision therapy. During her clinical externship rotation in San Diego, she worked closely with expert Optometrists and Vision Therapists, fostering her love for treating Binocular Vision Dysfunctions. She appreciates the real-world benefits vision therapy provides to patients of all ages. One of her favorite areas of expertise is Myopia Control, which helps slow down the development of nearsightedness in children's eyes, reducing the risks associated with high prescriptions.

Outside of the office, Dr. Becherer enjoys exploring local antique malls and thrift shops in search of vintage glass, especially her collection of vintage swung vases. Antiquing with her family is one of her cherished hobbies. She is also an avid tennis player and enjoys spending time on the courts with friends. Dr. Becherer resides in the Gold Coast area with her puppy and delights in exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and sampling new restaurants.

Dr. Becherer is committed to providing high-quality vision care to the greater Chicagoland area and building strong relationships with her patients, parents, educators, and other healthcare professionals. While she usually sees patients at both of our locations, she is currently focusing her care at the Lakeview location due to Dr. Katz’s maternity leave, which extends until January 2025.

Dr. Krystyna Katz

Dr. Krystyna Katz was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology: Natural Sciences with a minor in Bioethics from Loyola University Chicago. She went on to complete her Optometric education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, where she graduated with honors as a member of the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society—the highest recognition in optometry for leadership and service.

Dr. Katz’s journey in Optometry began in 2007 when she joined Dr. Slusky at Halsted Eye Boutique. Starting as a Front Desk Assistant, Dr. Katz quickly became an integral part of the practice, working her way up from Optometric Technician to Optician. With Dr. Slusky’s guidance and mentorship, she decided to pursue a career in Optometry. After completing her Optometric education, Dr. Katz returned to Halsted Eye Boutique, inspired by Dr. Slusky’s holistic and compassionate approach to eye care and eager to continue serving patients alongside her mentor.

Dr. Katz is deeply committed to serving the underprivileged. During Optometry school, she organized weekend events in partnership with St. Louis University Hospital to provide free eye exams for those in need. She also raised funds for Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) and participated in a SVOSH mission trip to Haiti, where she provided eye care to underserved communities. She looks forward to future mission trips and continuing to serve her local community.

As a member of the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society, the American Optometric Association, the Illinois Optometric Association, and Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, Dr. Katz is passionate about advancing her expertise. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Dry Eye Disease and is eager to incorporate cutting-edge technology to better serve her patients. Her interest in dry eye management deepened during a clinical rotation in St. Louis, where she gained valuable experience managing severe cases alongside renowned Dry Eye Specialists. She is dedicated to supporting her patients in finding lasting relief from dry eye symptoms by treating the underlying cause. Additionally, Dr. Katz enjoys prescribing Specialty Contact Lenses, including scleral and hybrid lenses, to improve comfort and vision for patients with keratoconus and severe dry eye. Her warm and patient approach ensures her patients feel cared for as if they were family.

In her free time, Dr. Katz loves spending time with her husband, Aric, their children Everleigh, Mason, and their newest addition, baby Camden! The family also includes Griffin, their protective and beloved dog. She enjoys traveling, taking SPENGA classes (a mix of spin, HIIT, and yoga!), reading, discovering new restaurants and coffee shops (she’s always open to recommendations), and experimenting with new recipes. Dr. Katz is currently on maternity leave until January 2025 as she welcomes baby Camden, but she looks forward to returning and continuing to provide exceptional care to her patients.