Dr. Casey L. Hogan

Dr. Casey Hogan is co-director of Advanced Eyecare Professionals, PC, and co-principal of Solo Eyecare and Eyewear Gallery in the South Loop. Dr. Hogan was born and raised in the South Suburbs of Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Northern Illinois University in 1992. Casey earned her Doctorate of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1997 and completed a post-graduate residency program in primary eyecare and ocular disease management at the Illinois Eye Institute, and affiliate clinic of the University of Chicago, in 1998.

Upon completion of this program, Dr. Hogan participated in a fellowship program at the prestigious Boston Medical School. She is one of only a handful of optometrists nationally who have participated in this extensive training, and Advanced Eyecare Professionals is proud to be able to offer her expertise to current and future patients.

Dr. Hogan is currently an Assistant Professor of Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where she actively participates in clinical research and in the education of future optometrists. She strives to impress upon her students that “doctors are students for life, and should never forget to give back to their community.” It is part of Advanced Eyecare Professionals’ mission to integrate clinical teaching and education within the practice and support their alma mater.

Dr. Hogan is a member of the American Optometric Association, Illinois Optometric Association, Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, and is a Fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Optometry. She has received many awards and clinical distinctions, including the Vistakon Fellowship Award, and was named as one of “America’s Top Optometrists” in 2002 by the National Consumers Research Council, and as a “Who’s Who in Health Sciences Education” in 2005.

Dr. Hogan remains active in her community by serving as a board member of Special Children’s Charities-Special Olympics Chicago and currently serves as President of the South Michigan Avenue Merchants’ Association. She currently enjoys living in the South Loop and spending time with family and friends.

     Dr. Robert J. Steinmetz

Dr. Robert J. Steinmetz is co-director of Advanced Eyecare Professionals, PC, and co-principal of Solo Eyecare and Eyewear Gallery in the South Loop. Dr. Steinmetz was born and raised in Oak Lawn, and attended high school on the south side of Chicago. He then went on to the University of Notre Dame where he graduated cum laude with a degree in Biological Sciences.

Dr. Steinmetz earned his Doctorate of Optometry degree as a cum laude graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry. During his time there, Robert was the recipient of a record number of awards recognizing his academic and clinical excellence and his commitment to community service.

Upon graduation, Dr. Steinmetz was awarded the Eugene W. Strawn Leadership and Service Award, the American Optometric Association Leadership Award, the Alcon Award for Clinical Excellence, the Elmer and Blanch Piper Memorial Award, and the Vincent Salierno Scholarship. Dr. Steinmetz was also a member of the Gold Key International Honor Society and Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society.

Dr. Steinmetz is the 2006 Illinois Young Optometrist of the Year, a past trustee in the Illinois Optometric Association, a member of the American Optometric Association, a member of the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of the Lions Club. He has been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Optometry and has presented numerous lectures on ocular disease and optometric practice management.

Dr. Steinmetz is a Clinical Adjunct Preceptor at the Illinois College of Optometry and serves on the advisory board of two major pharmaceutical companies involved in the research and development of anti-allergenic therapy. His clinical interests include anterior segment disease, corneal refractive therapy, and laser vision correction.

Dr. Steinmetz’s outside academic interests include paleontology; he has had the opportunity to travel to southeastern China where he and a team of paleontologists unearthed a large bone bed of sauropod dinosaurs including several previously unknown species. Also an avid sports fan, Robert is part owner of the now infamous Bearsmobile, the revamped classic Cadillac hearse now devoted to supporting the Chicago Bears.

     Dr. Karina V. Langle

Having interned at Advanced Eyecare Professionals, PC during her optometric education, Dr. Karina V. Langle is excited to be the part of the Advanced Eyecare team. Born in England, Dr. Langle moved to the United States and was raised in Oak Lawn. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school and later summa cum laude from Saint Xavier University in 2002 where she received her Bachelor of Science degree.

Dr. Langle went on to earn her Doctorate of Optometry degree from the prestigious Illinois College of Optometry where she graduated cum laude. Karina’s academic and clinical achievements were recognized with the Illinois Optometric Education Scholarship and the Illinois College of Optometry Clinical Excellence Pin. Throughout her optometric education, Karina was involved with the Contact Lens Society, remains a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society, and served as president of and continues to be a member of the Tomb and Key Honor Fraternity.

Dr. Langle is currently a member of both the Illinois Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Her clinical interests include contact lenses and ocular disease. She has presented a poster for the American Optometric Association during their annual conference, and has done various presentations on an assortment of topics, including the Synergeyes contact lens. Because she believes learning is a lifelong process, she is currently working on becoming a fellow of the elite American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Langle’s outside interests include art and traveling, particularly to places of historical significance. She recently went overseas where she was able to combine her passions and look for the Loch Ness monster in Scotland and explore medieval castles and chapels in Ireland. Dr. Langle currently resides in Mount Greenwood with her husband and their three dogs.

     Jennifer E. Whitchurch, M.A.

Jennifer is the office manager of Advanced Eyecare Professionals, PC, and has been involved in the field of optometric care for over ten years. She has been practicing as a medical assistant and specializes in friendly patient care. Jennifer was raised in Oak Lawn and is excited to be working in and giving back to her community. She attended Oak Lawn Community High School where she learned the value of teamwork while on the girls’ basketball and track teams, and was involved with shot put and discus for the “4 Year in a Row” SICA North Conference Champs.

Jennifer attended Robert Morris College in Orland Park after her father’s terminal illness inspired her to pursue a degree in the medical field. Jennifer graduated in 1995 with her degree in Medical Assisting, and in May of 2002 she completed her Paraoptometric Certificate with Indiana University. As she believes in the value of hard work and education, Jennifer is currently working on becoming a Certified Paraoptometric. Jennifer’s hard work and dedication has been recognized at Advanced Eyecare Professionals, as she has been named Employee of the Month numerous times.

Jennifer currently resides in Joliet, and enjoys spending time with her niece and nephews. An avid movie buff, Jennifer named her black Labrador after one of the main characters in her favorite movies….Darth Vader!

One of Jennifer’s goals is to be able to give back to her community. A lesson learned from her grandmother, Jennifer believes that no matter your situation, someone else may be in need of your help and assistance. Jennifer hopes to provide all of our patients with an inviting atmosphere and a warm, friendly smile.

     Leeann Schlesser

Advanced Eyecare Professionals, PC, is pleased to welcome Leeann Schlesser to their growing family. Having graduated from Saint Xavier University with a degree in marketing, Leeann has over seven years experience in the optometric field.

After taking a brief hiatus, Leeann is enjoying her return to optometry. When not working or spending time with her husband and their four children and their dog, Mimi, Leeann likes to read. Her dedication to her community is reflected in the volunteer work she performs for the PTA, scouts, and her sons’ baseball teams.

Leeann and her family have traveled across the country from the East Coast and Disney World, to San Diego and Washington, and places in between, such as Branson, Missouri. 

Joe Loconte, Jr

Joe Loconte is the latest addition to the Advanced Eyecare Professionals team. Joe is a junior at St. Rita High School and currently near the top of his class. Joe’s athletic activities include football, volleyball, and track. While at St. Rita, Joe was selected as a Student Ambassador. As an ambassador, Joe will travel to France, Greece, and Italy over the summer to learn about different cultures and explore Europe’s historical sites. When not studying or working, Joe enjoys reading and hanging out with his friends.