Reviews
The team at Kirk Eye Center is dedicated to providing a wide range of eye care services to meet your unique vision needs. We are a family-owned practice founded more than 50 years ago, currently spanning three generations of doctors. Over the years, many patients have trusted us to provide high-quality ophthalmology care in a safe and attentive environment. We invite you to take a look at our patient feedback to learn more about what you can expect when you visit us in River Forest or Gurnee, IL.
"Great overall experience with my Lasik procedure for both my eyes. Dr. Kirk & the staff were fantastic throughout the entire process. I'm so pumped that I don't have to wear contacts or glasses ever again!"
"This is the second time I’ve been to Kirk Eye Center on Harlem. I could not be more pleased. I’ve never had to wait more than a minute or 2 after I arrive. Everyone is friendly and helpful. I’ve seen the technician Rose and Dr Kirk Jr both times and enjoyed being assisted by both. There is even plenty of parking. Glad to have them caring for my diabetic and other needs"
"This is absolutely no exaggeration. Dr Tyler Kirk saved my right eye. He is the reason I have vision in that eye. I will be a Kirk Eye Center customer for life!"
"Gurnee Kirk is my "go to home office". Recently had the Femto/Lasik cataract surgery at the surgical center in River Forest. I cannot begin to tell you how professional and yet personal everyone was I came in contact with. From the doctors and technicians, to staff and even the terrific van driver. Everything went so smoothly and I was informed every inch of the way in a very successful procedure. Even the followups being turned over to my long time Optometrist just down the street from me. Five stars is not enough... twenty or more is necessary. Choose Kirk Eye Center, you'll always be grateful you did. Darrell May, Antioch IL."
"Had cataract surgery on both eyes and they took very good care of me would highly recommend them."
"Very pleased with results. The whole proces of having laser surgery was incredible easy & pain free. Doctors and their team were professional , well organized and very nice."
"I knew that eventually I would need Cataract surgery. I attempted to find a surgeon, but I was disappointed with reviews until I changed my eye doctor to Dr Crawford in Antioch who agreed that I would benefit from surgery and recommended Kirk Eye Center in Gurnee. My experience has been nothing short of miraculous. The appointments were prompt and professional. The procedure was PAINLESS, and recovery has been free of any problems! The results exceeded my expectations. In my closet, I can tell the difference between Navy and black. I don't need a flashlight to see the floor in my car. I can see the back of my cabinets. Under the exceptional operation and continuing support, I receive from Dr. Kirk and Dr. Crawford, I am extremely pleased with the outcoming!"
"Marcie and Jane are fantastic! So kind and genuinely caring. Dr. Kirk was very nice as well, and we didn’t have to wait very long to see the doctor."
"I've been a Kirk patient since I was a kid-- my dad has been a patient of theirs for even longer. I had moved away, but have returned to help my parents. I always thought of them as completely trustworthy, but recently they performed magic for me. TLDR: Hiral Patel gave me the best prescription I've had in almost two decades and Viviana Cano eased my anxiety over switching back to contact lenses after almost three decades of wearing only glasses. Now, all the extra details. Last year, my vision was so bad that I applied for blind disability. My mom and dad insisted that I come home and go to Kirk for a definitive evaluation. Five hours into the appointment, my future was bleak. The final recommendation, a week later, was surgery. My parents were totally ready and willing to pay for it, but I hate spending their money and put it off put if off put it off. I'm going to skip the specifics on the stuff about the bad diabetic protocol prescribed by my primary and how ! ginned up the courage to change my own insulin dosage and how that probably saved my life and jump right to the day when a friend told me that her eyes didn't track together and she didn't see in stereo but wearing hard lenses gave her real vision for several hours a day. I immediately thought "let's get me over to Kirk and ask them about this." I was almost too shy to make the appointment, but the possibility of being able to drive again was too seductive. I called and set the time. I got there an hour early. David and I sat in the parking lot eating precut watermelon from Jewel (same plaza.) I was nervous. Doctor Patel strutted to the lobby to grab me for my examination and I was immediately filled with confidence. Anyone with that much personal security must be great at their job. I was not disappointed. "I want this to work," I offered. She smiled quickly and told me "remember to blink." I'm drowning you in minutiae. Let me bring this to a 10/10 conclusion: my vision is now corrected to 20/20 (I can read a sign from three blocks away!) and the lenses correct my astigmatism and keep my eyes in line. Now: Viviana. When I asked her to take a selfie that she liked (for me to use in this review) she didn't immediately understand that it was to praise and appreciate her. She's extremely deserving of both. I came in two days after my miracle exam, not sure if I had successfully removed the acuvue daily lens from my right eye. She took a peek and confirmed that it was out, and placed an order for some more trial lenses so that I could make sure it was the right fit for me. I came in again today with both lenses still in and significant anxiety over that fact. Today, Viviana removed the lenses and gave me a comforting tutorial that I think might help (and then listened patiently and socially awkward me gave her an unsolicited lesson on trafficking of vulnerable groups in rural areas that flowed from my rant against Loyola facepalm. Patient and kind and so helpful! Thank you."
"I feel fortunate to live so close to this top-notch provider of eye health services. Great and friendly people, and it would be hard to beat their experience in this field. Highly recommend."
"From the time my wife and/or I walk in until we leave - everything is always the best!"
"Due to my job, dealing with grinding all kinds of materials I ended up with metal and rust in my right eye. Thanks to Dr. Carter Kirk along with Dr. Hiral Patel extraction was a success and I no longer had pain, swelling and extreme redness. KEC has amazing eye doctors!"
"Went there to get my chalazion of 2 years removed. (Heard i needed surgery to remove it kept me scared.) Erica was so sweet and great, Dr. Kirk and Wendy were great in explaining the procedure and helping me gain the courage to get it done same day. was a quick 4 minute procedure! will recommend this place until I am blue in the face. :) <3 Dr. Kirk also let me record it!! Thanks everyone!!"
"Kind and professional attention before and after my surgery."
"After consulting with Dr. Tyler Kirk, I had cataract surgery with multilens implants on both of my eyes. I received ample information about my options and the procedure before surgery. At the Kirk Eye Center where the surgeries were performed, the enire staff was helpful, supportive, and efficient. The result is that I am now seeing better than I ever have--without glasses!"
"Dr. Patel, was not only showed compassion for my son who could not sit still, but was also thorough. Dr. Patel made the process seamless. Thank you so much!"
"I have been treated by all three Kirk family M.D.s (Scott, his son Tyler, and Scott's brother Kent), and all seem competent and thorough. Additionally Dr. Scott Kirk performed cataract surgery on me about four months previously with a good outcome. Robin, the optical dept. manager was especially helpful when I asked her to check the correction on two sets of glasses I had purchased elsewhere. The staff is in general fairly friendly, especially the two women at the front desk. --- Ten years later I'm still coming back, and on October 3, 2024, Dr. Scott saw me. Assistants are doing more of the work, but Scott comes in, does the dilated examination, and explains your condition to you. Fortunately for this 80-year old, he said that all looked good. I plan to be moving up north fairly soon, but I will still take Amtrak to Chicago for him to examine me."
"I like going to Kirk Eye Center because everything runs smoothly. A person’s eyes are so important and they carefully explain the procedures that they do. When you leave, you feel confident that you have received high quality care."
"Cassandra started my grandfather's appointment. My grandpa is 92 she was so patient, kind, and compassionate. Her whole aura was positive. I work in the medical field as a RN so I don't leave many reviews because I believe anyone working in the medical field should be patient, kind, understanding, compassionate, listen, and take their time with their patients. However, Cassandra from the Kirk Eye Center in River Forest impressed me. Keep having that warm caring heart Cassandra you just don't even know how many people a day you make feel heard and cared about and not just another person with insurance to bill and get paid. I hope that management finds and reads this review and give you the praise (and maybe a raise too) that you deserve!"
"Kirk Eye Center in River Forest is the best ever for great eye care. The Kirk Family has been caring for my eyes forever and after my recent cataract surgery my eyesight is 20/20! They let me know when it’s time for a check-up and the wait time is non-existent. If you need any type of eye care, this is the only place to visit. You won’t be disappointed!"
"I recently had cataract surgery and it's the best thing I've ever done. The process was easy, painless and effective. I had the multi-focal lenses using laser surgery and my vision is 20/20. I couldn't be happier! I highly recommend KIRK EYE CENTER for all eye-related issues."
"I found this place by a miracle and so happy I came here. I’ve recently had some scary eye issues and the staff are very professional, personable, kind, patient and extremely helpful with all questions without any rudeness which is hard to find these days. The Doctors are thorough and truly listen to issues and help reassure you with getting better again. I’ve never looked forward to coming in for any appointments until I found this office. You can’t be in better hands anywhere else. I will continue to come to this office and recommend all family & friends."
"100% very good"
"Had a wonderful experience at Kirk Eye Center. The receptionist Vicki was great. She was very helpful and patient as I had many questions. Mimi is the best. I felt quite welcomed. I was nervous regarding the visit, and she made me feel well supported. Dr. Kent Kirk was very professional and very knowledgeable. I did not feel rushed throughout the visit. Thank you, Dr. Kirk, and to the great staff."
"I have had numerous eye surgeries over last 3 years. Thank God for Dr Tyler Kirk and his staff in Glen Ellyn, IL. I most recently had cataract surgery and 24 hours later I feel amazing. My sight has returned and I owe it all to Kirk Eye Center because they were committed to helping me get better. I recommend these guys to anyone seeking professional and great care.Thank You, Dana Noel"
"Incredible experience at Kirk as a new patient! I made an appointment and was seen the next day. Only 2 minutes from walking in the office door, I was being examined. Rose, who initiated and did the first battery of tests, was pleasant and very informative about each test being done. Dr Carter Kirk was the ultimate ophthalmologist, friendly and adjusting his explanation to a level that could be easily understood. I experienced absolutely the best and most thorough exam ever! As an example of the expertise and competence of this office, the practice has dental students doing their practical training there."
"Kirk Eye Center is excellent. We always receive thorough and informative care. They take the time to answer any questions we have and are kind and empathetic. Kirk Optical is fantastic as well. Great selection of glasses but best of all is the service. They always take the time to ensure a good fit for glasses. They are so patient, helpful, and caring."
"Kirk Eye Center and Dr. Scarpulla are the absolute best! On the advice of a friend’s recommendation, I sought help for my eyesight after unimpressive results from cataract surgery with an out-of-state ophthalmologist. Dr. Scarpulla restored my eyesight to 20/20 vision with a YAG procedure, painless and effective! I am so very grateful; colors are more vibrant and objects sharply delineated. Dr. Scarpulla is a gem—professional, kind, and knowledgeable. The nurses, receptionists, and surgical scheduler are all equally professional and compassionate. I am so very pleased with my results and recommend Kirk Eye Center—I give them TEN stars!!!"
"My cataract surgery was performed by Doctor Carter Kirk. The entire operation is very professional, Knowledgeable and friendly. Doctor Kirk answered all my questions in a way that I could understand. The results were amazing, I have bright clear vision now without glasses."
"Staff was amazing! Throughout the entire experience staff was professional and caring. Dr Tyler and Dr Carter took extra steps to ensure procedure was successful."
"I've been a Kirk patient since I was a kid-- my dad has been a patient of theirs for even longer. I had moved away, but have returned to help my parents. I always thought of them as completely trustworthy, but recently they performed magic for me. TLDR: Hiral Patel gave me the best prescription I've had in almost two decades and Viviana Cano eased my anxiety over switching back to contact lenses after almost three decades of wearing only glasses.Now, all the extra details. Last year, my vision was so bad that I applied for blind disability. My mom and dad insisted that I come home and go to Kirk for a definitive evaluation. Five hours into the appointment, my future was bleak. The final recommendation, a week later, was surgery. My parents were totally ready and willing to pay for it, but I hate spending their money and put it off put if off put it off. I'm going to skip the specifics on the stuff about the bad diabetic protocol prescribed by my primary and how I ginned up the courage to change my own insulin dosage and how that probably saved my life and jump right to the day when a friend told me that her eyes didn't track together and she didn't see in stereo but wearing hard lenses gave her real vision for several hours a day.I immediately thought "let's get me over to Kirk and ask them about this." I was almost too shy to make the appointment, but the possibility of being able to drive again was too seductive. I called and set the time. I got there an hour early. David and I sat in the parking lot eating precut watermelon from Jewel (same plaza.) I was nervous. Doctor Patel strutted to the lobby to grab me for my examination and I was immediately filled with confidence. Anyone with that much personal security must be great at their job. I was not disappointed."I want this to work," I offered. She smiled quickly and told me "remember to blink." I'm drowning you in minutiae. Let me bring this to a 10/10 conclusion: my vision is now corrected to 20/20 (I can read a sign from three blocks away!) and the lenses correct my astigmatism and keep my eyes in line. Now: Viviana. When I asked her to take a selfie that she liked (for me to use in this review,) she is so humble that she didn't immediately understand that it was to praise and appreciate her. She's extremely deserving of both. I came in two days after my miracle exam, not sure if I had successfully removed the acuvue daily lens from my right eye. She took a peek and confirmed that it was out, and placed an order for some more trial lenses so that I could make sure it was the right fit for me. I came in again today with both lenses still in and significant anxiety over that fact. Today, Viviana removed the lenses and gave me a comforting tutorial that I think might help (and then listened patiently and socially awkward me gave her an unsolicited lesson on trafficking of vulnerable groups in rural areas that flowed from my rant against Loyola facepalm. Patient and kind and so helpful! Thank you. Infinity/ infinity"
"I have been going to Kirk Eyecare Center for over 20 years and look forward to each and every visit. I know that my vision is in excellent hands and I feel like the staff and Doctors take extreme care with each and every patient. I recommend this facility to everyone I know and It gives me peace of mind to know that my vision is their priority."
"The staffing is very good the day of my surgery 5/7/24 they made feel less nervous than I was when I walk in and looking to get the left eye 👁️ done on the 5/14/24 they are quick would highly recommend this place Dr Scarpulla she is great."
"Superior Optical Care - We have been with Kirk Eye Center since the 1980's, receiving care from Dr. Kent Kirk and his father before him. Dr 'Kent' has continue to provide care to our family. He is knowledgeable, compassionate, and conservative in provision of a patient's care. As our needs have changed we have been able to count on Dr. Kent Kirk to provide cutting edge care for our eyes. I would recommend him to anyone seeking an exceptional ophthalmologist. "
"I first went to Kirk eye center 60 years ago. They did great now for my husband. The doctors are the best"
"Friendly knowledgeable competent glasses staff. Nice selection of frames"
"Wonderful staff who took such great care of my mother in law. Jeanie was awesome! Thanks!"
"I had my first visit to Kirk Eye Center today to have a chalazion (stye-like) removed from my eyelid. Everyone in the facility was super nice and made me feel right at home. Dr. Kirk was super great, informative, and made me feel very comfortable. I really highly recommend this center and could not be happier with my experience. Thanks Doc!"
"I just had a cataract removed and had a pleasant experience starting with the friendly receptionist and then all the awesome staff. Everyone made sure I was comfortable and explained what would take place. The procedure was quick and painless. I would highly recommend Kirk Eye Center and their friendly and knowledgeable staff to anyone. Thank you for making my experience pleasant."
"I trust these guys with all my eyes’ needs! Mimi and Theresa are great!"
"This place is and always has been amazing. I’ve moved and still travel back to this location because of the wonderful experience I always have. Highly recommend!"
"Totally professional, all questions answered"
"Dr.Kirk was amazing and very nice! The patient services were great! I was treated and eye problem resolved. I will continue to go here for any services needed. Keep up the great work!"
"Dr. Carter Kirk and his staff were very polite and professional. My wife and I, who were both patients that day, were very pleased."
"Pleasant Staff and felt safe! Professional in all aspects! Efficient and speedy Operation! Thanks for everything! JPH"
"I am terrified of anything medical, but the staff and Dr. Scott Kirk were kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable. I commend the outstanding care I received!"
"Thank you Kirk. great place super fast"
"I must take a.moment and highlight the ladies at the front desk- Kinga & Vicki. My last visit was an Odyssey getting there. Everything that could go wrong went wrong as I persevered to get to my appt on time. It culminated with me traversing 3 miles on foot to get there. Kindly, throughout my whole stressful adventure, these ladies maintained close phone communication with me. Rather than canceling me, they reworked my appt so that I could still be seen shortly after I arrived. I am so grateful for such grace. Most Dr offices would have callously canceled & rescheduled me for another day despite my traumatic quest. Thank you Kinga & Vicki. You are a blessing. Your front desk position is extremely important. You are the face of RFKEC and you represent them SUPERBLY!!!"
"The staff is exceptional, friendly and caring. My surgical experience was very positive. I felt confident in the way in which the team performed. I could not be happier with the results!"
"The procedure went very smoothly and was a lot easier than I imagined!"
"Very, very happy with the services provided by Kirk Eye Center. The entire team at Kirk Eye Center are professional, caring and thorough in their duties. I could not be happier with the outcome of my cataract surgery."
"Great experience with Dr Carter Kirk. He did my evaluation for cataract surgery. Thorough and complete. He did recommend surgery for my left eye and walk me thru options. Grateful for such s kind and understanding Dr. I did ask alot of questions and Dr Carter answered them all."
"Came in as a walk in for eye discomfort and they were able to squeeze me in asap! Their staff is so kind and accommodating - didn’t have to wait too long to be seen by the doctor. Strongly recommend"
"Friendly staff! Pleasant and knowledgeable. Visit was thorough and I was taken in promptly."
"Dr. Tyler Kirk gave me my sight back when two other doctors could not. I lost my sight during a routine cataract surgery performed by another doctor. Dr.Kirk was the only one that operated successsfully and gave me my sight back. I will be forever grateful."
"Tyler Kirk - Dr. Tyler Kirk gave me my sight back when two other doctors could not. I lost my sight during a routine cataract surgery performed by another doctor. Dr.Kirk was the only one that operated successsfully and gave me my sight back. I will be forever grateful."
"Very, very happy with the services provided by Kirk Eye Center. The entire team at Kirk Eye Center are professional, caring and thorough in their duties. I could not be happier with the outcome of my cataract surgery."
"Excellent and prompt service every time I come in for a appointment. Dr. Carter Kirk goes over and beyond to provide you with the greatest care, and the surgery center gives quick and efficient service when you come in for surgery."
"Fabulous service in optical department!"
"Wonderful Doctor Very professional and very nice guy"
"Thank you! to the office manager at GE for getting my prescription refilled (with additional refills!). Moved to California last spring & had a prescription snafu last month. I appreciate your help and kindness. 👏🏼"
"Easy parking and an accomadating Friendly staff. I was fully informed of what was being done . I have complete confidence in the staff and the physician . I trust Dr Kent Kirk with my eyes . I had lasik more than 20 years ago with Dr Kent Kirk and I could not be more pleased . I didn’t look forward to cataracts . It stinks getting old but I’m glad I have such good people to take care of me . I had cataract surgery October 18th 2023 It was so easy I’m mad I didn’t do it sooner. It’s one week and vision is 20/20 . No pain Eye drops but no oral medication."
"Friendly and quick service, and a reliable eye exam each year. Thanks!"
"Excellent service , highly recommend 👌"
"Dr. Tyler Kirk performed cataract and glaucoma surgeries on each of my eyes. The results are fantastic. The procedure was explained well and all my questions were answered so it was very comfortable. The entire team was thoughtful and pleasant. It was a great experience."
"Kirk Eye Center in River Forest is an excellent business. The receptionists that check you in are very friendly and down to earth. The facility is clean and professional. Dr Carter is knowledgeable, patient focused, friendly, and very helpful. Dr Bauer is also down to earth, kind, and has a ton of experience helpful patients. The women who check you out at the end of your visit are always very friendly and personal. I have nothing but good things to say about this Eye Center. Richard Falbo"
"I had cataract surgery a few months ago at the Kirk Eye Center. Dr. Kent Kirk was fantastic. He listened to all of my concerns and made me feel very comfortable. The staff was also very professional. I would highly recommend them for all your eye care needs.."
"I had cataract surgery a few months ago at the Kirk Eye Center. Dr. Kent Kirk was fantastic. He listened to all of my concerns and made me feel very comfortable. The staff was also very professional. I would highly recommend them for all your eye care needs.."
"My father asked me to write this review for him regarding Kirk Eye Center and a couple of their doctors. If he could give them more than 5 stars, he says he would.In July 2023 my father had an eye problem that needed immediate attention. Dr. Tyler Kirk saw my father quickly and went above and beyond to resolve the problem. In August 2023 my mother had a contact stuck in her eye causing her to experience significant eye pain. Dr. Scott Kirk saw her quickly, again going above an beyond to resolve the problem. These are extraordinary, caring, helpful doctors. They have gone above and beyond to help my parents. My parents would recommend them to anybody."
"My father asked me to write this review for him regarding Kirk Eye Center and a couple of their doctors. If he could give them more than 5 stars, he says he would.In July 2023 my father had an eye problem that needed immediate attention. Dr. Tyler Kirk saw my father quickly and went above and beyond to resolve the problem. In August 2023 my mother had a contact stuck in her eye causing her to experience significant eye pain. Dr. Scott Kirk saw her quickly, again going above an beyond to resolve the problem. These are extraordinary, caring, helpful doctors. They have gone above and beyond to help my parents. My parents would recommend them to anybody."
"I had cataract surgery on both eyes at Kirk Eye Center. My Vision was a mess but almost immediately after surgery I could see so well, able to see things in this house I wasn't able to see for the five years we lived here. The staff are all kind and Profesional. Would highly recommend Kirk Eye Center. Thank you Dr Carter Kirk and all of your staff! I CAN SEE!!"