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.
"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."
"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!!"
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"I was seen at the time of my appointment, no waiting. The staff was very courteous. Dr. Scott Kirk was very efficient in his exam and discussion of any follow up required. As this was my annual exam, my records were immediately available for comparison purposes. I have been to Kirk Eye Center for over ten years, and intend to continue with them. as I am very satisfied as to the care that I receive."
"Was looking to switch eye doctors and Kirk Eye Center was highly recommended. I made an appointment for myself and saw Dr. Patel and had a very good experience. Every employee I dealt with was very nice and helpful. I was able to get in and out very quickly with hardly any waiting around. After my good experience, I decided to make an appointment for my mom who saw Dr. Scott Kirk. Again, very good experience. All of the employees are very nice and helpful. One of the technicians, Ursula, was extremely helpful and made sure my mom who is disabled was cared for and made comfortable throughout the appointment. The whole office works very efficiently without compromising on care. Would highly recommend Kirk Eye Center in River Forest!"
"I want to thank Dr. Tyler Kirk for his excellent care of my eyes. I began as a glaucoma patient and have gradually developed cataracts in both eyes. Dr. Kirk’s care in removing my cataracts has restored my vision to 20/20 and glaucoma pressures have been reduced significantly. The communication is thorough for any and all procedures. I highly recommend Dr. Tyler Kirk for eye care."
"I am absolutely delighted with Kirk Eye Center! I was previously treated for dry eye issues at a major eye clinic in DuPage County but wasn’t seeing any improvement. I first saw Dr. Tyler Kirk at his Glen Ellyn office who took a thorough history and really listened to me! He referred me to Dr. Carter Kirk at the River Forest location where again, I was treated with empathy and understanding. He recommended treatments that are really working for me! My vision has improved drastically! I can’t recommend Kirk Eye Center enough. The doctors are knowledgeable and compassionate and the staff is fantastic (shout out to you, Cassandra)! Vision issues are quite scary but everyone that I dealt with, from the office staff to the technicians to the doctors themselves made me feel welcome and comfortable. I HIGHLY recommend this place."
"Great staff and Dr Scarpulls and Dr Kirk are very skilled and thorough. I did have a bit of a problem with a young technician that would not explain what test she was doing. She got me so stressed out I had to have Danielle take over and she was amazing. I miss Shirley. I give a 5 star as I have been going to their clinic many years and Dr Scarpulla treated me for Glaucoma and have helped through issues with my eyes. I was recommended for surgery of my left eye. I will eventually do it. God bless you all."
"The Kirk Eye Center in Chicago is outstanding. The staff is professional & friendly. Dr. Carter Kirk is one of the best eye doctors I've ever met. He solved my dry eye issues after two visits. See you in 6 months for follow up exam."
"Hi my experience with Dr. Tyler Kirk was very good he did both my eyes, first Cataracts removal then for my glaucoma he put in a stint to drain the fluid to keep my pressure down. I didnt have any problems. When I went back for my check up he asked me how is your vision now I told him it was so good that I could see what he was thinking. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 he had a good laugh after that so if you want a great Doctor visit the Kirk Eye Center you will see the world much clearer I promise."
"I had refractive lens surgery to correct far sightedness and astigmatism at Kirk eye center, and have had a very good outcome. Scott Kirk performed the incision via laser surgery, and Kent placed the lens...I am very pleased and would recommend anyone interested in vision corrective surgery to consult with Drs. Kirk."
"We love the way the optical department takes care of their clients, especially Robin who is super friendly and accommodating. My family highly recommends Kirk Optical department for all of your eyewear needs."
"I found this to be a highly professional friendly place for eye Care I had a thorough eye examination including pressure test for glaucoma camera shots of the retina and vision capabilities we're tested as well. The doctor went over the results with me and gave me a complete understanding of my eye health and what I can anticipate in the upcoming years being a senior citizen. I love the legacy of the place I believe it was started by a grandfather and several relatives named Dr Kirk work there they appeared to have a very clean venue and their technology seem to be the latest I highly recommend this place to anyone that needs eye Care and you can get your prescription and buy glasses on site the same day"
"Love the Optical Center at Kirk Eye Center. Great service and personal attention."
"I am extremely happy with my experience at Kirk eye center. The ladies in the optical center were is helpful as they could be, and all very friendly. I brought in a pair of surgical glasses which lens fell out of and the manufacturer would have taken a couple weeks minimum to return these to me. Due to my profession I cannot afford to go more than a couple days without them.the part that concerned me was that these lenses have to be lined up perfectly as they are very costly precision instruments. The staff spent well over an hour helping me with these and we finally we're able to get them back still working order and I am able to see out of them perfectly again. I am extremely impressed that the staff took the time and had the patience to work with me. From now on if I need anything Kirk eye center will definitely be my first go to choice. I thank you while you have a very friendly and outgoing staff there Cheryl Koby L.E. Licenced Electrologist"
"I am extremely happy with my experience at Kirk eye center. The ladies in the optical center where is helpful as they could be in all very friendly. I brought in a pair of surgical glasses where lens fell out timer and the manufacturer would have taken a couple weeks minimum to return these to me. Due to my profession I cannot afford to go more than a couple days without them.the part that concerned me was that these lenses have to be lined up perfectly as they are very costly precision instruments. The staff spent well over an hour helping me with these and we finally we’re able to get them back still working order and I am able to see out of them perfectly again. I am extremely impressed that the staff took the time and had the patience to work with me. From now on if I need anything Kirk eye center will definitely be my first go to choice. I thank you, you have a very friendly and outgoing staff!!!"
"I am extremely happy with my experience at Kirk eye center. The ladies in the optical center were is helpful as they could be, and all very friendly. I brought in a pair of surgical glasses which lens fell out of and the manufacturer would have taken a couple weeks minimum to return these to me. Due to my profession I cannot afford to go more than a couple days without them.the part that concerned me was that these lenses have to be lined up perfectly as they are very costly precision instruments. The staff spent well over an hour helping me with these and we finally we're able to get them back still working order and I am able to see out of them perfectly again. I am extremely impressed that the staff took the time and had the patience to work with me. From now on if I need anything Kirk eye center will definitely be my first go to choice. I thank you while you have a very friendly and outgoing staff there Cheryl Koby L.E. Licenced Electrologist"
"Kirk Eye Center really is the best. Everyone is so nice and friendly - especially the employees in the Optical Department; never in a hurry and always happy to chat. I got my first pair of contacts at Kirk Center when I was 19 years old (that was well over 30 years ago). I keep going back, because they truly are the best. I live an hour away and it's still worth the trip to go back every year for my eye exam (and contacts)."
"Kirk Eye Center really is the best. Everyone is so nice and friendly - especially the employees in the Optical Department; never in a hurry and always happy to chat. I got my first pair of contacts at Kirk Center when I was 19 years old (that was well over 30 years ago). I keep going back, because they truly are the best. I live an hour away and it's still worth the trip to go back every year for my eye exam (and contacts)."
"I have always had a great experience with Kirk Eye Center. The optical center is wonderful. They have great options and the staff is extremely helpful. I couldn’t find a pair of frames that fit my small face and Mimi recognized immediately the issue. She ordered some frames into the shop and they were a perfect fit. I was thrilled."
"Dr. Kirk and staff are great! The moment you walk in you’re greeted by smiles and a friendly staff. The optical department is great and care on how you like your glasses. They’ll stay with you and give you opinions if you ask for it. Definitely an office worth coming to."
"Kirk Eye Center is an excellent practice filled with extremely attentive and caring ophthalmologists and staff who provide a welcoming experience for eye exams. The staff was very efficient and I never felt like I was lost in the crowd. Dr. Kirk was amazing and thorough and really took the time to listen to my concerns. I've finally found a place to go to for my routine eye care!"
"I had chalazion incision and curettage done by Dr. Kent Kirk. He was kind, explained the procedure thoroughly and performed it very gently. Staff of Kirk Eye Center was very professional and pleasant. I highly recommend Dr. Kent Kirk and Kirk Eye Center."
"I have been a Kirk patient for 15 years. This was my second operation with Dr. Scott Kirk. The cataract removal and laser vision correction was painless and efficiently performed. All personnel were courteous and careful. I recommend Kirk Eye Center to all of my friends."
"I love my new Silhouette Eyeglasses, and my new Maui Jim prescription sunglasses. They make me feel like a million bucks. The optical manager, Robin, was very helpful in helping me with my selection, measuring, and follow up. Kirk Eye Center used a prescription I received from a different optical center. I’ll be going straight to Kirk Eye Center next year."
"I love my new Silhouette Eyeglasses, and my new Maui Jim prescription sunglasses. They make me feel like a million bucks. The optical manager, Robin, was very helpful in helping me with my selection, measuring, and follow up. Kirk Eye Center used a prescription I received from a different optical center. I'll be going straight to Kirk Eye Center next year."
"I had a very pleasant experience at the Kirk Eye Center. I had LASIK to correct very poor vision in both eyes and an astigmatism. Dr. Kirk was professional and did not push me into the surgery before he thought I was ready and a viable candidate. As a diabetic, there were further concerns/considerations with the procedure that Dr. Kirk was very aware of. I saw him over the course of a year before he decided it was the right time to do the surgery. Over that year, the office staff regularly checked in with me. My recovery from the surgery was easy and painless. Definitely recommend visiting the Kirk Eye Center if you are considering LASIK!"
"Kirk Eye Center provides caring, thoughtful, and skilled eye care for patients of all ages. The convenience of having the doctor's office, the surgery center, and the optical shop in one location is priceless. I have personally been a patient for over 50 years and would highly recommend this practice!"
"Kirk Eye Center provides caring, thoughtful, and skilled eye care for patients of all ages. The convenience of having the doctor's office, the surgery center, and the optical shop in one location is priceless. I have personally been a patient for over 50 years and would highly recommend this practice!"
"I transferred to this practice a year ago to have my regular eye exams for a medical reason I had a long time ago. After having a horrible experience at my previous clinic, Chicago Eye Institute, I was really impressed by the efficient and friendly service ar the Kirk eye clinic. I've been seeing only Dr. Scott Kirk, who comes across as an intelligent, considerate, and a friendly physician. I would definitely recommend this place to future patients."
"I transferred to this practice a year ago to have my regular eye exams for a medical reason I had a long time ago. After having a horrible experience at my previous clinic, Chicago Eye Institute, I was really impressed by the efficient and friendly service ar the Kirk eye clinic. I’ve been seeing only Dr. Scott Kirk, who comes across as an intelligent, considerate, and a friendly physician. I would definitely recommend this place to future patients."
"I recently went in to see if I could get Lasik. I had perfect vision growing up and with age, I noticed my vision getting worse (Presbyopia). First cheaters in my 40s and then monovision and then bifocal contacts and glasses. Then I node my general vision was also declining. At age 58, this was not how I wanted to continue.After an extensive exam, Dr. Kirk advised me that I wasn’t a "good candidate for Lasik" as he noted an early onset of cataracts. It was not immediately noticeable and there was no cloudiness. Dr. Kirk told me the first clue, which resulted in a much more detailed exam was that my prescription changed a full 2 diopters in one year and that was a sign of possible cataracts. A less detailed exam might not have picked this up until they were more developed. My vision would only continue to get worse and undo the good of the Laisik. While the cataracts would not become an issue for perhaps 15 years, I would need to stay in glasses or contacts and have worsening vision each year. The proposed long-term solution would be to have cataract surgery and then have bifocal lenses implanted. Considered elective surgery, it was costlier than Lasik, but it was a "lifetime" solution, meaning my vision would never worsen after the surgery.After independent research, I agreed and have had both eyes repaired. I had the "Restore" IOLs implanted. Their staff are all very helpful and I had all of my concerns addressed. They did not make promises of perfect vision, only that I would see an great improvement. This type of procedure also meant I would never develop cataracts.The eyes were done one at a time, two weeks apart. The procedures were totally pain free. I did decline any sedation, as I wanted to fully understand what was happening. There was no need for it. The doctors (Scott for the first and Kent for the second) both made sure I understood everything that was going on. The follow up care was excellent.The best way to describe the results are miraculous! I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes and am totally free of any additional eyewear (including cheaters). I also noticed that I no longer saw "floaters" which I had begun to see over the past year. I have crystal clear vision and good not be happier."
"Recently, my husband and I had eye exams at Kirk Eye Center. Everyone was just wonderful and supportive. As well, we certainly enjoyed the warm and friendly reception at the front desk and from Judy and the incredible attention, time and detail that Mimi the optician and her colleagues showed us. We ordered our glasses from the Optician Center as well. Great group. Patti Cone"
"Recently, my husband and I had eye exams at Kirk Eye Center. Everyone was just wonderful and supportive. As well, we certainly enjoyed the warm and friendly reception at the front desk and from Judy and the incredible attention, time and detail that Mimi the optician and her colleagues showed us. We ordered our glasses from the Optician Center as well. Great group.Patti Cone"
"I read the reviews on the internet and selected Kirk Eye Center and what a great decision that was. My vision was getting cloudy and I decided it was time to get my eyes checked. I needed cataract surgery and Dr Kent Kirk performed that for me yesterday. The procedure took about 15 minutes and there was no pain during the entire procedure. I had zero side effects: no inflammation, no infection, no swelling, no bleeding, no glaucoma or retinal problems. As I write today online, I can read the computer screen better now than with my glasses. At my followup visit today Dr Kent Kirk told me that everything was so successful that I could start driving again. No restrictions. I couldn't be more pleased. Dr Kent Kirk is the "Michael Jordan" of ophthalmologists. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"
"I am so happy with all the doctors at Kirk Eye Center. 15 years ago I had LASIK eye surgery and to this day I have 20/20. I return every year for my annual eye exam. And I am always pleased at how wonderful the whole staff is at Kirk Eye Center."