DR. KOWAR

Dr. Kowar earned her Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) and her Bachelor of Science in Visual Science from the Illinois College of Optometry as well as a Bachelor of Science in biology from Loyola University.

Dr. Kowar is an active member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, American Optometric Association, Illinois Optometric Association, and the Optometric Extension Program. She collaborates with Dr. Deborah Zelinsky's continuing research and professional publications in neuro-optometry, one aspect of which concerns the integration of visual and auditory processing.

Prior to her affiliation with The Mind-Eye Connection, Dr. Kowar served as Director of the Low Vision Clinic and Instructor in Clinical Ophthalmology at Northwestern's Medical Faculty Foundation as well as the Low Vision Center of Lake County. She continues to specialize in the treatment of acquired vision loss [for example: glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury] and congenital vision impairment [ retinopathy of prematurity, and amblyopia.] Dr. Kowar is licensed to treat eye diseases and comanages her patients with ophthalmologists for cataracts and refractive surgery.

As a seasoned practitioner with over 20 years of experience in clinical patient care, Dr. Kowar addresses the visual needs of patients at all stages of life. Her expertise includes applying the most current contact lens technologies, and expanded therapies in prescription determination.

Dr. Kowar is not only an optometrist with a traditional foundation, but also a professional eye care specialist who practices with a multi-disciplinary approach to solving vision related processing issues by helping patients function in their world more effectively.