Find a Specialist

Dr. Keegan Mechels is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon serving the Omaha community with expertise in functional and cosmetic eyelid care. He treats concerns ranging from eyelid droop and malposition to tearing problems, skin cancers of the eyelid, and post-trauma reconstruction. His approach centers on safety, natural-appearing results, and clear conversations about risks, benefits, and recovery so patients can make confident decisions. Dr. Mechels completed ophthalmology residency at the Cole Eye Institute (Cleveland Clinic) and an ASOPRS oculoplastics fellowship at Indiana University. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine after undergraduate studies at Drake University. Recognized with honors during training, he now brings advanced techniques and an attentive bedside manner to every visit, coordinating with optometry, dermatology, and primary care when needed to deliver seamless, comprehensive care.

Dr. Jesse Himebaugh is an ophthalmologist who provides comprehensive eye care with a focus on cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, and treatment of external eye and corneal disease. He also performs refractive procedures such as LASIK and PRK, and offers both medical and surgical treatment options for eye disease. Originally from Utah, he earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Brigham Young University and received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He completed an internal medicine internship at the University of Utah and an ophthalmology residency at West Virginia University. He then pursued fellowship training in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery at Washington University School of Medicine to further specialize in advanced corneal and vision-correction care.

Dr. Brandon Menke is an ophthalmologist who focuses on cataract and refractive surgery. He offers laser cataract surgery and vision-correction procedures such as LASIK, SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL, refractive lens exchange, and blended vision approaches tailored to a patient’s goals. He earned his medical degree at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and completed the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship in retinal regeneration. His training also includes an ophthalmology residency at Palmetto Health with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Menke is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has been recognized for research and innovation. He emphasizes clear education and realistic expectations so patients feel confident about their choices and recovery.

Dr. John Bader is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist offering cataract surgery and eye care services in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is committed to helping patients improve and preserve their vision through personalized and effective treatment plans. His dedication to staying up to date with advancements in ophthalmic technology enables him to offer a range of modern options. Dr. Bader believes in fostering open communication with his patients, ensuring they understand their diagnoses and treatment options at every step. Dr. Bader grew up on a farm near Gresham, NE, which instills a practical, patient-focused approach. In the operating room, he performs cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation, including advanced technology options like toric and multifocal lenses to correct astigmatism and reduce dependence on glasses. In the clinic, he evaluates and treats conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, and provides urgent care for sudden eye symptoms or injuries. He and his dedicated team provide compassionate and expert care whether individuals require routine exams or surgery.

Dr. Rao V. Chundury is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in oculoplastic and orbital surgery. He treats conditions affecting the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding structures, and provides surgical care for concerns such as eyelid and orbital problems, eye cancer, and skin cancer. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed ophthalmology residency training at St Louis University School of Medicine. He then completed a fellowship in oculoplastic and aesthetic surgery at Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Chundury focuses on thoughtful surgical planning and clear communication, helping patients understand the purpose of each procedure, recovery expectations, and follow-up care.

Dr. Baartman is a board-certified ophthalmologist who leads Vance Thompson Vision’s Omaha, Nebraska practice. He is energized by partnering with patients and helping them understand their eye health, with a focus on delivering a supportive, high-touch experience from consultation through recovery. His clinical interests include vision correction and surgical care, including cataract and refractive procedures, along with evaluation and treatment for cornea and glaucoma concerns. During his ophthalmology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Baartman served as Chief Resident and was recognized with an Excellence in Teaching award. After completing fellowship training, he joined Vance Thompson Vision and has remained active in research, technology, and patient-experience innovation. He has participated in clinical trials and has been recognized for research presentations, and he also values service through volunteer eye care and sight-restoring surgery efforts in communities with limited access to care.

Dr. Aniruddha Agarwal is an ophthalmologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Surgical Institute with a clinical focus on diseases of the retina and uveitis. A vitreoretinal surgeon and uveitis specialist, he cares for people with complex inflammatory and vascular conditions of the eye, using advanced imaging and the latest medical and surgical therapies. His background spans training and practice in both the United States and India, and he has published extensively on retinal and choroidal imaging and therapeutics. Patients appreciate Dr. Agarwal’s clear explanations and collaborative approach to decision-making, whether they are managing chronic uveitis, recovering from retinal surgery, or weighing treatment options for diabetic eye disease. He welcomes patients who prefer English or Hindi and works closely with a multidisciplinary team to personalize care plans that protect sight and quality of life.

Colby Argo, M.D., is a board-certified eye surgeon specializing in cataract, cornea, anterior segment, ocular surface disease, and refractive surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed postgraduate training including an internship at the University of South Dakota, an ophthalmology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and a cornea and external disease fellowship at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. He joined Eye Surgical Associates and performs LASIK and other refractive surgeries as part of Sutton Linder & Sutton, providing specialized care to patients in southeast Nebraska. Dr. Argo is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Nebraska Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He holds professional appointments at multiple hospitals in Lincoln and surrounding areas, ensuring comprehensive care for his patients. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active with his family and community involvement.

Dr. Tania Padilla Conde was born in Riverside, California, and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Physiology with honors from the University of South Dakota and her medical degree with honors from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. She completed her medical internship and ophthalmology residency training at the University of Kentucky, where she was elected by the faculty as Chief Resident and received several awards, including the Wirtschafter Excellence in Teaching Award. She completed fellowship training in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her areas of expertise include surgery of the anterior segment of the eye: traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, partial thickness corneal transplantation, endothelial keratoplasty, pterygium surgery, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. She has a passion for eliminating avoidable blindness in low resource communities around the world and has participated in numerous medical service trips.

Dr. Samuel L. Thomsen is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery, laser vision correction, and the medical and surgical care of glaucoma. A Nebraska native, he completed medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, ophthalmology residency at the Mason Eye Institute at the University of Missouri, and a glaucoma fellowship at the Dean McGee Eye Institute at the University of Oklahoma. He joined Eye Surgical Associates in 2020 and provides care for patients from Lincoln and surrounding communities. Dr. Thomsen offers cataract surgery tailored to patients’ goals, performs LASIK and other refractive procedures, and manages the full spectrum of glaucoma with medical therapy and surgery. He is active in regional and national professional societies and is known for a down-to-earth, collaborative approach—taking time to explain findings, review options, and build a plan that fits each patient’s needs and lifestyle.

Dr. Kajree Gupta is the current Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fellow at Children’s Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (2025–2026). She completed medical school at Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai, earned a Master of Surgery (Ophthalmology) at PGIMER in Chandigarh, and subsequently served as a Senior Resident at PGIMER. Her training has spanned high-volume pediatric, strabismus, glaucoma, and neuro-ophthalmology care, alongside contributions to peer-reviewed publications and national and international presentations. Dr. Gupta’s practice centers on diagnosing and treating eye conditions in children and young adults with a calm, family-focused approach. She works to explain findings clearly, align care with each child’s needs, and coordinate closely with families and pediatric teams. From common refractive and alignment problems to complex congenital disease, she aims to preserve sight, support visual development, and help children thrive inside and outside the clinic.

Dr. Ahmad Halawa is a neuro-ophthalmologist and pediatric ophthalmologist who cares for both children and adults at Nebraska Medicine’s Truhlsen Eye Institute. He helps patients with vision problems that intersect the brain and the eyes—ranging from optic nerve inflammation to complex eye movement disorders—and explains each diagnosis in clear, practical language. His goal is to match advanced testing with a friendly, step-by-step plan so patients and families know what to expect at every visit. He has special interest in conditions like double vision and strabismus, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, nystagmus, and amblyopia (lazy eye). Dr. Halawa completed medical school at the University of Jordan and advanced training in ophthalmology before dual fellowships in neuro-ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology at the University of Michigan. Patients appreciate his calm, collaborative style and his focus on evidence-based care paired with thoughtful follow-up.

Dr. Mary Haschke is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist at Omaha Eye & Laser Institute providing medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions. Her interests include cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, medical retina, and refractive surgery. She performs laser-assisted cataract surgery and offers multifocal lens options for patients seeking less dependence on glasses. Dr. Haschke also performs LASIK, glaucoma filtering procedures, pterygium surgery, intravitreal injections, chalazion and eyelid lesion excisions, and laser treatments for secondary cataracts and glaucoma. Raised in Fargo, North Dakota, Dr. Haschke attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before earning her medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She completed ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University. Patients appreciate her calm, straightforward communication and the way she partners with them to match treatment choices with lifestyle and visual needs.

Dr. Spenser Morton is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon dedicated to helping patients understand their options and see clearly and comfortably again. He specializes in refractive cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), offering modern techniques designed to improve vision while reducing medication burden for many people living with glaucoma. Patients value his calm explanations, careful measurements, and a step-by-step approach that focuses on safety and outcomes. Dr. Morton leads care at Vance Thompson Vision’s South Sioux City clinic, where he provides advanced cataract care and MIGS for patients across the tri-state region. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College. In each visit, Dr. Morton works closely with patients and their local eye doctors to personalize surgical planning and postoperative care so recovery is smooth and results align with each person’s visual goals.

Dr. Pukhraj Rishi is an ocular oncologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He evaluates and treats eye tumors and complex retinal disease, drawing on extensive training in retina and ocular oncology. Patients are referred to him for conditions such as retinoblastoma, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and pediatric retinal disorders, as well as second opinions for challenging cases. After medical school and ophthalmology residency at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, India, Dr. Rishi completed vitreoretinal fellowships at the Retina Foundation (Ahmedabad) and at Sankara Nethralaya (Chennai), followed by further retina training at UNMC’s Truhlsen Eye Institute. A scholarship from the International Council of Ophthalmology supported additional specialty training in ocular oncology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. He has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, 20 book chapters, and delivered over 150 invited lectures internationally. In the clinic and operating room, he focuses on clear communication and thoughtful, individualized care so patients and families can make informed choices in complex situations.

Dr. Luke Tomczak provides comprehensive ophthalmic care for patients and families in Columbus and Norfolk. He completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and earned his medical degree at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He then trained at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia, where his internship in internal medicine and residency experience helped shape a practical, team-based approach to surgical and medical eye care. His background also includes clinical research and community service. At Eye Physicians, PC, Dr. Tomczak offers thoughtful evaluations and clear explanations so patients understand their diagnosis and options. He helps patients navigate common vision problems and chronic eye disease and coordinates care with subspecialists when needed. His goal is to deliver attentive, efficient care that protects sight and fits each patient’s life.

Dr. Drew Dickson is a cataract and refractive surgeon at Kugler Vision in Omaha who focuses on helping people see clearly with a personalized, safety-first plan. He became interested in ophthalmology after watching a brief cataract procedure transform a patient’s life, and he now offers multiple vision-correction options to match different prescriptions and lifestyles—including treatments for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and near-vision changes. Dr. Dickson is known for being meticulous and detail-oriented. He starts by making sure each patient is a good candidate, then customizes the procedure and technology to the patient’s goals so they can feel confident about the long-term result. He has personally experienced LASIK and understands the day-to-day freedom that comes from reducing reliance on glasses or contacts. He is active in professional organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery and supports global eye-care training through the Himalayan Cataract Project.

Dr. Andrew Troia is a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist who cares for infants, children, and teens with eye and vision concerns. He focuses on early diagnosis and treatment to support healthy visual development, using age-appropriate exams and clear explanations so families feel informed and confident. At Boys Town’s Pediatric Ophthalmology department, Dr. Troia evaluates and treats conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus and hypertropia (eye misalignment), blocked tear ducts, corneal abrasions, cataracts, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and other eye infections. He earned his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine, completed ophthalmology residency training at Henry Ford Health System, and pursued fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Dr. Troia partners with parents and caregivers to build practical care plans and help children see as comfortably and clearly as possible.

Dr. Andrew Baldwin provides comprehensive eye care for adults, offering both medical and surgical solutions to help protect and restore vision. In Norfolk, Nebraska, he treats a wide range of eye conditions, from cataracts and glaucoma to retinal and eyelid concerns, taking time to explain what is happening and what the next steps look like. He performs cataract surgery and helps patients consider advanced intraocular lens options, including toric and multifocal lenses, when they are a good fit. For glaucoma, he is trained in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and laser treatments such as selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG peripheral iridotomy. Dr. Baldwin also offers medical retina care, including intravitreal injections and laser procedures for retinal disorders and retinal tears, as well as oculoplastic procedures such as blepharoplasty and ectropion or entropion repair.

Dr. Keegan A. Harkins is a board-certified ophthalmologist who cares for patients with retinal and macular disease as well as cataracts. He has advanced training in retina-vitreous disease and surgery, and he works with patients to address changes in vision, manage chronic eye conditions, and plan the right surgical or medical treatment. A Scottsbluff native, Dr. Harkins joined Oregon Trail Eye Center in 2019. He earned his medical degree at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Nebraska, and completed a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He sees patients in Scottsbluff and travels to serve communities in Valentine, Ogallala, and Grant, Nebraska, as well as Douglas, Wyoming. Outside the clinic, he enjoys time with his wife and six children.

Dr. Rachel C. Mercer is an ophthalmologist who evaluates and treats eye disease with a focus on cataract surgery, ophthalmic laser procedures, and both medical and surgical management of eye conditions. She also completed fellowship training in neuro-ophthalmology. Originally from Oklahoma, Dr. Mercer earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and her medical degree from Texas Tech University. She completed a one-year internal medicine internship and a three-year ophthalmology residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, followed by a neuro-ophthalmology fellowship at the University of Iowa. She values careful listening and clear explanations so patients understand their diagnosis, treatment choices, and next steps.

Dr. Lorraine (“Lori”) M. Provencher is a board-certified ophthalmologist and refractive cataract surgeon who focuses on helping patients see clearly with modern lens-based solutions. She specializes in advanced intraocular lens implants and refractive lens exchange, and she takes a customized approach—recommending the same options she would consider for her own family. As a glaucoma specialist, Dr. Provencher has expertise in glaucoma lasers, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and complex glaucoma cases that require thoughtful planning and follow-up. Patients can expect careful evaluation, clear explanations, and a treatment plan tailored to their goals and lifestyle. Dr. Provencher is also active in education and research as a speaker, teacher, and researcher, and she contributes to the field through editorial work, professional societies, and volunteer programs.

Dr. Peter Simone is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who combines medical and surgical care to help patients protect their sight and reach their vision goals. He completed the M.D.-Ph.D. Scholars Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, earning a Ph.D. in cancer research along with an M.D. with distinction, and he went on to complete residency training in internal medicine and ophthalmology before a two-year refractive surgery fellowship through the Refractive Surgery Alliance Fellowship Network. In clinic, Dr. Simone evaluates and treats common eye conditions and offers a range of vision-correction procedures. He specializes in refractive options such as LASIK, PRK, ICL, refractive lens exchange, and refractive cataract surgery, helping patients understand which approach best matches their eyes and lifestyle. He also performs eyelid procedures—including upper eyelid blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, and entropion or ectropion repair—when eyelid position or comfort is affecting vision.

Dr. Patricia “Patty” Terp is a comprehensive, board-certified ophthalmologist who provides eye care for patients in the Fremont area. She is committed to helping patients understand their eye health, answering questions in plain language, and guiding them through preventive care as well as treatment when surgery or specialty services are needed. Dr. Terp completed her undergraduate studies at Creighton University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and graduating summa cum laude. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Creighton University in 2011 and completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute in Omaha. She has served on the executive committee for the Nebraska Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Terp sees patients at Midwest Eye Care’s Fremont location and enjoys spending time with her family outside of work.