Rick E. Peterson

Dr. Rick Peterson was born in Park Ridge, Illinois and he grew up in Arlington Heights. He decided to become an Optometrist while participating in mission work in the Dominican Republic with Dr. Oswald. Dr. Peterson reveals, "This experience taught me how important vision is, and the fulfillment I could achieve in helping others."

Dr. Peterson attended the University of Iowa, and continued his education at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where he received his BS in Visual Science and Doctor of Optometry degree. He also received awards for his work in pediatric/binocular vision and advanced ophthalmic care.

Dr. Peterson is currently the president of both The Laser Network and the United Eye Care Providers as well as a former clinical instructor for the Illinois College of Optometry. He is a graduate of the Disney Institute/Essilor MBA program. He is actively testing new ophthalmic designs for glasses and contact lenses. He frequently lectures on binocular vision to teachers, parents, and students. Dr. Peterson also presents seminars on the benefits and newest technology of LASIK refractive surgery. He is TPA certified and is a specialist in binocular vision and focusing disorders along with advanced diagnostic techniques of ocular, orbital, and neurological disorders.

Dr. Peterson lives in Lemont with his wife Julie, and their 3 children. They are active in St. Alphonsus parish and support local organizations for children with special needs.

Rick Peterson

James B. Sowinski

Dr. James Sowinski was born and raised in Tinley Park, Illinois. He completed his undergraduate studies at Valparaiso University in Indiana and graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 2001. He went on to complete a one year residency at Newington VA Medical Center in Connecticut where he performed eye exams with heavy emphasis on ocular disease. He was also involved in supervising and teaching students in areas of primary care and ocular disease at that residency. He has been in private optometric and ophthalmologic practices in California, where he specialized in ocular disease, co-managing ophthalmologic surgical cases, and fitting contact lenses. He also restarted and performed low vision care services at the ophthalmology department in Woodland, California. 

He has spoken publicly several times, including a medical review he presented at the New England College of Optometry. He is the recipient of the 2001 Lighthouse Macular Degeneration Award and VSP Award of Excellence in 2005.

Dr. Sowinski is therapeutically certified to prescribe medications for the eyes. His areas of specialty include medical diagnosis and treatment of the eyes, treating traumas and emergencies, and contact lens fittings.

Dr. Sowinski is excited to be back in the Chicagoland area and living in Manhattan with his wife, Danielle and their son and daughter. He enjoys backpacking, hiking, sports, and spending time with family and friends

Taryn Doherty

Dr. Taryn Doherty is originally from the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, but now calls the city of Chicago home. She graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science. She then received her doctorate at Illinois College of Optometry, where she earned honors for her clinical skills and became involved in advocating for optometry at the national level in Washington D.C.

Dr. Taryn completed her training at the Rhode Island Veterans Hospital, Hiatt Eye Center in Phoenix Arizona, the Illinois Eye Institute in Chicago, and Hellerstein and Brenner Vision Center in Denver Colorado specializing in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. She enjoys all modes of practice, but takes a special interest in pediatrics and myopia control. In addition to primary care, Dr. Taryn is certified to manage and treat diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Currently, she is a member of the Illinois Optometric Association and American Optometric Association.

When Dr. Taryn is out of the office she enjoys exploring Chicago with her husband Danny, trying out at new restaurants and running on the riverfront. She is an avid coffee lover and splurges on anything Barbeque!

Alex Lopez

Dr. Alex Lopez was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois. He completed his undergraduate studies at Roosevelt University in Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree. He went on to attend Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Optometry and graduated in their inaugural class. He enjoyed volunteering at vision and medical screenings with the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps in Nashville, Tennessee and “Native Eyes” free clinic in Rosebud, South Dakota.

Dr. Lopez completed training at Midwestern University Eye Institute in Downers Grove, Battle Creek VA Medical Center in Michigan, Chicago Cornea Consultants, Dynamic Center for Vision Therapy, and here at Absolute Vision. While Dr. Lopez enjoys all scopes of practice, he is particularly interested in Dry Eye Management, Contact Lenses, and Vision Therapy.

During his free time, Dr. Lopez enjoys being with his friends and family, fishing, gaming, searching for new places to explore, and discovering new foods to eat.

Samra Hashmi

Dr. Samra Hashmi specializes in intraocular lens implant surgery, corneal transplant surgery and refractive or laser vision corrective surgery for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Board certified ophthalmologist and member of the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Hashmi earned her medical degree at the premier medical institute in Pakistan, The Aga Khan University, in 1994.

Her Postgraduate training included a research fellowship in the Hypertension section, Department of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York and a Research fellowship in Cornea and External Diseases at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York City.

Dr. Hashmi completed her residency in Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia and a Fellowship in Refractive Surgery at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Hashmi performs cataract surgery with multi-focal implants using the current no-stich, no-patch technique.

Samra Hashmi, MD is affiliated with the following professional organizations:

• American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
• American Society for Hypertension

In her free time Dr. Hashmi enjoys spending time with her husband Nashib, a nephrologist and their three children. She is active in the community and her hobbies include traveling and reading books.

Majid Rassouli

Dr. Majid Rassouli attended Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1994 -1998. He received his Bachelor of Science (microbiology) in 1991, from the University of Washington. His postgraduate training included an internship at Henry Ford Hospital/Bi-County Hospital in Michigan. Dr. Rassouli completed his residency at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine/Midwestern University from 1999-2002. He completed his Cornea and Refractive Surgery Fellowship in 2003 at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Dr. Rassouli is Board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is also affiliated with the following professional organizations: American Academy of Ophalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgeons.

Eli Lelis

Dr. Eli Lelis has been in practice for over 12 years and is well recognized in the southwest suburbs and Joliet. He is board certified and has performed thousands of surgeries, and lectured on numerous surgical methods. He went to school at Wayne State University and attended medical school at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. His residency was performed at Loyola University and he is a member of the American Academy of Opthalmology.

Kevin Kovach

Kevin J. Kovach, M.D. received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with honors from the University of Illinois. He was accepted at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine where he completed his graduate work. He graduated Doctor of Medicine Cum Laude and continued his transitional residency work at MacNeal Hospital. He completed his residency at Loyola UMC.

He is a certified eye surgeon of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Association of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons. He is currently on staff at Elmhurst Hospital, and Oak Park Hospital.

Dr. Kovach is an ardent supporter of co-management for a number of years and enjoys working cohesively with optometrists in all aspects of eye care.

Mateen AliNiazee

Mateen K. AliNiazee, MD is a Board-Certified Eye Physician and Surgeon with over 15 years of experience in Ophthalmology. He graduated with honors from Tulane University Department of Science and Engineering in 1993 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and completed a 7-year combined BS/MD program with Tulane University Medical School in 1996. He went on to excel during his internship and residency at Tulane University Department of Ophthalmology in 2000.

He is certified with the American Board of Ophthalmology, and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology along with the American Academy of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. He has performed thousands of cataract and refractive surgery procedures and lasers during his illustrious career. He works between Edward-Elmhurst Hospital System, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Systems, and Rush Oak Park Hospital.

Vivek Chaturvedi

Vivek Chaturvedi, M.D. is a native of Fargo, North Dakota. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned summa cum laude honors. He earned his medical degree with distinction from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He completed his residency at the prestigious Tufts-New England Eye Center in Boston, and a fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Chaturvedi has published scientific papers in leading academic journals and holds membership in the American Society of Retinal Specialists, and has earned numerous awards throughout his medical training. Dr. Chaturvedi joined Illinois Retina Associates and the AVC team, where he diagnoses and treats disorders of the macula and retina. When he is not with patients, he enjoys cooking and writing poetry and prose.