Meet Our Eye Doctors
Chicago, Illinois
Mark I. Golden, M.D. F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S. 
http://www.markgolden.com/
"I have operated on my wife, other members of my family, eye doctors and their families, airplane pilots and even malpractice attorneys. We believe that every person should receive only the best possible care in a relaxed and competent manner using only the latest and best of technology. One's eyes are precious. There can be no greater gift than the ability to see. My patients are grateful for our extensive experience which puts them at ease and increases their chance of success."
Dr. Golden received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago in 1977 and went on to be the first-ever recipient of a pre-doctoral
Master of Science degree in Ophthalmology in 1978. He graduated medical school from Saint Louis University in 1984 and subsequently completed a Flexible Internship at St. Johns Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis and then back to Saint Louis University for his residency in Ophthalmology.
He joined his father and sister in their cornea and external disease practice in 1988 and expanded the two offices practice in Chicago to a total of seven offices between Chicago and Southern Wisconsin. Dr. Golden’s specialty was in small incision cataract surgery, treatment of diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma and in the advances in refractive surgery. He trained in the technique of Radial Keratotomy (RK) and attended the first course in the United States on ALK followed by a fellowship in Houston. ALK was the precursor of modern-day LASIK. He has taught hundreds of doctors in the United States and Internationally the techniques of LASIK and the use of the laser. He lectured at dozens of Ophthalmology and Optometry meeting including the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Association, State of Washington Optometric Association, and the State of Wisconsin Optometric Association. He helped trained hundreds of optometrists in Chicago and Wisconsin with his monthly continuing education lectures.
Dr. Golden has been honored with board certification in Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the International College of Surgeons. Dr. Golden is a Vice President of the International College of Surgeons and is the chief their Division of Ophthalmology. He has opened a number of laser centers around the U.S., training their staff and doctors as well as holding the duties role of medical and surgical director.
Dr. Golden has an enormous experience in the field of refractive surgery including certification in the placement of Intracorneal rings, Radial Keratotomy (RK), Arcuate Keratotomy (AK), LASIK, PRK, Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), Epi-Lasik, Lasek, and Conductive Keratoplasty (CK). He has performed more than twenty thousand laser refractive procedures. He is frequently asked by eye doctors to perform their eye laser procedures. He is presently the head of his own refractive practice, Doctors For Visual Freedom and general ophthalmology practice Golden Eye Surgeons and Consultants. He is also a surgeon at the 20/20 Institute in Indianapolis.
Dr. Golden is married, with a ten-year old son. He and his family enjoy traveling and he and his son are working on visiting all 50 states. He enjoys cooking and finding new and unique restaurants.
His practice philosophy is to treat each and every patient like a member of his own family. When considering treatment for a patient, he always asks the question of what would he want for himself or a member of his family.
Dr. Golden’s Curriculum Vitae
MARGARET MCNELIS, OD
http://www.mcnelisfamilyeyecare.net/
"Nothing is more important to us than our eyesight. I have evaluated and cared for more than 15,000 refractive patients, but nothing has been more important to my patients than my own LASIK procedure that Dr. Golden performed in 1991. Since that time, I can better relate to the concerns of those contemplating this life changing event. The day of my LASIK procedure ranks up with my wedding day and the birth of my children. My life has dramatically improved since I found my visual freedom. Find out how your life can change and let me share my experience as a patient and as a doctor to help you find how life-changing and experience that LASIK can be."
Dr. McNelis matriculated from the University of Illinois in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She then attended Indiana University’s School of Optometry with graduation in 1990. After achieving her doctoral degree, she attended a residency in medical and surgical diseases of the eye at the Veteran’s Medical Center in North Chicago. She holds the high honor of being a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry as well as an active member of the Illinois Optometric Association.
Dr. McNelis has spent her career in a cornea and external disease practice and then working closely with Dr. Golden in the care of refractive surgical patients. She has had the opportunity to see refractive surgery since the days of radial keratotomy, and ALK (the precursor to LASIK), Intracorneal rings for the treatment of low amounts of nearsightedness and in the treatment of keratoconus to the latest technology for Laser Vision Correction. In all she has cared for more than 15,000 Laser Refractive Patients, but also has an enormous experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with serious eye disorders. She is one of the few optometrists in the Chicago metropolitan area who fits complex contact lenses for the treatment of diseased and irregular corneas. She is passionate about the advances in modern Laser Vision Correction, and attends ophthalmology and optometry meetings to maintain her state-of-the art knowledge. She is a nationally know teacher and author with contributions to several journals and textbooks. She feels that being and eye doctors requires a commitment to a lifetime of personal growth and learning.
Dr. McNelis enjoys the opportunity to spend the time with her patients that they need and never rushes and examination. Most patients end their exam by stating that they have never had such care taken in an eye examination previously. Her philosophy is simple and that is to treat each patient like she would like another doctor to care for her. She spends enough time with each patient so that each knows everything that they need to make an informed decision about Laser Vision Correction or the alternated options. She and Dr. Golden are in complete agreement with the philosophy that Laser Vision Correction is not for everyone, and always do what is best for the patient.
Two Locations:
Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1550
Chicago, IL 60611 | Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
2010 S Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 121
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 |
