Our Doctor

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“I have always been interested in healthcare and education (my parents were teachers). Within our practice, I am able to pursue both passions. It is a privilege to share time with patients, helping them achieve their best vision and educating them on how to preserve their precious gift of sight.”

Dr. Robert received his doctorate in 1985 from the University of Houston, College of Optometry. Upon graduation, he entered private practice with Dr. Robert Powell and Eye Care Associates, becoming a partner at Eye Care Associates from 1988 through 2014. In 2014, Dr. Robert was invited to join Vision Source, North America’s premier network of private practice optometrists, and founded Midwest Eye, a state-of-the-art practice located at 2600 Warrenville Road in Downers Grove.

Dr. Robert’s full scope care includes patients of all ages. Dr. Robert also enjoys fitting contact lenses and is certified in fitting Ortho-K lenses, a specialty lens that can slow the progression of nearsightedness. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association Contact Lens Section, the Illinois Optometric Association, West Suburban Optometric Society and the Orthokeratology Academy of America.

For one week, each January, Dr. Robert joins World Gospel Outreach to provide eye care and eyewear to the people in Honduras. “These mission trips have been such a rewarding experience for myself and several of my family members who have joined me. We love to see the smiles on the faces of our patients both here and in Honduras!”

Dr. Robert and his wife Deneen, live in Naperville with their 5 children. When he is away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching the kids, biking, camping, waterskiing, and listening to music.

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“Being a kid with myopia (nearsightedness), I was always at the eye doctor. Helping people to see, left a lasting impression on me. As the boundaries expand with eye care, I really love what I do!”

Dr. Bauer received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1985 from the Illinois College of Optometry. Upon graduation, he became a member at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Eye Center in Chicago, instructing ophthalmology residents until 1990, when Dr. Bauer joined Kirk Eye Center, performing the pre and post-operative care for refractive and cataract patients. Dr. Bauer specializes in contact lens fittings, excelling in Keratoconus fittings, and has been named one of the top 100 Keratoconus contact lens fitting specialists by the Synergeyes Contact Lens Company!

Currently, Dr. Bauer is splitting his time between Kirk Eye Center and Midwest Eye. Dr. Bauer is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Illinois Optometric Association.

Dr. Bauer joins a group of ophthalmologists through Friends and Family on an annual trip to Peru to assist in pre- and post-operative care of cataract patients and to treat diseased eyes. “90% of the world’s blind live in developing countries, and 80 % of all visual impairment can be prevented, treated or cured. Knowing these statistics, I consider it my privilege to assist in helping my patients both here and abroad to be able to see.”

Dr. Bauer resides in Batavia and is the father of 2 young men. During his “down” time he can be found cooking (he is a great cook!), running 5K’s, skiing, and he is going to attempt to repel a tall building in Chicago (to raise money for cancer research) in the future!
World Health Organization (WHO). Blindness: Visual Impairment and Blindness

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“During my undergraduate education, I was intrigued by the healthcare professions. I became a certified EMT, worked in a hospital ER, and trained as an optician, all of which gave me the opportunity to see many sides of medicine. Working as an optician allowed me to learn about eye care and the complexity of eye health beyond just wearing glasses. I studied to become an optometrist because I enjoy working with patients and educating them about their eye health.”

Dr. Barbaro received her doctorate in 2008 from Illinois College of Optometry. She started her career in a private practice in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In 2010, she moved to the Chicagoland area and began working at Northwestern Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology. In 2022, we welcomed Dr. Barbaro to Midwest Eye.

Dr. Barbaro’s full of scope care includes patients of all ages. She enjoys treating eye disease such as Glaucoma and Dry Eye. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Illinois Optometric Association, West Suburban Optometric Society, and National Glaucoma Society. Dr. Barbaro is very active in the Downers Grove community and is on the board for Orchard Brook Home Owners Association, along with being an active member of the PTA at Pierce Downers school. Go Panthers!

Dr. Barbaro and her husband Joe, live in Downers Grove with their 3 children and pug (Axl). When she is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, the outdoors, water sports, and relaxing with friends.