Our Doctors

Undergraduate Education: Clemson University Optometry School: Nova Southeastern College of Optometry Certifications: Residency in Primary Care with Emphasis on Ocular Disease Hobbies: Going to the beach, Pilates, running, reading, traveling

Undergraduate Education: Northeastern State University; Optometry School: Northeastern State University College of Optometry; Professional Achievements/Associations: American Board of Optometry Delegate, Illinois Optometry Association; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: American Board of Optometry Delegate; What drives your passion for optometry? My passion for helping people far exceeds my passion about optometry. Most procedures we do in optometry become routine over time, but people make it exciting and interesting. How are you helping patients live their best lives? It's the golden rule, treat others like you want o be treated. If you offer and give them the same options you would want for yourself, they also get the chance to live their best life. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? It means offering the best thing you can do or prescribe for a patient. It doesn't mean they have to opt for the best, but they at least have the right to know what could make the biggest change in how they see. How are you impacting your local community? I am very involved in the Gurnee community. I have volunteered at PADS, a couple of halfway houses, and the local food pantry. I am also very involved in Grace united Methodist Church. Hobbies/Interests: I teach fitness at the local park district. Classes include Spin, yoga, TRX, bootcamp, Gravity, foam rolling and Muscle Mashup. I have also spent the last 7 years training other doctors in contact lenses, practice management, and practice metrics.

Dr. Austin Swain has been dedicated to the field of optometry since 2009. Originally from a rural town in North Carolina, he developed a deep passion for serving underserved communities, which continues to shape his approach to patient care today. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Campbell University in 2011, followed by his Doctorate of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in 2015. Dr. Swain specializes in fitting specialty contact lenses·including scleral lenses for keratoconus and other corneal conditions·and provides comprehensive care in ocular disease management and primary eye care. He currently practices across three locations for MyEyeDr., where he is committed to improving his patients· vision and enhancing their quality of life. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and stays current with the latest advancements in eye care through continuing education and professional development. Dr. Swain utilizes advanced diagnostic imaging and fitting technologies to ensure precise, comfortable, and effective treatment outcomes for his patients. ·I believe that clear vision is the foundation for a better life, and I strive to treat every patient with the same care and attention I·d give my own family,· he says. Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Swain enjoys raising and showing high-quality alpacas at events across the United States and spending time on his farm·a unique passion that reflects his dedication to excellence and care in every aspect of life.

Undergraduate Education: Ferris State University. Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry. Professional Achievements/Associations: American Optometric Association; Michigan Optometric Association. What drives your passion for optometry? I truly enjoy working with patients and building relationships with them. How are you helping patients live their best lives? By helping them find the very best eyewear for their specific needs and lifestyle. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Helping people through compassion and technology. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling with my husband, cooking, golf and reading.

Dr. Swartz graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree and then with a Doctor of Optometry Degree. She was awarded the Outstanding Clinician award, which is voted on by both her peers and professors & awarded to the top clinician in her graduating class. Dr. Swartz is married to her husband Darrell, an account executive for a large information technology company in Okemos, Michigan. Together, they have three wonderful children, Alexandra, Megan and Jacob. In her free time, Dr. Swartz enjoys coaching sports, traveling, volunteering in her community and enjoying her family.

Dr. Rachel Swearingen obtained her Associates Degree in Biology at the St Petersburg College and her Bachelors in Biomedical Science at the University of South Florida. She then moved to Memphis, TN where she completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern College of Optometry with honors. She is a current member of the Pinellas County Optometric Association and the American Optometry Association. When she’s not in clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Undergraduate Education: State University of New York at Geneseo. Optometry School: Nova Southeastern University. Professional Achievements/Associations: Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Clinical Certifications & Specialties: primary care, ocular disease, refractive surgery. Hobbies/Interests: I love being a father and spending time with my family. Most weekends you can find us outside enjoying nature. When I have free time, I enjoy playing the bass guitar.

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology from North Carolina State University. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Magna Cum Laude. Certifications/Awards: Conforma Contact Lens Excellence Award. Hobbies/Interests: Pottery, watching good movies, and trying different foods.

Undergraduate Education: McMaster University Optometry School: Michigan College of Optometry

Undergraduate Education: George Mason University. Optometry School: Salus University. Certifications/Awards: NBEO board certified. Hobbies/Interests: traveling, hiking, cooking.

Undergraduate Education: St. Vincent College BA Chemistry. Optometry School: Pennsylvania College of Optometry 1984. The reason I became an optometrist is: To provide the best care possible and help patients see their best. My favorite part of helping my patients is: The look on a child's face when they see clearly for the first time. In my spare time, I enjoy: Reading and spending time with family.

Dr. Sylvester, a board-certified Therapeutic Optometrist, also holds Bachelors Degrees in Physics and Biology, as well as a Masters Degree in Chemistry. He uses his extensive knowledge to explain not just the whats, but also the hows and whys and to answer any questions you may have. Informed patients are happy patients – and happy patients come back year after year. Many of Dr. Sylvester’s patients travel to see him, some from out of state and even out of the country!

Undergraduate Education: BS in biology from Wilkes College. Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry. Professional Achievements/Associations: American Optometric Association, Michigan Optometric Association, West Michigan Optometric Association, past speaker at the Global Contact Lens Symposium in Las Vegas. How are you impacting your local community? Hockey coach for disabled children for the West Michigan Special Hockey Association. Hobbies/Interests: Hockey, golf, cycling and gardening.

Undergraduate Education: Saint Michael's College; Optometry School: Illinois College of Optometry; Professional Achievements/Associations: American Optometric Association, Connecticut Association of Optometrists; Clinical Certifications & Specialties: Contact lenses including difficult to fit cases; What drives your passion for optometry? The desire to help people see their very best for a lifetime. How are you helping patients live their best lives? By helping patients find individualized solutions to visual demands in their lives. What does providing a transformational eyecare experience mean to you? Ensuring the happiness and satisfaction of all patients. How are you impacting your local community? Chamber of Commerce Member, Industrial Vision Screening; Hobbies/Interests: hiking, international travel, spending time with my pet dog

Undergraduate Education: Indiana University; B.S. Ocular Sciences. Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry 1992. Professional Achievements and Associations: American Optometric Association; Georgia Optometric Association. Clinical Certifications and Specialties: Primary Care/Ocular Disease. The reason I became an optometrist is: I enjoy helping people realize their best ocular health and vision to allow them to achieve their best goals. My favorite part of helping my patients is: Hearing from a Patient that their examination and experience was very thorough, and that they learned something about the eye/their eye that they were not aware of. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with Family and Friends.

Dr. Binita Tailor is a comprehensive Optometrist. She earned her baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences from North Carolina State University. She then earned a Bachelor of Science in Visual Sciences and Doctor of Optometry degree with clinical honors from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. Dr. Tailor practiced for several years in the D.C. area alongside the region's top ophthalmologists. She then worked at an onsite clinic through UNC Healthcare in Morrisville, NC. Most recently, Dr. Tailor spent seven years in an ophthalmology practice, where she cared for patients with a wide range of eye conditions and visual needs. This diverse clinical background allows her to provide thorough, comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. Dr. Tailor is dedicated to providing quality eye care and improving quality of life. Hobbies/interests: enjoys staying active, traveling, exploring new restaurants, coffee and spending time with her husband and two young children.

Undergraduate Education: University of Pittsburgh, BS. Optometry School: Indiana University School of Optometry, OD.

Dr. Stuart Tasman has been in private practice since 1980. Tasman earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in 1974, his Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in 1980, and his Therapeutic Drug Certification from the University of Houston. He also is Board Certified by the American Board of Optometry. After completing internship training in primary vision care in Athens, Tennessee and Doctors Memorial Hospital he began his private practice in Acworth -Kennesaw Georgia in 1980. Dr. Tasman has been a member of the American Optometric Association since 1976 and the Georgia Optometric Association since 1980. He is past president of the Greater Atlanta and Georgia Optometric Associations and is past president of the Woodstock Rotary Club. During his career he has received the Young Optometrist of the year, Optometrist of the year, The Bernard Kahn award and the Georgeanne Bearden Award for lifetime achievement. He was also the Georgia Trustee for SECO and continues to be third party chair for the Georgia Optometric Association. In Dr. Tasmans spare time, he can be found in Neyland Stadium cheering on the VOLS, playing golf and hanging with his wife Mary, his two children Erin and Shelley, and his grandson Oliver.