Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Eye Care Specialists in Marion, IL
Since 1979, Marion Eye Center has been a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri. Founded by Dr. Maqbool Ahmad, our practice has evolved into a multi-specialty center offering medical, surgical, and optical services for all ages. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology ensures patients receive advanced diagnostics and treatments for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders. Led by Dr. Ahmads childrenFaisel, Omar, and Fatimawe continue prioritizing personalized care rooted in integrity and compassion. With over 40 years of community service, we combine family values with expertise to preserve and enhance vision through state-of-the-art procedures like LASIK, DSEK corneal transplants, and ICL surgery. Our team of board-certified specialists, including Dr. Umana with 30+ years of corneal expertise, delivers tailored solutions for dry eye, keratoconus, and diabetic retinopathy.At our Mt. Vernon surgery center, we perform 6,000+ cataract surgeries annually using premium intraocular lenses. We emphasize preventive care through comprehensive exams and optical services, offering designer eyewear and contact lenses. Our patient-centered approach ensures clear communication, ongoing education, and support for lifelong eye health. Recognized for innovation, we introduced LASIK to the Heartland Region and pioneered DSEK transplants locally. Whether managing chronic conditions like macular degeneration or providing emergency care, we focus on accessibility across 30+ locations. Our legacy of excellence combines technological advancement with a dedication to community well-being, ensuring every patient receives expert, compassionate care.
Services
Cataract Surgery
LASIK Procedures
Glaucoma Treatment
Retina Care
Corneal Transplants
Dry Eye Therapy
Keratoconus Management
Optical Services
Pediatric Eye Care
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in ophthalmology and optometry.
- Our team uses cutting-edge technology for advanced diagnostics and surgeries.
- Family-led practice with a legacy of compassionate, personalized care.
- Comprehensive services from routine exams to complex retinal surgeries.
- Community-focused with 30+ locations across Southern Illinois and Missouri.
Services
Cataract Surgery
Our surgeons perform over 6,000 cataract surgeries annually using premium intraocular lenses. Procedures are conducted at our Mt. Vernon surgery center and local hospitals, offering toric and multifocal lens options for astigmatism and multi-distance vision correction. Insurance often covers costs, with personalized consultations to determine the best lens selection for each patient.
LASIK Procedures
Dr. Umana, the first LASIK surgeon in the Heartland Region, provides customized LASIK using the VISX S4 Laser. Over 15,000 procedures performed, offering rapid recovery and reduced dependency on glasses. Ideal candidates must have stable vision and no significant eye diseases, with alternatives like ICL surgery available for high prescriptions.
Glaucoma Treatment
Advanced diagnostics like OCT imaging and tonometry detect glaucoma early. Treatments include medicated eye drops, SLT laser therapy, and MIGS procedures like iStent implantation. Our team specializes in managing open-angle and narrow-angle glaucoma to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss through personalized care plans.
Retina Care
Marion Retina Institute offers AMD treatment with anti-VEGF injections and photodynamic therapy. Diabetic retinopathy management includes laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy surgery for floaters or retinal detachment. Our specialists use OCT angiography for non-invasive retinal imaging to ensure precise diagnosis and treatment of complex retinal conditions.
Corneal Transplants
DSEK transplants replace only the damaged endothelial layer of the cornea, offering faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional full-thickness grafts. Performed by board-certified specialists, this minimally invasive procedure treats Fuchs dystrophy and corneal swelling, with advanced imaging ensuring precise execution and optimal visual outcomes.
People
Dr. Maqbool Ahmad
Founder
Dr. Ahmad founded Marion Eye Center in 1979, establishing a legacy of innovation and compassionate care. His vision for advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment laid the foundation for the practices growth into a multi-specialty center.
Dr. Faisel Ahmad
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Faisel Ahmad continues his fathers legacy, specializing in retinal care and surgical treatments. With expertise in macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, he contributes to the practices reputation for comprehensive eye health solutions.
Dr. Omar Ahmad
Retina Specialist
Dr. Omar Ahmad, founder of the Marion Retina Institute, specializes in medical and surgical retina treatments. His expertise includes macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and advanced vitrectomy procedures, ensuring cutting-edge care for complex retinal conditions.
Dr. Umana
Cornea Specialist
Dr. Umana has provided corneal care for over 30 years, specializing in DSEK transplants and keratoconus treatment. Board-certified and trained at the Mayo Clinic, he performs LASIK and corneal surgeries with precision, combining experience with advanced technology.
Dr. Fatima Ahmad
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Fatima Ahmad specializes in comprehensive eye care, contributing to the practices multidisciplinary approach. Her focus on patient education and preventive care aligns with the centers commitment to community health and long-term vision wellness.
Questions
What services does Marion Eye Center & Optical offer?
We provide comprehensive eye care including cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma treatment, retinal care, corneal transplants, dry eye therapy, and optical services like eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Do you accept insurance for eye surgeries?
Insurance often covers cataract surgery and other medical procedures. Contact our office for specific details on insurance acceptance and payment options.
Are there LASIK alternatives for patients with thin corneas?
Yes, Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) offer a reversible alternative to LASIK for patients with thin corneas or high prescriptions.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call 1-800-344-7058 (Illinois) or 1-877-269-4545 (Missouri), or use our online contact form to book a consultation with one of our specialists.
What locations serve Southern Illinois and Missouri?
We have 30+ locations including Marion, Carbondale, Cape Girardeau, Centralia, Effingham, and Poplar Bluff, ensuring accessible care across the region.
What advanced technologies do you use?
We utilize VISX S4 Laser for LASIK, OCT angiography for retinal imaging, and sutureless vitrectomy tools for minimally invasive surgeries to ensure precision and optimal outcomes.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Anthony Travis
May 26, 2022
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It was a nice and relaxing appointment. They helped make what could've been a difficult process very enjoyable. THANK ALL OF YOU VERY MUCH.
Cheryl Rose
Jan 15, 2022
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All the staff at the Murphysboro office are nice and helpful. Always pleasant to talk to. I needed immediate attention. Everyone at the Murphysboro office was prompt and very helpful. I was able to get an appointment quickly and then see dr Omar in Marion who diagnosed my torn retina and laser repaired it quickly after diagnosing it. THANK YOU EVERYONE! I am ok
Vicki Huelsmann
Sep 20, 2021
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Went for yearly check up for new contact prescription. Said I had to return for a second visit in order yo get contacts. This visit is for dilation only. So now a person has to have two office visits to get prescription filled. Same thing happened to my sister. I have been going there for years. I guess new policy change that they didn't share. Not a good one in my opinion, to have tp pay for two visits. I don't understand that.
C. M.
Sep 17, 2021
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First thing! I received a email reminder for eye exam made a appointment online never received a confirmation, email, or callback. 2 weeks later I tried to call for a week no answer. Finally got a answer made appointment. day of appointment i walk in the Murphysboro office the lady at desk never looked up stood there for a minute still nothing so i sat down waited for about 10 mins three employees walk past me never good morning, hi, have you been helped. rude if i do say so myself
