A major part of the Krates difference is our staff. We invite you to take a minute and learn more about our Doctors.
STEPHEN KRATES, D.O.
Dr. Krates completed his undergraduate education, graduating with High Honors, from Michigan State University in 1977. He went on to receive his medical degree from Chicago Osteopathic Medical School, where he received the Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology Award for his 1981 graduating class. Dr. Krates passed the medical national boards in 1981.
He completed his Ophthalmology residency training at Botsford General Hospital Consortium Group in 1985 where he was Chief Resident in 1984-1985. Dr. Krates also completed the Stanford Medical Center Basic Science Course in Ophthalmology in Palo Alto, California during his residency. He became Board Certified in 1987 and became a Fellow in the American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in 1990.
Dr. Krates served as the Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology of Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital from 1991-1996. He served as Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and the Executive Board for Holy Cross Hospital from 1991-1993 and 1999-2001. He currently is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Midwestern Medical School.
Dr. Krates holds membership in the AOCOO&HNS, CMS, ISMS, AOA, AAO and ASCRS. He holds staff privileges at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, Palos Surgicenter, Novamed Surgicenter and Ingalls Hospital Surgicenter. Dr. Krates was instrumental in bringing outpatient and small incision phacoemulsicification cataract surgery to the Chicago metropolitan area in the mid 1980’s and was featured in the Southtown Economist Newspaper for bringing new advancements in Cataract Surgery to the area.
Dr. Krates is married and has three children and has lived and worked in the Chicago metropolitan area since finishing his residency in 1985.
Dr. Krates holds membership in the AOCOO&HNS, CMS, ISMS, AOA, AAO and ASCRS. He holds staff privileges at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, Palos Surgicenter, Novamed Surgicenter and Ingalls Hospital Surgicenter. Dr. Krates was instrumental in bringing outpatient and small incision phacoemulsicification cataract surgery to the Chicago metropolitan area in the mid 1980’s and was featured in the Southtown Economist Newspaper for bringing new advancements in Cataract Surgery to the area.
Dr. Krates is married and has three children and has lived and worked in the Chicago metropolitan area since finishing his residency in 1985.
CHRISTOPHER FARLEY, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Farley was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. After completing his undergraduate degree in Biology at Purdue University, Dr. Farley attended medical school at Indiana University. He then completed his internship in general medicine at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Dr. Farley completed his residency in Ophthalmology in Dallas, Texas at the University of Texas Southwestern. Dr. Farley moved to the Chicago area and began practice with Krates Eye Centers in 2003.
He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS). He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is part of the department of surgery at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.
Dr. Farley resides in the southwest suburbs with his wife and three children.
He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS). He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is part of the department of surgery at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.
Dr. Farley resides in the southwest suburbs with his wife and three children.
NICKOLAS KATSOULAKIS, M.D.
Dr. Nickolas Katsoulakis was born and raised in Queens, New York. After graduating summa cum laude from St. John’s University he attended medical school at the State University of New York at Syracuse, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He then completed his internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse. He trained in ophthalmology at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, followed by a fellowship in cornea and external disease at the historic New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York City.
Dr. Katsoulakis specializes in cataract surgery, corneal surgery including corneal transplantation and laser vision correction.
Dr. Katsoulakis is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He moved to Chicago and began practicing at Krates Eye Centers in 2009 and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and is part of the department of surgery at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. He currently lives in Orland Park with his wife and three children and enjoys running, fishing, hiking and travelling.
Dr. Katsoulakis specializes in cataract surgery, corneal surgery including corneal transplantation and laser vision correction.
Dr. Katsoulakis is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He moved to Chicago and began practicing at Krates Eye Centers in 2009 and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and is part of the department of surgery at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. He currently lives in Orland Park with his wife and three children and enjoys running, fishing, hiking and travelling.
SUZETTE LUKE, M.D.
Dr. Suzette Luke was born and raised in Toronto, Canada before moving to Houston, Texas in 2001. She graduated summa cum laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. She then went on to complete medical school at Texas Tech University, where she was involved with several community outreach programs. She completed her intern year at Michigan State University’s Hurley Medical Center. She returned to Texas Tech University for her ophthalmology residency, where she served as chief resident during her final year. Dr. Luke then completed an Academic Global Ophthalmology fellowship at the world-renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where she spent half the year traveling to developing countries to work with local ophthalmologists in treating patients clinically and surgically.
Dr. Luke is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) and is part of the department of surgery at Palos Health now part of Northwestern Medicine. She enjoys the great outdoors, playing sports and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Luke is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) and is part of the department of surgery at Palos Health now part of Northwestern Medicine. She enjoys the great outdoors, playing sports and spending time with family and friends.
MICHAEL A. BEYER, M.D.
Dr. Michael Beyer was born and raised near Detroit, Michigan. He went on to attend the University of Michigan where he got his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience. Upon graduating, Dr. Beyer went to downtown Detroit to study medicine at Wayne State University. While in medical school, Dr. Beyer participated in programs dedicated to increasing access and providing quality medical care to the underserved populations of the city. Additionally, Dr. Beyer was nominated and selected to be a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Dr. Beyer completed his internship at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Loyola University Medical Center/Edward Hines Jr. VA hospital in Maywood, Illinois, serving as chief resident during his final year.
Dr. Beyer is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), is board certified by the AAO, and is part of the department of surgery at Palos Health now part of Northwestern Medicine. Dr. Beyer currently lives in Chicago. Outside of work he is an avid golfer and tennis player, loves cooking exotic recipes, hiking, and travelling the world.
Dr. Beyer is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), is board certified by the AAO, and is part of the department of surgery at Palos Health now part of Northwestern Medicine. Dr. Beyer currently lives in Chicago. Outside of work he is an avid golfer and tennis player, loves cooking exotic recipes, hiking, and travelling the world.
HALEY A. MASCITTI, O.D.
Dr. Haley A. Mascitti joined the practice in October of 2014. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Illinois State University in 2007 and went on to graduate from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2012. Dr. Mascitti’s education includes ocular disease training at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island and pediatric, cornea and contact lens training at the Illinois Eye Institute in Chicago. At KEC Dr. Mascitti specializes in pre and post-operative care of patient’s undergoing cataract surgery.
She also enjoys practicing full scope optometry including the treatment and management of ocular disease, as well as pediatric and routine comprehensive eye exams. Dr. Mascitti is an active member of Illinois Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. She is originally from Orland Park, Illinois and currently resides in the Chicagoland area.
She also enjoys practicing full scope optometry including the treatment and management of ocular disease, as well as pediatric and routine comprehensive eye exams. Dr. Mascitti is an active member of Illinois Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. She is originally from Orland Park, Illinois and currently resides in the Chicagoland area.
GARY PORTER, O.D., M.A.
Dr. Gary Porter was a 1970 graduate of St. Procopius College with a B.S. in Biology; a 1974 Magna cum Laude graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry with a B.S. in Visual Science and Doctorate of Optometry; and a 1976 graduate of St. Xavier College with a M.A. in Learning Disabilities. He is certified in the use of DPA’s, TPA’s and Oral TPA’s.
Upon graduation from ICO, Dr. Porter remained on staff, reaching the rank of Associate Professor of Optometry. His teaching responsibilities included Ocular Anatomy, Human Histology and Embryology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pre-Clinical Optometry, Functional Vision, Multidisciplinary Diagnosis of Children with Learning Disabilities, and Visual Field Testing. His clinical responsibilities included Primary Care, Pediatrics, Vision Therapy and Contact Lenses. Additionally, Dr. Porter served as Chairman of Biological Sciences, Chairman of Basic Sciences, Chairman of Patient Care, and the Executive Director of Clinics.
In 1987, Dr. Porter entered private practice in Alsip, Illinois with Dr. Jeffrey Tennant and remained in his practice until his retirement in 2001. At that time, Dr. Porter then continued private practice at the Krates Eye Center where he continues today as Staff Optometrist.
Dr. Porter is a national lecturer at various optometric meetings, a contributing author to numerous professional publications, and contributing co-author to various research studies.
Dr. Porter is married to his lovely wife , Lesley, a multimedia artist, who is very active in the art community. They have 3 daughters, and 5 grandchildren.
Dr. Porter remains an active member in various professional organizations including the American Optometric Association and the Illinois Optometric Association.
Upon graduation from ICO, Dr. Porter remained on staff, reaching the rank of Associate Professor of Optometry. His teaching responsibilities included Ocular Anatomy, Human Histology and Embryology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pre-Clinical Optometry, Functional Vision, Multidisciplinary Diagnosis of Children with Learning Disabilities, and Visual Field Testing. His clinical responsibilities included Primary Care, Pediatrics, Vision Therapy and Contact Lenses. Additionally, Dr. Porter served as Chairman of Biological Sciences, Chairman of Basic Sciences, Chairman of Patient Care, and the Executive Director of Clinics.
In 1987, Dr. Porter entered private practice in Alsip, Illinois with Dr. Jeffrey Tennant and remained in his practice until his retirement in 2001. At that time, Dr. Porter then continued private practice at the Krates Eye Center where he continues today as Staff Optometrist.
Dr. Porter is a national lecturer at various optometric meetings, a contributing author to numerous professional publications, and contributing co-author to various research studies.
Dr. Porter is married to his lovely wife , Lesley, a multimedia artist, who is very active in the art community. They have 3 daughters, and 5 grandchildren.
Dr. Porter remains an active member in various professional organizations including the American Optometric Association and the Illinois Optometric Association.
GABRIELA PAVLETIC, O.D.
Dr. Gabriela Pavletic was born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She graduated summa cum laude from Saint Ambrose University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then went on to graduate magna cum laude from The Illinois College of Optometry in 2020. Dr. Pavletic’s advanced clinical training focused primarily on ocular disease in patients of all ages completing clinical rotations at the Illinois Eye Institute, the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC, and the Omaha Children’s Hospital. At KEC Dr. Pavletic specializes in post-operative care of patients undergoing cataract surgery as well as management of ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Dr. Pavletic is an active member of the Illinois Optometric Association and American Optometric association. She enjoys staying up-to-date in the latest developments in eye care to provide optimal care for her patients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new recipes, and traveling with her husband.
Dr. Pavletic is an active member of the Illinois Optometric Association and American Optometric association. She enjoys staying up-to-date in the latest developments in eye care to provide optimal care for her patients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new recipes, and traveling with her husband.
What our patients say
Wow, was my reaction to the results of the first surgery. Unbelievable after the second. 50 plus years of wearing glasses and now having 20/20 vision in both eyes…..I can not sum up my happiness. The new Lensx Laser procedure and multifocal Restor IOL’s are fantastic. Thank you, Dr. Krates, Dr. Porter and your entire staff. P.S. I’m still searching for the perfect pair of sunglasses.
Dr Nick is a very compassionate man. He takes the time to answer ALL of your questions and doesn’t rush you out of the exam room. I had cataract surgery and wanted him to explain the procedure to me. He did it in terms I could understand and didn’t make me feel that my questions were stupid. (If he wasn’t such a good Dr he would make an excellent teacher!!) He put me at ease during the surgery and did all that he could to make me comfortable. Very caring during my post op visits.
[At Krates Eye Center] everything is professional and the wait times are appropriate. I am very happy with having chosen these caring people to take care of me.
Krates Eye Centers doctors and staff always are exceptional in everything they do. They have my complete confidence!
Dr. Krates is a warm, friendly, considerate and thoughtful doctor who inspires great confidence and trust and does a brilliant job. I am delighted that I was able to fly to Chicago from Ireland to have him perform my cataract surgery and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
There are not enough words to express what a wonderful experience my cataract surgery was with Dr. Krates at Krates Eye Centers. Everything was done in a professional manner, but at the same time there was a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The results of my surgery were so amazing – I no longer need to wear glasses! I find myself reaching to push my glasses up, or take them off, only to realize I no longer wear them. My vision has never been this good. Upon telling my brother, who lives in Arizona, what a great experience my cataract surgery was, he said “I may have to fly in and have mine done at Krates Eye Centers”
20 years ago, my wife started seeing Dr. Krates for a bad case of shingles in her eye. She was so pleased with the kindness and patience he showed her, she suggested I see him for my glaucoma. I have been his patient ever since. The glaucoma was kept stable for a while – with the use of drops and Laser. That escalated to many drops per day. There came a day when Dr. Krates suggested glaucoma surgery, putting a shunt in the left eye. What a blessing that was! The pressure came down, and the drops were reduced (at first, none at all). In June, 2012 Dr. Krates operated on my first cataract. In July, the second one was done. Special implants were placed in the eyes, due to the great amount of astigmatism. For someone who has worn glasses since he was 5, it was amazing. I could see really well without glasses. All in all my relationship with Dr. Krates has been a win, win. My glaucoma is well under control, and my eyesight is great.
Dr. Farley was very professional and personable with every interaction I had with him during my pre-op cataract surgery and post-op care. He was knowledgeable and reassuring. The entire staff associated with Krates Eye Center were, in my experience, great. The surgery itself went very well; I am cataract free with no need for glasses!