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.
“As I reflect on my 39+ years since starting and practicing at Krates Eye Centers, I find myself filled with immense gratitude. As my retirement begins, I take comfort knowing that my partners will continue the Krates Eye Centers legacy. I am confident that the future of eye care is bright with our dedicated professionals knowing
that they will be making a positive impact on the lives of many.” - Stephen Krates, D.O.
that they will be making a positive impact on the lives of many.” - Stephen Krates, D.O.
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. Additionally, Dr. Farley serves on the Board of Directors for the Palos SurgiCenter.
Dr. Farley and his wife are empty nesters residing in the southwest suburbs. They enjoy traveling to visit their three children out-of-state, and exploring new destinations together. In his free time, Dr. Farley enjoys gardening, hiking, staying active, and spending time outdoors.
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. Additionally, Dr. Farley serves on the Board of Directors for the Palos SurgiCenter.
Dr. Farley and his wife are empty nesters residing in the southwest suburbs. They enjoy traveling to visit their three children out-of-state, and exploring new destinations together. In his free time, Dr. Farley enjoys gardening, hiking, staying active, and spending time outdoors.
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.
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.
SUSAN SUNNY, O.D.
Dr. Susan Sunny was raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign with a Bachelors degree in Economics. She went on to graduate from Illinois College of Optometry in 2019. Dr. Sunny’s advanced clinical training focused primarily on ocular disease - completing clinical rotations at the Illinois Eye Institute, the Villages VA medical center in Florida, North Suburban Vision Consultants, and Advanced Rockford Eye Care.
She practiced in Michigan for 5 years, working for Henry Ford health system and other ophthalmology groups, before moving back to Illinois and joining Krates Eye Centers. Dr. Sunny specializes in post-operative care of patients undergoing cataract surgery as well as management of ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Outside of work, Dr. Sunny enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog. She loves traveling, trying new restaurants/recipes, and staying active.
She practiced in Michigan for 5 years, working for Henry Ford health system and other ophthalmology groups, before moving back to Illinois and joining Krates Eye Centers. Dr. Sunny specializes in post-operative care of patients undergoing cataract surgery as well as management of ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Outside of work, Dr. Sunny enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog. She loves traveling, trying new restaurants/recipes, and staying active.
MATTHEW O'DONNELL, O.D.
Dr. O’Donnell was born and raised in Lemont, Illinois. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.
Dr. O’Donnell’s clinical training included specialty contact lenses and low vision care, as well as the diagnosis and management of ocular disease such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and ocular emergencies. He also gained experience providing pre- and post-operative care for surgical patients. He completed rotations at the Illinois Eye Institute, The Chicago Lighthouse, North Suburban Vision Consultants, and the Sidney Hillman Health Center.
Dr. O’Donnell joined Krates Eye Care in August 2025 and is committed to thorough, patient-centered care with an emphasis on clear communication and long-term eye health. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, and with their golden retriever, Cooper, and cat, Ripley.
Dr. O’Donnell’s clinical training included specialty contact lenses and low vision care, as well as the diagnosis and management of ocular disease such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and ocular emergencies. He also gained experience providing pre- and post-operative care for surgical patients. He completed rotations at the Illinois Eye Institute, The Chicago Lighthouse, North Suburban Vision Consultants, and the Sidney Hillman Health Center.
Dr. O’Donnell joined Krates Eye Care in August 2025 and is committed to thorough, patient-centered care with an emphasis on clear communication and long-term eye health. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, and with their golden retriever, Cooper, and cat, Ripley.
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!