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OPTOMETRIST IN OVERLAND PARK AND GARDNER

Understanding Our Practice

For 50 years, Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers & Stoppel has been at the forefront of eye care in Overland Park and Gardner. Our practice goes beyond mere vision correction — we also serve our communities through our 20/20 Foundation. Specializing in comprehensive eye health, we diligently monitor and treat a spectrum of ocular disorders, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and complications arising from conditions like diabetes and hypertension. From prescribing glasses and contacts to providing advanced medical interventions, our commitment to optimal eye health has been and will remain unwavering.

Mission Statement

We are a professional team striving for excellence by providing you, our patient, a level of eye care beyond your expectations through education about vision, eye health and the options available, to enhance your quality of life.

About Our Patient Experience

Patient Experience Statement

Our success depends on being the trusted source of complete eye care for our patients, achieved by utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, employing the most current and effective treatments and offering quality products at a competitive price by a highly trained, friendly staff.

Our goal is to provide top quality, life-long care for our patients, ensuring they see better…live better.

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Normal Vision

Glaucoma

Early detection and management are critical for this silent thief of sight. Trust our experts to monitor and treat glaucoma effectively, ensuring optimal eye health.

Cataracts

Regain your clarity of vision through our advanced cataract surgery techniques. Our experienced team ensures a smooth and comfortable procedure, restoring your vision and quality of life.

Diabetic Retinopathy

We specialize in managing diabetic eye conditions, offering early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans to prevent vision loss in diabetes patients.

Refractive Error

Bid farewell to glasses and contact lenses with our state-of-the-art LASIK and PRK procedures. Achieve the crystal-clear vision you've always dreamed of.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Our cutting-edge treatments and interventions are designed to slow the progression of AMD and help you maintain your vision as you age gracefully.

48 Years of Dedicated Service

In September 1974, I opened offices in Overland Park and Gardner after graduating from the University of Houston College of Optometry. The first month in business I saw only one patient with charges of $187.00. Needless to say at that rate it took quite some time to build a busy practice. Thanks to great staff members such as Connie Baum, who has been our contact lens manager for 35 years, and Drs. Besler, Rogers and Stoppel we have developed a practice with the technology and dedication that allows us to provide the type of quality eyecare that every patient deserves.

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With our motto of “see better…live better” we strive to provide eyecare and eye wear that will help our patients live a better life. Whether it is providing a nearsighted child with their first glasses so they can see the leaves on the trees; diagnosing a brain tumor in a young woman and getting her immediately to surgery; detecting early signs that can lead to macular degeneration and providing nutritional counseling and blue light blocking lenses for prevention; providing glasses for a homeless patient through our 20/20 Vision Foundation, that allows them to get a drivers license and a job; seeing an emergency patient on a Sunday afternoon with a retinal detachment and getting them into surgery that day; fitting a nearsighted child with Corneal Molding lenses(CRT) so they can see all day without contacts or glasses and help slow their deteriorating eye sight, or just being there for a patient to listen to their problems, that may not even be eye related, and to help console them, has been a wonderful experience.

I have been blessed to work with such a great staff and partners, and to have seen such development in technology over forty years, that has allowed us to truly help our patients “see better…live better.”

-Terry Hawks, O.D.

Meet Your Doctors!

Why Clients Love Us

The office staff is always professional and Dr. Rogers is always kind, thorough, and makes sure that I understand everything about my vision. It’s always a pleasure to see him. I’m confident he is making the best decision about my vision.

John H.

I have been seeing Dr. Hawks for over 20 plus years and I will I have no complaints, ever. I’m always greeted and helped in any way I need. I would recommend all my friends and family members. Great place!!!

Kimberly H.

Dr. Stoppel always takes expert care of my eyes. He is the reason why I will continue to go back. He allows me to take my time and always explains everything thoroughly. I have always had a positive experience him. Under his care my vision is actually improving instead of deteriorating.

Robert N.

Dr. Besler was very knowledgeable and was able to take care of my problems and explain what was happening and why. I had been having issues for 5 years so I was delighted to find someone with the answers!

Olive S.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you offer?

What are your hours of operation?

OVERLAND PARK OFFICE
Mon: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tue: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed: 8:45 am – 6:00 pm
Thu: 8:45 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: 7:00 am – Noon

GARDNER OFFICE
Mon: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tue: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wed: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thu: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: Closed

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, and most major credit & debit cards. If you’re unsure about your potential transaction method, please give us a call at (913) 856-6360 (Gardner) or (913) 341-4508 (Overland Park) and we would be more than happy to verify if we can accommodate!

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What’s the difference between a glasses examination and a contact lens examination?

A glasses examination and a contact lens examination differ in their focus and assessments. During a glasses examination, the eye care professional primarily determines the refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, etc.) and prescribes corrective glasses accordingly. In contrast, a contact lens examination involves additional steps, focusing on the fitting and suitability of contact lenses for the individual’s eyes. It includes measuring the curvature of the cornea and determining the proper lens type for comfortable and safe wear. Contact lens examinations also involve education on lens insertion, removal, hygiene, and follow-ups to ensure proper adaptation and eye health maintenance while wearing contact lenses.

I have Medicare, why don’t they cover my vision evaluation (refraction)?

Medicare only pays for medically necessary testing, a vision evaluation (refraction) is not considered medically necessary testing according to Medicare guidelines. Unfortunately, that part of the examination is out of pocket. We do give patients, who pay the day of their visit, a discount of 20%.

I am here to get my glasses and/or contact lenses updated, why are you asking for my medical insurance?

At Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers and Stoppel we take a comprehensive look at not only your visual needs but also your ocular health. Most vision insurances do not cover supplemental testing for eye health related issues. We like to make sure if we need to do additional testing we have all the information we need to make your visit as efficient as possible.

When I check in, why do you need my driver’s license?

  •  Identification: It helps verify your identity. Ensuring they have the right patient’s information is crucial for maintaining accurate medical records and preventing errors in treatment.
  • Insurance Purposes: Your driver’s license often contains information that can be used for insurance verification. It helps the office confirm your insurance details, ensuring that they bill the correct provider for the services rendered.

What is eye pressure?

Intraocular pressure (IOP) signifies the fluid pressure within the eye, crucial for maintaining its shape and function. This pressure is regulated by the balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, a clear fluid circulating within the eye. Elevated IOP can pose risks, as it’s a significant factor in certain eye conditions like glaucoma, where prolonged high pressure can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness. Regular eye exams include measuring IOP to monitor eye health, aiding in early detection and management of conditions related to changes in intraocular pressure.

Why is it important to take fundus photos (pictures of the inside of my eye) yearly?

Fundus photography, capturing detailed images of the retina’s back surface, holds paramount importance in eye care. These high-resolution images serve as valuable diagnostic tools, aiding eye care professionals in detecting and monitoring various eye conditions. By documenting the retina’s condition, fundus photography helps in identifying abnormalities such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hypertensive retinopathy, retinal detachments, and glaucoma-related changes.Fundus photography also allows for comparisons over time, providing a comprehensive view of the patient’s eye health and the effectiveness of prescribed treatments.

Why do you dilate my eyes?

By enlarging the pupils using specialized eye drops, eye care professionals gain a broader and clearer view of the internal structures of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. This process enables the early detection of various eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal detachment, which might otherwise remain undetected during a routine eye exam. Through dilation, eye care professionals can provide more accurate diagnoses, timely interventions, and personalized treatment plans, ultimately preserving vision and maintaining optimal eye health for their patients.

Why do I have to come back for my dilated examination?

Most patients have both vision and health insurance. When we check your vision for glasses or contacts we are typically using the vision insurance. During the course of the vision examination if the doctor finds something he wants to investigate or evaluate further he’ll bring you back and utilize your health insurance (because it would be a health related issue). Most vision insurances don’t pay for supplemental testing and most health insurances don’t pay for glasses or contacts.

Why do you check my blood pressure at an eye examination?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can adversely affect the eyes in several ways. The effects often occur gradually and may not initially cause noticeable symptoms. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. This damage can cause narrowing of the blood vessels, bleeding, swelling, or fluid accumulation in the retina, ultimately impacting vision.

Can you really do an eye examination on a toddler?

Early identification of problems like refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), lazy eye (amblyopia), eye misalignment (strabismus), or focusing difficulties is crucial developmentally. Timely intervention can prevent these issues from impacting a child’s learning abilities, school performance, and overall development. Eye examinations also enable the detection of underlying eye conditions or diseases that, if left untreated, could lead to permanent vision loss. Regular screenings and prompt management of any visual concerns in toddlers and children are essential for ensuring optimal eye health, allowing them to thrive academically, socially, and developmentally.

Is it really important to get my eyes checked yearly?

Yearly eye examinations play a vital role in maintaining eye health and vision quality. These regular check-ups enable early detection of any changes in vision, allowing for timely intervention and treatment of various eye conditions. By assessing visual acuity, eye movement, and focusing abilities, these exams can detect refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Moreover, they aid in identifying potential eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts, often before noticeable symptoms arise. Through comprehensive evaluations, your doctor can provide accurate prescriptions, recommend suitable treatments, and offer guidance on preventive measures to safeguard eye health.