The Rock Island Optometric Center has a long and rich history in Rock Island. Drs. Raymond Yohn and Richard Edwards began practicing optometry separately in Rock Island in the early 1950s. They joined forces in the 1960s and worked in downtown Rock Island in the Cleveland Building for many years. In 1978, they built the office that now stands at its present location 2501 24th Street. 1978 was also the year that Dr. Jim Nordquist joined the practice.

In 1984, Dr. Tim Arbet joined the practice followed by Dr. Chris Lear in 1990. In 1998, the Rock Island Optometric Center bought Dr. Charles Ford's practice in Aledo, and opened up the current Mercer County Family Eyecare at 106 South College Avenue. Dr. Jill Hays joined the practice shortly thereafter and practices primarily in Aledo, although she does see patients in the Rock Island office one day per week.
With almost 100 years of experience in optometry, the Doctors at Rock Island Optometric Center can take care of all your eyecare needs now and for decades to come. We welcome new patients and encourage you to call either office for an appointment so you can experience the quality, friendly, family eyecare that our existing patients have experienced for many, many years.

Rock Island Optometric is the best place for family eyecare in the Quad Cities.

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Doctors of optometry are independent primary health care providers who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions. Optometrists are trained to examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to detect disease like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases (including macular degeneration). Optometrists do not perform surgery but are trained to care for and manage most diseases and disorders of the eyes.

Optometrists are also trained to diagnose and treat vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They may also test a person's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes and see depth and colors accurately. Optometrists are state licensed to examine the eyes to determine the presence of vision problems, prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, and medications to treat eye diseases including dry eye.

Excellent and quality eyecare means keeping up with the latest technology. Rock Island Optometric Center is no exception. We have automated and computerized perimeters (instruments that measure your peripheral vision) which are crucial in monitoring patients with glaucoma. They also come in handy in testing patients who need their driver's license renewed.

We have a digital fundus camera that can capture images of the retina and provide state-of-the-art care for patients with diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. These images can be compared on an annual basis to check for progression of the disease or shared with eye specialists if outside consultation or referral is indicated. In some case, patients can avoid dilation of the eyes with the use of these pictures. We have a corneal pachymeter which measures corneal thickness which is important in glaucoma patients or patients considering LASIK refractive surgery. We also utilize electronic medical records which further ensure accurate records and make it easier to share information with specialists as the need arises. No more "lost charts" or inconsistent documentation. Electronic medical records guarantee your health information is protected and private and insures that it will always be accessible to you and your Doctor.