It was a devastating diagnosis of a beloved family member that originated from an eye exam that changed Dr. Joanna Slusky’s course in life. Her passion for eyes began almost twenty years ago when her grandfather, a primary care Doctor, was diagnosed with an eye tumor during an eye exam. Further diagnostic testing revealed an advanced case of prostate cancer.  He passed away six months later, leaving a lasting impression on her. “The eyes are an immensely informative barometer of our overall systemic health,” she said about how she found her journey to her life’s work. 

Dr. Joanna Slusky is an Entrepreneur and an Integrative Medical Optometrist with nearly twenty years of experience. Her drive is apparent when asked how she got into the industry. She said, “My dream was always to open a private optical office and deliver the most thorough and personalized level of care.” Her incredible journey began when she immigrated from Poland with her mother at age twelve with two suitcases, five-hundred dollars, and without the ability to speak English. Undeterred by new obstacles, Dr. Slusky persevered, learning the language and following her passion for learning and entrepreneurship. She attended Northwestern University and later, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Illinois College of Optometry. In 2007, during her freshman year of Optometry school, she opened Halsted Eye Boutique and accomplished a lifelong dream.

Dr. Slusky acquired her second location in 2021 while helping a friend who became ill and needed a fill-in Doctor in her practice. Dr. Slusky wasn’t looking to open a second location, however, when her friend passed away, the need for a quality optical shop was still present in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. Dr. Slusky decided to continue delivering high-quality personalized care at Eye See Ravenswood, in memory of her friend. When asked about what it means to her to be entrusted with her late friend’s practice, Dr. Slusky said, “My team and I feel honored and grateful to be able to care for her patients and continue her legacy.”

At both locations, the customer-centered, personalized approach sets both practices apart from others in the area. In addition to providing comprehensive eye exams, Dr. Slusky is a dry eye expert, contact lens, and myopia control specialist who prefers a holistic approach to eye care. She incorporates the newest technology, luxury eyewear, diet, and nutraceuticals, as well as safe skincare and makeup recommendations to support patients’ eyecare needs.  Dr. Slusky’s patients rave about her personalized approach, thoroughness, patience, and ability to optimize ocular health by focusing on the root cause rather than just symptoms, to improve vision clarity and comfort beyond expectations. 

Halsted Eye started its partnership with De Rigo Rem when Sales Consultant Staci Krause introduced the practice to the John Varvatos line of eyewear. The patients of Halsted Eye recognized the outstanding quality of the line and embraced the rock and roll style. From there, Staci Krause helped both practices meet their patients’ needs. From fitting petite patients with Jones New York to finding new brands and sharing inspiring stories like Yalea’s mission of supporting women, Staci heard the needs of Dr. Slusky’s practice and provided solutions. “Staci takes the time to educate our new staff about the De Rigo Rem brands. The quality of the frames and the expert care De Rigo Rem provides is why we continue to partner with them.”

Dr. Slusky’s passion is evident in her practices, from her all-female staff to the décor chosen by Dr. Slusky herself; no detail is overlooked. Halsted Eye Boutique and Eye See Ravenswood eyecare teams truly shine in how they care for their patients and staff. “As the years pass, we’ve had staff leave to gain additional training or pursue another opportunity, yet most have come back to us because this is where they feel inspired, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential,” Dr. Slusky said about her incredible staff.