Union Eyes Bellwood
Contact Us
Vision Center
Phone: 312.888.9999
Monday: 10 A.M. – 7 P.M.
(Closed for lunch 1 P.M. - 2 P.M.)
Wednesday: 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
(Closed for lunch 12 P.M. - 1 P.M.)
Thursday: 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.
(Closed for lunch 1 P.M. - 2 P.M.)
4th Sat. of the month: 8 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Book an Appointment
Wellness Center
Phone: 312.421.1016
Mon. & Wed.: 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Tues. & Thurs.: 9 A.M. - 7 P.M.
Fri.: 8 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
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Union Eyes — Bellwood
The Union Eyes Bellwood location serves the members and families of Iron Workers Local 63, Plumbers Local 130 U.A., Riggers Machinery Movers & Machinery Erectors Local 136, IBEW Electrical Local 176, SMART Local 265, Cement Masons Local 502, IBEW Electrical Local 701, Iron Workers Local 395, Heat & Frost Insulators Local 17, and SMART Local 73.
Enjoy zero co-pays and no deductibles for all available services performed at this location, minimum wait times, and high-quality vision care. Union Eyes Bellwood offers premium, peer-reviewed products, treatments, and technology to benefit our patients’ eye health, vision and appearance.
Call 312.888.9999 to schedule your appointment at the Union Eyes Bellwood location today.
Your Care Team
Andrew Morua, O.D.
Dr. Andrew Morua was born and raised on the Southeast side of Chicago where he attended Mt. Carmel High School. Dr. Andrew went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois Chicago and then received his Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Andrew has externship experience in treatment and management of glaucoma, posterior segment disease, co-management of pre and post-operative ophthalmic surgical conditions and pediatrics. In his free time, Dr. Andrew enjoys playing soccer and exploring the Chicago’s South loop neighborhood with his dog.
Mary Grace Valenta Optometric Technician/Optician
Mary Grace has over five years of experience in the optical industry with strong ties to Local 502. She is always working to educate people on the latest technology Union Eyes has to offer and making people happy with her recommendations. Whether it’s helping them see with advanced optical solutions or finding a perfect pair of frames that help the patient look and feel great, Mary Grace enjoys interacting with people. In her spare time, she plays volleyball, basketball, soccer, and softball in leagues throughout the city. She also enjoys spending with her two Pitbulls, Pebbles and Fred.
Robert J. Steinmetz, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Dr. Robert Steinmetz is the director and co-founder of Union Eyes LLC, the owner of SoLo Eye Care in Chicago, and the co-founder and principal of iCare Advisors, LLC which is a firm dedicated to helping doctors around the country open cold start optometric private practices. Dr. Steinmetz graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and earned his Doctorate of Optometry degree as a cum laude graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Bob is the 2006 Illinois Young Optometrist of the Year and the 2015 Illinois Optometrist of the Year.
Dr. Bob is also a former member of Local 134 and prides himself on having built his offices in Chicago with union labor. Dr. Steinmetz is one of only a few optometrists nationwide to be board certified by both the American Board of Optometry and the National Board of Optometric Examiners. Robert is an avid sports fan and co-owner of the now infamous Bearsmobile, the revamped classic Cadillac hearse now devoted to supporting the Chicago Bears. He and his wife Nicole reside in Chicago with their two boys Dempsey and Declan and their English bulldog Mr. Pickles.
Eric A. Baas, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Dr. Eric Baas is the co-founder and principal of Union Eyes, LLC and the owner of Marketplace Vision in Chicago. He is also co-founder and principal of iCare Advisors, LLC. Dr. Baas graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in biological sciences. He then earned his Doctorate of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry and went on to complete a residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease. Upon finishing residency, Dr. Baas continued to work as a clinical instructor at the Illinois College of Optometry while simultaneously opening a private practice cold in a busy metropolitan area of Chicago. Dr. Baas teaches practice management at the Illinois College of Optometry and is actively involved with the Private Practice Club as well as the Sports Vision Club, serving as the team optometrist for the University of Illinois-Chicago. He is also the 2016 Young Alumnus of the Year at the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Eric’s outside interests include physical fitness, supporting the Wisconsin Badgers, Chicago Bears and hanging out with his Boston terrier Snoop.
Jennifer Pankow, Vice President
Ms. Pankow has over 30 years of experience in the eye care industry. Jen grew up on the south side of Chicago and earned her degree in Medical Assisting from Robert Morris College. She then went on to complete her Paraoptometric Certification with Indiana University. She has assisted in opening over 200 optometric practices around the country. Jen also has served as an office manager and specializes in patient care, medical billing and credentialing. She currently lives In Joliet with her husband. Jen comes from a family of proud union members including her father who was a member of IBEW Local 134. Jen is a huge Star Wars fan, has a yellow lab named Obi-Wan, and has attend many Star Wars conventions.