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Phillips Eye Institute

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Our history


Phillips Eye Institute

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Phillips Eye Institute was the vision of many people, designed to function as a free standing eye specialty center associated with Mount Sinai Medical Center. It was developed by and for ophthalmologists. The dream of creating this unique facility was realized because of the persistence, determination and resourcefulness of a large group of people.

Jay Phillips was the main benefactor of Mount Sinai Hospital and a strong supporter of Mount Sinai's Division of Ophthalmology. Because of his generous philanthropic support, Phillips Eye Institute bears his name.


1987

Phillips Eye Institute - construction complete

1988

Mount Sinai Hospital merges with Metropolitan Medical Center to become Metropolitan Mount Sinai Medical Center (MMS)

1990

PEI's Inpatient Unit opens

1991

PEI continues its legacy, surviving the closure of MMS

1993

Health One and LifeSpan merge to form the HealthSpan Health Systems Corporation

1993

PEI is congressionally designated as an eye “specialty” hospital

1994

HealthSpan and Medica merge to become Allina Health System. PEI is the only specialty hospital in the Allina Health System

1997

Phillips Eye Institute celebrates its 10th anniversary, recognizing a rich history of commitment to eye health care

2008

Phillips Eye Institute opens a second location at Buffalo Hospital

Present

Phillips Eye Institute continues to provide quality care to patients and their families

Today

Phillips Eye Institute is the third largest eye specialty hospital (in patient volume) in the United States. Dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders, Phillips Eye Institute draws patients from a five state region to be treated by a medical staff of more than 170 Ophthalmologists.

PEI offers an extensive array of specialty services from diagnostic tests and vision rehabilitation to laser eye treatments and specialized eye surgery.

News releases

Phillips Eye Institute Newsroom

2009 Statistics

Medical Staff

Employees

170

185


Procedures/Patient visits

In 2009

Surgical procedures

10,347

Diagnostic/Treatment

3,101

Vision Rehabilitation Center

847

Refractive/Excimer laser

861

Inpatient days

370

Leadership

Joan Arbach
interim president and director, Service Excellence

  • Previous experience: Eitel Hospital; Willow Street Center
  • Education: BS - University of Minnesota, Education; Post-graduate course work - St. Mary's University
  • First year with Phillips Eye Institute: 1993

Beverly Fritz
director, Phillips Eye Institute Foundation

  • Previous experience: Director of Foundation and Education, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce; Education Manager, Joint Commission on allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology; Director of Community Education, West St. Paul/Mendota Heights School District; Manager of Adult Basic Education; Teacher, Minneapolis Public Schools
  • Education: BA - Macalester College; MA - University of St. Thomas
  • First year with Phillips Eye Institute: 2010

Louise Jacobs
director, Patient Care Services

  • Previous experience: manager, Patient Care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mercy Hospital; clinical nurse specialist, Critical Care at Mercy Hospital; staff nurse, ICU at St. Mary's Hospital.
  • Education:  BA -Nursing from St. Catherine's University and Master's - Nursing from the University of Minnesota
  • First year with Phillips Eye Institute: 2011

David Schneiderhan
director, Physician Relationships

  • Previous experience: Private practice, Hastings Optical Co.; Director, Eye Services, Allina Medical Clinic
  • Education: BA – Luther College, Management; MA – St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Management and Health and Human Services Administration
  • First year with Phillips Eye Institute: 2000

Chris Verdon
director, Finance

  • Previous experience: Currently is also director, Finance at Abbott Northwestern Hospital; project manager with Allina Hospitals & Clinics' Strategy and Business Development; clinical social worker, Regions Hospital
  • Education: BA - Social Welfare; Masters - Social Work, Masters in Business Administration - Finance
  • First year with Phillips Eye Institute: 2010

Scott Hamman
director, Human Resources

  • Previous experience: Currently acts as director, Human Resources at Unity Hospital and Allina Medical Laboratories; Excellian, System Office Human Resources, Abbott Northwestern Human Resources
  • Education: BA - Management; Masters - Management and Health and Human Services Administration 
  • First year with Phillips Eye Institute: 2010

What types of services are offered at Phillips Eye Institute?

Phillips Eye Institute has the equipment, technology, physicians and staff to address all types of eye health issues including those that require surgery, maintaining low vision, or diagnosing an issue. Whether it is a routine procedure or monitoring a complex disorder, Phillips Eye Institute is here to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. Learn more about our services here.

My eye doctor said that nothing can be done to improve my vision. Can you help?

Phillips Eye Institute's Low Vision Services can help most people who are not totally blind. There are many diseases and disorders that cause irreversible vision loss but not total blindness. We can help these people make the most of their remaining vision. Specially trained staff work to teach patients how to use the latest equipment and computer technology to enhance their vision. Call 612-775-8866 for more information.

Is refractive surgery or LASIK surgery available at the Institute? How much does it cost?

Yes, physicians affiliated with Phillips Eye Institute have done thousands of laser vision correction procedures, including LASIK, LASEK, PRK and others. We offer the latest technology on the market. The cost varies, but is usually around $1,750 per eye. Some physicians offer special financing options. Call 612-775-8842 or 1-888-301-0021 for more information or a physician recommendation. Learn more.

What types of insurance does Phillips Eye Institute accept?

Phillips Eye Institute accepts most types of insurance. Check with your insurance provider to determine for certain whether a procedure is covered. Elective procedures such as laser vision correction (LASIK) and cosmetic are usually not covered by insurance.

Healthy Communities Magazine

Healthly Communities Magazine

Healthy Communities Magazine is Allina's community newsletter. This edition is sent to nearly 200,000 homes in Minneapolis and nearby southern and western suburbs.

It includes patient stories, health awareness articles and public education classes and seminars related to Allina's clinics, hospitals and physicians in the West Metro area.

For more information, or to request copies of Healthy Communities, call 1-866-904-9962.

Latest issue

The new fall issue includes a story about a soldier helped by the Sight for Soldiers program at Phillips Eye Institute.

PDF iconWinter 2011

Read more about topics discussed in the current issue of Healthy Communities Magazine.

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