Our Doctors
A team trusted by
more than 200,000 doctors & patients
Brett Rhode, MD
"I feel privileged to be entrusted to care for something as important as people's vision."
Brett W. Rhode, MD, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison, interned at the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics in Madison, and completed his residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. During his studies, he conducted DNA research and a study on low vision reading devices.
Dr. Rhode joined Eye Care Specialists in 1996 to handle all ophthalmic conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, crossed & lazy eyes, and ocular infections. Dr. Rhode has a special aptitude and interest in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, including the use of laser therapy and eye injections to stabilize (and sometimes even improve) vision. Dr. Rhode’s reputation as a highly skilled surgeon with a relaxed and friendly manner makes him a popular speaker for public and professional groups and earned him a “Top Doctor” listing with Milwaukee and M Magazines. In addition to working at Eye Care Specialists, Dr. Rhode is the Head of Ophthalmology for Aurora Sinai Medical Center. Whenever his busy schedule and the weather allow, he enjoys biking, canoeing, fishing, landscaping, and being outdoors with his wife, two children, and their dogs.
Daniel Ferguson, MD
"I became an ophthalmologist because it combines two of the things I enjoy most— helping people and technology. The ability to use the latest medical, laser and surgical techniques to improve the vision and quality of life for my patients is what makes my work so rewarding."
Daniel K. Ferguson, MD, spent several years putting his University of Wisconsin—Madison Engineering degree to use on everything from FDA environmental reports to steel mill technology before having a new vision for his future.
He returned to UW-Madison and applied the same determination to becoming an ophthalmologist. Upon completion of a residency at the highly prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Dr. Ferguson joined Eye Care Specialists in 2005. He stays abreast of the latest techniques and has specialized training in minimally invasive medical and surgical procedures for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and corneal disease, including no-shot, no-stitch cataract surgery and intraocular injections for macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Outside of the office and operating room, Milwaukee Magazine "Top Doctor" Daniel Ferguson enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, friends and extended family. His interests include golf, bicycling, hiking, fishing and reading.
Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD
"Nothing makes me happier than restoring my patients' vision. I enjoy getting to know patients on a personal level, and always ask myself, 'What would I do if this patient was a member of my own family?'"
Daniel M. Paskowitz, MD, PhD, graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University before obtaining his MD and PhD at the University of California, San Francisco. He pursued his residency training at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute as well as a Heed Fellowship in corneal surgery.
As a physician-scientist, Dr. Paskowitz has conducted award-winning research on diseases of the cornea and retina, including the use of gene therapy and new medications. Dr. Paskowitz joined Eye Care Specialists in 2012 to care for patients with all eye conditions, including cataracts, corneal disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and neuro-ophthalmic disorders. He has a special interest in complex cataract cases, laser vision correction, and advanced techniques for corneal transplantation. He has presented scientific work at national conferences and published research in top journals, focusing on retinal degeneration. A Milwaukee Magazine "Top Doctor," Dr. Paskowitz believes in mastering a wide variety of surgical techniques that can be tailored to the individual needs of patients. Dr. Paskowitz also enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, cooking, hiking, reading history, traveling, and learning foreign languages.
See your best
when you see the best
Michael Raciti, MD
"Delivering successful visual outcomes to patients is very rewarding, whether it is restoring sight or reducing dependence on glasses. I enjoy building relationships with patients and maintain a high level of respect for each person's needs and opinions."
Michael W. Raciti, MD, graduated from Carroll University in Waukesha, with a double major in biology and biochemistry. He earned his medical degree with Honors in Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee where he pursued an interest in the mechanisms of debilitating eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dr. Raciti completed his ophthalmology residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago where he was Chief Resident.
He then joined Eye Care Specialists in 2013 to provide comprehensive services
for all ages and conditions, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and laser vision correction. Dr. Raciti has an interest and expertise in advanced technology lens implantation, including for special case
situations, such as post-LASIK cataract surgery. A Milwaukee Magazine "Top Doctor" dedicated to delivering the best possible care, Dr. Raciti regularly attends and presents at local and national professional meetings to stay up-to-date on the latest medical and surgical standards. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Raciti enjoys woodworking and home improvement projects, water skiing, eFoiling, snowmobiling, skiing, mountain biking, camping, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
David Scheidt, OD
"Eye care is a field where you can really make an impact on your patients' lives. Few things are as precious as our eyesight. Our practice philosophy reflects this belief. Through teamwork and individual dedication, we strive to provide each and every patient with compassionate quality care using the most advanced technology available."
David A. Scheidt, OD, is a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago and conducted clinical internships at the Illinois Visually Handicapped Institute and West Side V.A. Hospital in Chicago.
He joined Eye Care Specialists in 1992 to practice medical optometry as well as manage pre- and post-surgical care of cataract, glaucoma and laser vision correction patients. Dr. Scheidt was a founding member of the Wisconsin Diabetes Advisory Group and co-author of its diabetic eye care guidelines for physicians. A Milwaukee Magazine "Top Doctor," Dr. Scheidt is well respected among his peers for his service as a past president of the Milwaukee Optometric Society and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Optometric Association. Each year, he researches, prepares and conducts presentations for bi-annual continuing medical education conferences offered by Eye Care Specialists for 125+ area optometrists. In addition to enjoying time with his wife and three children, Dr. Scheidt takes pleasure in fishing, gardening, cooking, kayaking, and scuba diving.
Mark Freedman, MD
Retired 2022
Mark I. Freedman, MD, graduated as Valedictorian of his class at the University of Wisconsin—Madison before proceeding to medical school at Stanford University and the Medical College of Wisconsin. He interned at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee and held a residency and associateship at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
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After joining Eye Care Specialists in 1988, Dr. Freedman performed nearly every ophthalmic procedure, including cataract, retinal, strabismus (crossed eyes), ophthalmic plastic, and laser vision correction (LASIK & PRK) surgery. He was a leader in laser and medication injection therapy for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Dr. Freedman frequently lectured to fellow physicians and was a Milwaukee Magazine “Top Doctor.” He was often quoted as an expert source in local publications. Dr. Freedman now spends his free time sharing in the achievements and activities of his three daughters, their husbands, and an ever-expanding list of grandchildren. He also enjoys traveling, bicycling, playing tennis, skiing, golfing and scuba diving with his wife and friends.