Phillips Eye Institute

Our history

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

Leadership

	William Kenney president Previous Experience: Executive Vice President, Park Nicollet Foundation; Senior Vice President, Park Nicollet Health Services; Administrator, Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation/Northwestern University Education: MHA – University of Minnesota, Health Care Administration; BA – St. John’s University, Business Administration and Social Work First year with Phillips Eye Institute: 2009
	Joan Arbach 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
	Sharon Henry nurse executive and director, Operations Previous Experience: Excellian Project; Director, Cardiovascular Services, Mercy & Unity Hospitals; Director, Care Improvement, Mercy & Unity Hospitals; Nurse Manager, Emergency Department, Mercy Hospital; Staff nurse, Intensive Care Unit, Mercy Hospital Education: BA - Metropolitan State University; AA - Anoka Ramsey Community College First year with Phillips Eye Institute: 2007
	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 acts as director, Human Resources at Unity Hospital and Allina Medical Laboratories; Excellian, System Office Human Resources, Abbott Northwestern Human Resources 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: Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s Finance Department; 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

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.