Independent by Choice. Advanced by Design. Dedicated to Your Vision.
At Associates in Eyecare, we believe your vision deserves something exceptional: highly experienced physicians, the most advanced diagnostic and surgical technology available to us, and a commitment to putting patients first.
We are a privately owned, physician-led ophthalmology practice serving Denver and the surrounding Colorado communities. Unlike many ophthalmology practices that have been acquired by large corporations or private-equity investment groups, Associates in Eyecare is owned and operated by the doctors who care for you.
We answer to our patients, not Wall Street.
Our philosophy is simple: combine exceptional surgical expertise with sophisticated technology, individualized treatment, and the personal attention that every patient deserves.
Independent Physicians. Patients Before Profits.
Across the country, ophthalmology is increasingly becoming part of large corporate healthcare organizations and private-equity-backed networks. These organizations may have financial objectives, standardized operating procedures, and business priorities established by investors or executives who are not directly involved in patient care.
We have deliberately chosen a different path.
At Associates in Eyecare, our physicians retain direct control over how we practice medicine. We make our own decisions about the technology we purchase, the time we spend with patients, the treatments we recommend, and the quality of care we provide.
Our decisions are guided by what we believe is best for our patients, not by the financial expectations of outside investors.
That independence allows us to:
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Invest in sophisticated diagnostic and surgical equipment based on clinical value.
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Recommend treatments and lens options tailored to each patient's visual needs.
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Maintain a personalized relationship between patients and their physicians.
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Prioritize clinical quality, safety, and long-term outcomes.
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Create a practice environment focused on medicine rather than corporate performance targets.
We believe that when physicians control the practice of medicine, patients benefit from a more personal and accountable healthcare experience.
Colorado's Most Advanced Cataract Evaluation Technology
Better cataract surgery begins long before entering the operating room.
Modern cataract surgery is not simply about removing a cloudy lens. It is an opportunity to optimize vision, address astigmatism, and, for appropriate patients, reduce dependence on glasses.
Achieving these goals requires meticulous preoperative measurements, careful lens selection, and sophisticated surgical planning.
At Associates in Eyecare, we have made a substantial investment in advanced diagnostic technology to help our surgeons plan each procedure with exceptional precision.
The Only Heidelberg ANTERION in Colorado
Associates in Eyecare is proud to be the only ophthalmology practice in Colorado equipped with the Heidelberg ANTERION, as confirmed by Heidelberg Engineering.
The ANTERION uses swept-source optical coherence tomography to create detailed images and measurements of the anterior segment of the eye. Its capabilities include advanced biometry, corneal assessment, and anterior segment imaging.
These measurements provide valuable information for cataract surgery planning, particularly when evaluating sophisticated intraocular lens options.
Multiple Advanced Technologies. One Personalized Surgical Plan.
Our cataract evaluation incorporates a comprehensive collection of sophisticated diagnostic systems, including:
Heidelberg ANTERION: Advanced swept-source OCT imaging and optical biometry for detailed evaluation of the eye.
ZEISS IOLMaster 700: Swept-source optical biometry for precise measurements used in calculating intraocular lens power.
OCULUS Pentacam: Three-dimensional anterior segment tomography for detailed evaluation of corneal shape, curvature, and irregularities.
iTrace: Ray-tracing aberrometry and corneal analysis to help evaluate optical quality and identify visual aberrations.
ZEISS Corneal Topography: Detailed assessment of the corneal surface to help characterize astigmatism and support surgical planning.
ZEISS VERACITY Surgical Planning Software: An advanced digital platform that integrates diagnostic information and supports sophisticated intraocular lens calculations and surgical planning.
Rather than relying solely on traditional measurements and manual lens calculations, we use these technologies together to develop an individualized surgical plan.
Our goal is to identify the lens and surgical approach most appropriate for each patient's unique eye, lifestyle, and visual expectations.
Technology does not replace surgical judgment. It makes excellent surgical judgment even more powerful.
Experienced Surgeons. An Exceptional Commitment to Safety.
Advanced technology is only part of the equation. The skill, experience, and judgment of your surgeon remain essential.
Our cataract surgeons, Dr. Matthew Kruger and Dr. Anthony Kokx, bring extensive surgical experience and a meticulous approach to every procedure.
Dr. Kruger is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, corneal disease, corneal transplantation, and laser vision correction. His additional fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery provides expertise in complex cataract cases and sophisticated lens selection.
Dr. Kokx is a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than 15 years of experience and over 10,000 surgical cases. His expertise includes advanced cataract surgery, refractive lens technology, complex cataract procedures, and comprehensive ophthalmic care.
Both surgeons share a commitment to precision, continuous improvement, and exceptional surgical safety.
A Vitrectomy Rate of Less Than 1 in 1,000 Cataract Surgeries
One measure of cataract surgical safety is the frequency with which an unplanned anterior vitrectomy becomes necessary because of an intraoperative complication.
Both Dr. Kruger and Dr. Kokx report vitrectomy rates of fewer than 1 in 1,000 cataract surgeries — less than 0.1%.
Although every surgical procedure carries risk, this low complication rate reflects our commitment to meticulous technique, careful planning, and surgical excellence.
We believe patients deserve to know about their surgeon's experience and outcomes when making decisions about their eye care.
Our Own Physician-Owned Surgery Center
Your surgeon's commitment to your care should extend beyond the examination room.
Associates in Eyecare's surgeons are owners of Mineral Surgery Center, a 100% physician-owned ambulatory surgery center in Littleton, Colorado.
Unlike facilities controlled by large hospital systems or corporate investors, Mineral Surgery Center is owned by practicing physicians who are directly invested in the quality of the surgical experience.
This physician ownership gives our surgeons a voice in the equipment, clinical protocols, staffing, and processes that shape patient care.
For our cataract patients, this creates an integrated experience, from the initial evaluation and surgical planning through the procedure itself and postoperative follow-up.
We believe that maintaining physician involvement throughout the surgical process promotes consistency, accountability, and a culture of patient-centered care.
Our goal is to make cataract surgery as comfortable, efficient, and reassuring as possible, while maintaining rigorous standards of quality and safety.
Cataract Surgery Tailored to Your Life
No two patients have exactly the same visual needs.
Some want the clearest possible distance vision. Others hope to reduce their dependence on reading glasses. Some prioritize night driving, while others want greater freedom from glasses for golf, skiing, reading, travel, or everyday activities.
At Associates in Eyecare, we take the time to understand what matters most to you.
We offer a range of modern cataract surgery and lens replacement options, including:
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Advanced monofocal intraocular lenses
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Toric lenses for astigmatism correction
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Multifocal and extended-depth-of-focus lens technologies
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Light Adjustable Lenses
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Customized refractive targets, including monovision when appropriate
We carefully explain the advantages, limitations, and tradeoffs of each option so that patients can make informed decisions.
Our philosophy is not to recommend the most expensive lens. It is to recommend the lens that best fits your eyes and your goals.
Comprehensive Eye Care Beyond Cataract Surgery
Although advanced cataract surgery is a major focus of our practice, Associates in Eyecare provides a broad range of medical and surgical ophthalmic services.
Our expertise includes cataract and lens replacement surgery, corneal disease and transplantation, LASIK and PRK, glaucoma evaluation and management, dry eye disease, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and comprehensive medical eye examinations.
Dr. Kruger's fellowship training in corneal and refractive surgery also allows our practice to care for patients with complex corneal conditions and challenging visual needs.
Our optical dispensary further complements our medical services by helping patients obtain eyewear appropriate for their vision and lifestyle.
We strive to provide continuity of care, whether you need a routine medical eye examination, ongoing management of a chronic condition, or advanced eye surgery.
A Personal Relationship With Your Doctor
We recognize that choosing an ophthalmologist, especially when considering surgery, is an important decision.
We want our patients to feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout their care.
At Associates in Eyecare, we emphasize careful examinations, clear communication, thoughtful recommendations, and the opportunity to ask questions.
We believe that excellent ophthalmology requires more than sophisticated equipment and technical skill. It requires listening to patients, understanding their concerns, and treating every person with respect.
Our physicians and staff work together to create an experience that combines the capabilities of a technologically advanced surgical practice with the personal attention of independent medicine.
Why Patients Choose Associates in Eyecare
When you choose our practice, you benefit from a combination of qualities that we believe distinguishes us:
Truly independent medicine: A privately owned practice where your physicians, not corporate shareholders, guide your care.
Advanced technology: An extensive collection of sophisticated diagnostic instruments, including Colorado's only Heidelberg ANTERION.
Experienced surgeons: Fellowship-level expertise, extensive surgical experience, and reported cataract vitrectomy rates below 0.1% for both surgeons.
Physician-owned surgery center: An integrated surgical experience at Mineral Surgery Center, where practicing physicians retain direct involvement in surgical operations.
Individualized treatment: Thoughtful surgical planning and lens recommendations tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and visual goals.
Personal attention: A practice built around long-term physician-patient relationships, clinical excellence, and trust.
Experience the Difference of Independent Eye Care
At Associates in Eyecare, we are proud to offer something increasingly uncommon in modern healthcare: a truly independent ophthalmology practice combining sophisticated technology, experienced surgeons, and a deeply personal commitment to patient care.
We invest in technology because we believe it can improve the care we provide. We maintain our independence because we believe physicians should guide medical decisions. And we continually refine our surgical techniques because your vision deserves our very best.
Your eyes. Your vision. Your doctor.
We invite you to discover the difference at Associates in Eyecare.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Kruger or Dr. Anthony Kokx today.
