Eye Mechanix

Owner | Chief Vision Mechanic

Dr. Ricketts attended The University of Wisconsin and pursued a major in chemistry. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree, he continued his education at the Illinois College of Optometry, earning a Doctorate of Optometry in 1990.

He also attended Vandercook College of Music for a year. While attending the Illinois College of Optometry Dr. Ricketts completed many internships: Primary Care, Ocular Emergencies, Vision Therapy and Low Vision at the Illinois Eye Institute.

He has State Board Certifications in Illinois and Ohio; and is Therapeutically Licensed by the National Board of Optometry for the treatment of Ocular Diseases.

While practicing Optometry in Chicago for over twenty years, Dr. Ricketts has had the privilege of helping many amazing people. Offering continual care and service to “old friends”, while meeting new people everyday is what makes his job so great.

Dr. Ricketts has established Eye Mechanix to be integrated into the community by donating services and forging partnerships with many Chicago not-for-profit organizations.

Sam I am! Although I don't particularly like green eggs and ham, I do like looking into green eyes, or brown or blue... It was on my first visit to the optometrist where I figured out what I wanted to do. There was no looking back and no hesitation between Thing 1 or Thing 2.

I still love Optometry, with the daily mix of interactions and the constant evolution of health, optics, science and technology. On days off, I like to spend time away from the crowds; biking, camping, fishing and hiking with family.

We Asked Dr. Ricketts Some Questions...

Q & A

Q. Would you like to be famous? In what way?

I was a Musician many many years ago so i would love to perform again on stage

Q. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?

Wake up to the sun shining – have a coffee and spend time with family; talking, walking, gardening etc.- and then sitting at the end of the day, watching the sun set. Waking up on a beach having lunch or boating in the Ocean

Q. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

Family and Great Friends

Q. If you could go back to anytime in history, where would you go?

The 80’s. I was younger and the music was great

Q. Do you hit the snooze button or wake up immediately?

Hit the snooze

Q. Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?

Costa Rica…The jungle and beach

This or That?

Cat / Dog

While walking: Music / Podcasts

Cake / Pie

Swimming / Sunbathing

High-tech / Low-tech

Big Party / Small Gathering

What’s worse: Laundry / Dishes?

Jogging / Hiking BOTH

Hamburger / Taco BOTH

At a movie: Candy / Popcorn

Car / Truck

Pen / Pencil

Winter / Summer

Mac / PC

Q&A:

Q. Would you like to be famous? In what way?
A. Not really. I wouldn’t mind being behind the scenes, like a music producer or some kind of producer. I love music and film, I always have! I use to want to be a famous singer as a child, but with social media these days, I think I would prefer to be more behind the scenes.

Q. What would constitute a “perfect day” for you?
A. A mid to high 70’s temperature, sunny day in Chicago, enjoying a bar/restaurant patio with friends. Preferably a dog friendly place so that I can bring my boy, Charlie :-).

Q. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
A. I’m grateful for how hard I’ve worked to get where I am in life. It’s true what they say, nothing worth having comes easy. I’m also grateful for the amazing friends and family in my life, including my dog, Charlie.

Q. If you could go back to anytime in history, where would you go?
A. I really enjoyed the 80’s/90’s music era. I also enjoyed life before everything was posted on social media :-).

Q. Do you hit snooze button or wake up immediately?
A. Depends on the reason for the alarm setting. Probably more snooze. I love sleep.

Q. Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
A. I am dying to go on a safari and travel along South Africa, that is top of my bucket list but Ireland is also high on the list! I love to travel across seas!

THIS OR THAT:

Cat / Dog: Dog!!!!
While Walking: Music / Podcasts: Music
Cake / Pie: Neither… Ice cream
Swimming / Sunbathing: Sunbathing
High-tech / Low-tech: High-tech
Big Party / Small Gathering: Small gathering
What’s worse: Laundry / Dishes: Laundry. It is near impossible to get Charlie’s fur off my clothes.
Jogging / Hiking: Hiking
Hamburger / Taco: Cheeseburger
At a movie: Candy / Popcorn: Popcorn
Car / Truck: Car
Pen / Pencil: Pen
Winter / Summer: Summer!! Especially a Chicago summer.
Mac / PC: Mac