Eye care professionals specialize in understanding how the human eye really works, as well as diseases and conditions that affect your vision—many of which do not always have obvious symptoms. Eye doctors know how age and risk factors affect vision over time for young and old, and they understand the benefits and features of corrective lenses, both as eyeglass lenses and contact lenses.
Our optometrists take the time to explain the results of your eye exam, describe your options and listen to your eye care needs. Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing and treating potential vision problems.
Meet our doctors and eye care team:
Dr. Karen Rosen received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry in its first class in 1984. She previously received a B.A. in Biology from Indiana University in 1977. “Dr. Karen” is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Missouri Optometric Association, the Missouri Optometric Foundation, the Heart of America Contact Lens Society, and the St. Louis Optometric Society (Past President). She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Karen served as an examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry for over 10 years. Dr. Rosen served on the Missouri Board of Optometry from 1993 through 2004. Dr. Rosen was named Optometrist of the Year by the St. Louis Optometric Society for 2006. She was named one of Vision Monday Magazine’s most Influential Women in Optical for 2005, and one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women for 2009.
Dr. Rosen has practiced in South St. Louis County since 1985 with her husband, Dr. Steven Rosen. During this time, she participated in 19 International Missions to developing countries to examine and provide new and recycled eyeglasses to people in need. Some of the countries visited include India, Ecuador, Mexico, Tunisia, Chile, and Thailand.
Dr. Rosen is excited to be in private practice. “I want to provide modern, high quality care to my patients in a warm, friendly, professional office. I want to continue serving the community with my own personality and style. I want my patients to not only see great, but to look great, too.” Call Rosen Optometry to set up an appointment.
Rosen Optometry is pleased to welcome Dr. Lawrence Ernst to our practice. Dr. Ernst was born and raised in St. Louis and is a graduate of De Smet High School, the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry.
A member of the American Optometric Association, Missouri Optometric Association and the St. Louis Optometric Society, Dr. Ernst started practicing in Warrenton, Mo., in 1990 and ran a successful Optometric office there for 24 years. “We are very excited that he has now chosen to join our team at Rosen Optometry,” said Dr. Steve Rosen.
Dr. Ernst thoroughly enjoys practicing optometry with a special interest in the treatment and management of eye disease, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye, and diabetic retinopathy. In his spare time, Dr. Ernst enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family.
Dr. Steven Rosen received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 1979. He also received his undergraduate degree from IU, as well. “Dr. Steve” is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Missouri Optometric Association, the Heart of America Contact Lens Society, the St. Louis Optometric Society (President ’04-’05) and the Orthokeratology Association of America. The St. Louis Optometric Society named Dr. Steve Optometrist of the Year for 2008. Dr. Rosen served as an examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry for many years. Dr. Rosen is also a member of BNI, an international business networking group.
Dr. Rosen has practiced in South St. Louis County since 1985 with his wife, Dr. Karen Rosen. During this time, he participated in 19 International Missions to developing countries to examine and provide new and recycled eyeglasses to people in need. Some of the countries visited include India, Paraguay, South Africa, Laos, and the Philippines.
Dr. Rosen enjoys practicing with his wife in their new, modern location at Ronnie’s Plaza. “Being independent allows us to provide eye exams featuring the newest advances in diagnostic technology as well as new spectacle lens technology. This lets us provide greater levels of customized services, eyeglasses, and contact lenses than we ever could before. The end result: Happier Patients!”
Dr. Ashley Tary was born and raised in the St. Louis area. When she decided to pursue her passion for optometry, she chose to attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis where she enrolled in the 3+4 accelerated program. She graduated in 2014 with honors. Dr. Tary is currently a member of the American Optometric Association, Missouri Optometric Association, and St. Louis Optometric Society.
Dr. Tary thoroughly enjoys practicing optometry with special interests in contact lenses, pediatric vision, and treatment and management of ocular disease, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy She looks forward to personally getting to know each patient while providing the highest quality comprehensive eye care in the community where she grew up.
Currently, Dr. Tary resides in Cedar Hill with her husband and high school sweetheart Chris. Chris has worked for Schnucks pharmacy for the past 8 years. Together, they enjoy spending spare time with family and playing outdoors with their dogs.
Nickie joined us as an experienced optician and brings her own style and fresh perspective to our office. She is very detail oriented and very technically skilled. She is cross-trained to work efficiently in all departments and gives 100% to everything she does. Nickie has the best smile. She is very handy and is always working on a project, both at the office and at home!
Allie just joined our team and brings a wealth of Optical knowledge with many years of experience in leadership, sales, and service. She takes pride in making sure that all of our patients purchasing glasses get the right products and options, including the latest technology and the newest frame styles. Allie does an outstanding job making sure all aspects of our optical services are precise and efficient. Allie is very organized, she has to be, when she isn’t working, Allie is very busy chasing her three small children and three big dogs!
Irene has worked over 30 years in Optical Industry and supervises all aspects of Rosen Optometry. She will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding products, services, insurance, and privacy compliance.
Email Irene directly at ibn@rosenoptometry.com.
Brenda has been with Rosen Optometry for almost 20 years and is an experienced optometric technician. She is an expert on contact lens insertion and removal and is skilled in specialized testing. Brenda keeps the office well stocked to insure we have all the supplies we need to take care of our patients. In her spare time, Brenda likes to take walks and explore new restaurants.
Peachez has been with us for ten years. She is a skilled technician and our Front Desk Supervisor. In her role, she is considered the ambassador of our office, making sure to greet everyone, answer questions, keep the schedule running on time, and ensuring patient satisfaction during their visit. Peachez remembers the name of just about everyone! She is our California girl. Like, awesome!
Megan has been with us for 10 years, moving from Receptionist to Technician, to Scribe, and now Lead Technician. She loves the new duties and does a great job assisting the doctor and manager, and making sure all aspects of the day to day operations run smooth. Every office needs a cat person. Megan is ours.
Rita Jo is known for her tremendous patience in working with patients as they select their eye wear. She is an ABO certified optician and often is called on to solve difficult optical problems. Rita has a teaching background and is very helpful with staff training. Rita Jo loves dogs. Presently, she has 2 rescue dogs, T-Bone and Grace.
Tara wears many hats at Rosen Optometry and can be called on to step in wherever needed. She is our resident insurance expert and, like the rest of the staff, she really tries to make sure patients get the most out of their benefits. She assists the doctor as a Scribe and is a skilled technician. In her spare time, Tara likes to work out, especially by running after her adorable and active toddler.
Vicki joined us as an experienced Optician and we were thrilled to have her lab experience, she has been a big help in our finishing lab. She has developed skills as a technician and even assists with insurance. Vicki is able to help out wherever there is a need and is very service oriented. Vicki is also athletic. We keep her very busy running around the office and she also ran a half marathon.
