Our Practice

The Vision Care Associates Story

Drs. Andrew Franken and Christopher Arnold met in optometry school and became close friends, bonding over their love of sports and Kansas City connections. After graduation, the pair set their sights back on KC and decided to open their own patient-centered practice in 2008. A risky endeavor amidst the recession, the venture was worth it for the doctors to build toward their vision of creating a practice that invests in technology to create a unique eye-care experience to improve patients’ vision and eye health.

After growing the practice for 10 years, Vision Care outgrew its original location and in 2018 moved across the street into the new 5,000 square foot state-of-the-art eye clinic. This expansion allowed the Vision Care team to invest in more equipment to provide even more thorough levels of care and also made room for associate Dr. Connor Gallentine. Dr. Gallentine was the perfect fit for Vision Care and also holds the values of patient-centered, technologically advanced care.

When Vision Care Associates initially opened, Kelli, Dr. Franken’s wife, was the first and only employee. Now the staff has increased to over 20 members, has a modern facility with sophisticated testing, and an expansive optical shop, but its mission remains the same: providing innovative eye care the patient can feel confident in.
 

Dedication to Community

Vision Care Associates is proud to support the Shawnee community through a variety of ways, including regularly sponsoring youth sports teams and school-affiliated clubs and activities. Vision Care also sponsors and participates with local charitable organizations over the years, such as:  Friends of the Kaw, Jingle Bell Run (Arthritis Foundation), Oceans of Mercy, and more.  Each year Vision Care awards scholarships to seniors at Mill Valley, DeSoto, and St. James high schools who are planning to attend college with an emphasis in healthcare. Check out our list of past winners proudly displayed around our office. 
 

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Franken was named the 2019 Arthritis Foundation Medical Honoree.

Vision Care Associates has been consistently voted one of the top eye care practices in the “Best of Shawnee” series.