Your Eye Care Team

Robert Steinmetz Headshot

Robert J. Steinmetz, O.D., F.A.A.O.

Dr. Robert Steinmetz is the director and co-founder of Union Eyes LLC, the owner of SoLo Eye Care in Chicago, and the co-founder and principal of iCare Advisors, LLC which is a firm dedicated to helping doctors around the country open cold start optometric private practices. Dr. Steinmetz graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and earned his Doctorate of Optometry degree as a cum laude graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Bob is the 2006 Illinois Young Optometrist of the Year and the 2015 Illinois Optometrist of the Year.

Dr. Bob is also a former member of Local 134 and prides himself on having built his offices in Chicago with union labor. Dr. Steinmetz is one of only a few optometrists nationwide to be board certified by both the American Board of Optometry and the National Board of Optometric Examiners. Robert is an avid sports fan and co-owner of the now infamous Bearsmobile, the revamped classic Cadillac hearse now devoted to supporting the Chicago Bears. He and his wife Nicole reside in Chicago with their two boys Dempsey and Declan and their English bulldog Mr. Pickles.

Eric A. Baas Heatshot

Eric A. Baas, O.D., F.A.A.O.

Dr. Eric Baas is the co-founder and principal of Union Eyes, LLC and the owner of Marketplace Vision in Chicago. He is also co-founder and principal of iCare Advisors, LLC.  Dr. Baas graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in biological sciences. He then earned his Doctorate of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry and went on to complete a residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease. Upon finishing residency, Dr. Baas continued to work as a clinical instructor at the Illinois College of Optometry while simultaneously opening a private practice cold in a busy metropolitan area of Chicago. Dr. Baas teaches practice management at the Illinois College of Optometry and is actively involved with the Private Practice Club as well as the Sports Vision Club, serving as the team optometrist for the University of Illinois-Chicago. He is also the 2016 Young Alumnus of the Year at the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Eric’s outside interests include physical fitness, supporting the Wisconsin Badgers, Chicago Bears and hanging out with his Boston terrier Snoop.
Jennifer Pankow Headshot

Jennifer Pankow, Vice President

Ms. Pankow has over 30 years of experience in the eye care industry. Jen grew up on the south side of Chicago and earned her degree in Medical Assisting from Robert Morris College. She then went on to complete her Paraoptometric Certification with Indiana University. She has assisted in opening over 200 optometric practices around the country. Jen also has served as an office manager and specializes in patient care, medical billing and credentialing. She currently lives In Joliet with her husband. Jen comes from a family of proud union members including her father who was a member of IBEW Local 134. Jen is a huge Star Wars fan, has a yellow lab named Obi-Wan, and has attend many Star Wars conventions.
Leigh Cosgrove Headshot

Leigh Cosgrove, Director of Operations

Leigh has over 25 years of customer service experience. Over the last decade, she has found her niche in patient care and office operations. Growing up with her father in the Army, Leigh lived in multiple locations across the United States from New York to California. She currently resides in Channahon surrounded by her friends and family. Leigh enjoys gardening, playing pickleball, and spending time with her three children and her grandson. Serving union members and their families is important to Leigh as many people in her life are hardworking union members including her son who is in the Carpenter’s Union Local 174.