DR. MONIKA SPOKAS

“Our team loves what we do. It is our vocation. It is our passion. The opportunity to improve the lives of our patients and their families is the core of who we are.”

MONIKA SPOKAS, OD

Founder, Clinical Director

Specialties: Developmental Optometry, Myopia Management

Dr. Monika Spokas is the Founder and Clinical Director of Clarendon Vision Development Center (CVDC). For the last 20 years, Dr. Spokas and CVDC have changed the lives of thousands of children and adults through the latest in Vision Therapy, Myopia Management, Neuro Optomtery, Pediatric Optometry and Primary Eyecare.

Originally from Lithuania, Dr. Spokas came to the United States in 1992 and graduated from Maria High School. She continued her studies at Loyola University in Chicago where she graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Biological Sciences.

​​​​​​​Dr. Spokas earned her Doctorate of Optometry degree as a Cum Laude graduate of the prestigious Illinois College of Optometry. During her time there, she fell in love with pediatrics and vision therapy, solidifying that this area of study, combined with her passion, was how she wanted to make a positive impact on the trajectory of others’ lives. As a life-long learner, she completed extensive post-graduate studies

in vision development and vision therapy. Today, Dr. Spokas continues to propel herself and her team to stay at the forefront of advancements in ocular health and visual performance by introducing new technology and treatment options to best serve our patients. Her academic and clinical excellence has been recognized through a number of awards and accolades.

​​​​​​​Dr. Spokas is a member of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control and the College of Syntonic Optometry. She lives in Burr Ridge with her husband, three daughters and French bulldog, Luna. Her outside interests include traveling, tennis, scuba diving and skiing.

Dr. Marija

“The visual system is like a puzzle; I love using the tools we have to work with my patients to solve it in a way that works best for them.”

Contact Dr. Novakovich

Contact Info

MARIJA NOVAKOVICH, OD

Specialties: Developmental, Pediatric, and Neuro-Optometry

Dr. Marija Novakovich specializes in Functional Vision Care at Clarendon Vision Development Center, treating patients of all ages. Her specialties include binocular vision exams, vision therapy, neuro-optometry, and dry eye treatment with a focus on individualized care which is guided by her patient’s vision needs and life goals. Her patients love working with Dr. Novakovich because of her patience, compassion, and ability to help them understand their eyecare needs. She is passionate about providing successful treatment outcomes that impact a patient’s daily life. Even for her youngest patients, Dr. Novakovich believes that kids need to understand their visual experiences too!

Dr. Novakovich completed her residency in Pediatrics, Vision Therapy and Vision Rehabilitation from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Prior to her residency, Dr. Novakovich completed multiple externships, working within private practices and large healthcare systems in the areas of binocular vision, strabismus and amblyopia treatment, visual processing disorders, vision therapy, pediatric eyecare, neuro-optometry and disease management. She attained her Doctorate of Optometry at Indiana University where she also completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology.

Dr. Novakovich is a member of the American Optometric Association and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Dr. Novakovich is from Crown Point, IN where she enjoys spending her weekends with family and friends. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new foods, and loves to read. “I’m always open to any book recommendations!”

Dr. Dana Shannon

“The health of other body systems connects to our eye health. I aim to help my patients to understand their eye conditions. They can use this knowledge to make healthy choices that prevent vision loss and illness.”

DANA SHANNON, OD, FAAO

Specialties: Ocular Disease Management, Myopia Management

Passionate about patient advocacy and health empowerment, Dr. Shannon believes in the interconnectedness of overall health with eye well-being. Her mission is to educate and empower her patients, enabling them to make informed choices that safeguard against vision loss and promote overall wellness. Renowned for her compassionate, transparent, and holistic approach to eye care, Dr. Shannon has garnered the admiration of her patients.

Dr. Shannon attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where she played Division 1 Tennis and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Spanish Minor. Dr. Shannon earned her Doctor of Optometry degree as a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. Dr. Shannon completed her residency in Adult and Pediatric Ocular Disease management at the University of Chicago.

Actively involved in the optometric community, Dr. Shannon serves as a Regional Trustee for the National Optometric Association. She is a distinguished member of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, American Optometric

Association, and is recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). Her dedication to advancing the field is evident through her recognition as a Contact Lens Institute Visionary for both 2023 and 2024.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dr. Shannon currently lives in Hyde Park with her fiancé. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys weightlifting, tennis, and spending time with family and friends. Committed to community service, she finds fulfillment in participating in medical mission trips, extending optometric care to underserved populations in developing countries.

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