Our Doctors
Medical & Surgical Expertise
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Board-Certified Specialists
Dustin McKnight, M.D.
Specialties:
General Ophthalmology, Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery, Laser Refractive Surgery, and Medical Retina.
Dr. Dustin McKnight is a Kansas City native. He was raised in Liberty, Missouri and is the older son of the highly respected ophthalmologist, Scott McKnight, M.D. He joined his father in practice following completion of his ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri in Columbia. During his residency, he received extensive training in Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery and Laser Refractive Surgery. He especially enjoys helping restore and improve vision surgically. He also developed expertise in a wide variety of Ophthalmic conditions including those affecting eyelids, cornea, lens, and retina including glaucoma.
Dr. McKnight appreciates all that can be done medically, optically and surgically to improve patients' vision. However, he remains committed to understanding the individual patients' needs, as unique. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and America Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Dr. McKnight received his B.S. degree in Biology and his M.D. degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Also, he excelled in undergraduate athletes as a swimmer at the University of Missouri as a First Team all-Big 12 winner. He continues his athletic activities as a runner and competing in triathlons.
“Dr. Dustin is the kind of doctor who acts fast, explains with confidence, and cares with heart—making every patient feel supported and informed.”
Brett McKnight, M.D.
Specialties:
Glaucoma Management including Micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), Refractive Cataract Surgery, Medical Retina, Pterygium Removal Surgery, Chronic Dry Eye Disease, Spanish Speaking.
Brett McKnight, M.D., a Kansas City native, is the newest member of our practice. Brother to Dr. Dustin McKnight, Brett joins his family in practice at both McKnight Eye Centers and Hunkeler Eye Institute, bringing in a new set of skills and talents following completion of a glaucoma fellowship with UCLA and Doheny Eye Institute. During his residency at Baylor Scott and White and his fellowship, he received extensive training in the most advanced glaucoma procedures and treatments including micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). His expertise extends to a wide variety of ophthalmic conditions including glaucoma management, refractive cataract surgery, retinal and macular disorders, and conditions of the cornea and eyelids.
Dr. McKnight received his B.S. degree in Biology at Texas Christian University with minors in Spanish and Chemistry. He met his wife Cassie while running track and cross country for the Horned Frogs and remained in Texas for medical school at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Dr. McKnight and his wife, Cassie, have two children Grace and Gwen.
“Dr. Brett has a gift not just for medicine, but for compassion the kind that makes patients feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.”
Nicole West, M.D.
Dr. Nicole West was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dr. West completed her Bachelors of Science degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated with honors. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, where she was elected to the AOA Honor Medical Society. She then attended both her internal medicine internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY.
After completing her residency, Dr. West then went on to complete a rigorous two-year fellowship in Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Louisville. This fellowship training focused on plastic surgery related to the eyelids, brows, lacrimal duct system, orbit and face. She is excited to offer various reconstructive and cosmic procedures. Dr. Nicole West has been a long time family friend of the McKnight family and is looking forward to joining their esteemed practice. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society.
Dr. West loves to perform calligraphy, interval training, pilates, and outdoor activities such as hiking and snow skiing. She also enjoys traveling and is an avid football fan. She will be marrying her fiancee Daniel Jones in May 2025.
“Dr. West may be new, but her confidence, and skill make it feel like she’s been caring for patients for years.”
Anne Eylar, O.D.
Specialties:
Treatment and management of eye injuries, infections, and diseases as well as preoperative and postoperative care.
Dr. Anne Eylar joined Hunkeler Eye Institute as an optometrist in October 2020. She is a Midwest native and was born and raised in St. Louis, where she completed her B.A. in Psychology and minor in Biology, graduating summa cum laude. She received her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2008. During her academic career, she received scholarships for both academic and clinical excellence. As part of her training, she completed ocular disease externships at the Kansas City VA and Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma. Following graduation, she worked in private optometric practice in Georgia and South Carolina for two years. Since 2010, she has enjoyed working in practice with ophthalmologists.
Dr. Eylar is committed to performing thorough exams and is skilled in optimizing vision through optical correction.
She met her husband, a Northeast Kansas native, while in optometry school. They have a son, Brooks, and a daughter, Everly.
"Dr. Anne Eylar is the kind of optometrist who blends precision, patience, and genuine compassion making every patient feel confident and cared for”
Check out what patients say
This has been my elderly mom's eye clinic for a few years. She has not needed any surgeries even though she has cataracts. Our experience has been great. Everyone from receptionist, to medical assistants and the doctors are respectful, caring, and doing their best job. Comprehensive eye exams can...
San S.
I needed help. My eye floaters were blurring my vision to the point I could not see by 3:00 pm each day. My phone call to McKnight Eye Center resulted in an appointment with Dr. Brett McKnight the following Tuesday. Dr. Brett discovered a hole in my retina, with the support of his caring staff that...
Steve J.
I have been a patient at McKnight Eye Centers for several years, and I have consistently received exceptional care. The staff is always friendly and professional, creating a welcoming environment. Dr. McKnight is thorough and attentive, ensuring that I have a comprehensive eye health plan. The...
Matilda E.
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From digital screenings to tele‑optometry, technology integrates seamlessly into every patient visit.