Our Team

Dr. Alan Phillips grew up in Marshall, Missouri, earning his BA in Geography and Biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in nineteen ninety-two. He graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry, then served four years as a captain in the US Army—active duty at Ft. Jackson and Ft. Bragg—before returning to the Midwest in two thousand three.

Since then, he’s been a cornerstone at Leawood Family Eye Care, where he partners with Dr. Stacy to deliver exceptional eye care. Alan’s all about going the extra mile—thorough exams, clear answers, and a genuine care for every patient.

He stays involved: Kansas Optometric Association, Knights of Columbus. And when he’s not in the office? You’ll find him cheering for the Royals at Kauffman Stadium—because he still loves this community as much as he loves his work.

He’s proud his kids are in optometry school now, and he can’t wait for the day they come back and practice right alongside him.

Dr. Stacy Phillips grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas, earning her BS in Biology from PSU in nineteen ninety-three. She graduated from the UM-St. Louis School of Optometry in nineteen ninety-seven, completing externships at the Kansas City VA Hospital—think glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration—and a pediatric rotation in Denver, plus two more focused on tough contact lens fits.

Twenty-eight years in, she spent her first six running her own practice in South Carolina. Now, for twenty-three straight years, she’s been right here at Leawood Family Eye Care—fitting astigmatism, presbyopia, RGPs, you name it. She loves a challenge, but mostly? She loves taking care of you.

She stays connected—Kansas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, Special Olympics Opening Eyes, church, civic groups. Always showing up.

At home, she’s Mom to Connor, Caleb, and Carmen. Two of them are already in optometry school—one at Southern College of Optometry, the other at the University of Alabama- Birmingham College of Optometry. They keep her busy… and keep her heart full. We lost Connor three years ago, and we still miss him every day. But we keep going—eyes wide open—because that’s what you do when you love people.

And when she’s not in the office- She and her husband love to travel, laugh with friends, and soak up every minute with family.

Dr. Debra Kirk is a native of St. Louis, Mo. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning a BA in Biology in 1992. She completed her Optometric degree at the Southern California College of Optometry in 1996, followed by a Residency in Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy. While at SCCO, she was chosen to be a teaching assistant in the Contact Lens Department and Pediatric Department. She was also the recipient of various awards for clinical care and management of patients. She has practiced in the Kansas City area since 1997.

Dr. Kirk enjoys seeing patients of all ages. She has fit contacts on babies as well as those needing multifocal contact lenses. She is also involved in the treatment and management of medical eye conditions, including dry eyes. Dr. Kirk has been married to her husband, Jeff, since 1992 and has 2 children. She enjoys spending time with her family and can often be seen attending their various sporting events.

Leawood Family Eye Care & Optical Boutique is excited to welcome Dr. John Luder to our practice!

A Kansas City native, Dr. Luder graduated from Rockhurst High School before attending the University of Kansas, where he earned his bachelor’s degree while competing on the Jayhawks cross country and track teams. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry, where he excelled both academically and clinically.

Dr. Luder’s relationship with our practice began years ago while he was an undergraduate student at KU, when he worked with our team during the summers as an ophthalmic technician. That experience helped strengthen his passion for optometry and gave him an appreciation for providing compassionate, patient-centered eye care.

For his final clinical rotation, Dr. Luder trained at the Kansas City VA Medical Center, where he gained extensive experience diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye diseases and complex ocular conditions. He also developed a special interest in specialty contact lenses, including fitting patients with challenging prescriptions and scleral contact lenses.

Dr. Luder enjoys caring for patients of all ages and is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care for the entire family, from routine eye exams to medical eye care and specialty contact lens services.

Outside the office, Dr. Luder enjoys playing sports, cheering on Kansas City sports teams, traveling, and spending time with his dog, Sadie.

We are especially excited to welcome Dr. Luder back to Leawood Family Eye Care & Optical Boutique—this time as an optometrist. Having watched him grow from a summer technician into a skilled doctor of optometry, we know he will provide exceptional care for our patients and become a trusted part of our practice for years to come.

Born and raised in Kansas City, I’ve spent the last 17 years building a career in eyecare — starting at the front desk, moving into clinical tech work, and now thriving as an optician. My professional journey began working for two wonderful doctors in Iowa, where I gained invaluable hands-on training and a deep understanding of patient care and eyewear selection.

For the past four years I’ve been part of the team at Leawood Family Eyecare, where I love getting to know each patient’s personal style and helping them find frames that make them look — and feel — their best. I’m passionate about pairing faces with frames that are both stylish and suited to each person’s lifestyle.

At home it’s a lively household: my husband and I share our lives with two rescue dogs and two cats — a happy zoo that keeps us laughing. Outside the office you’ll find me on the golf course, cheering for Kansas City Chiefs football, and enjoying everything KC has to offer.