About Us

The Eye Clinic - Focused on Quality

The Eye Clinic is Southwest Louisiana's leading provider of comprehensive eye care, with six locations, 18 certified staff members, and a history of providing visionary care for over 65 years.

Since the day we were founded in 1959, our goal has been to deliver excellence in eye care for patients of all ages by combining medical expertise and advanced technology with a commitment to personal attention and customer service.

The experience and expertise of The Eye Clinic physicians are unsurpassed anywhere in the state of Louisiana. Our commitment to excellence through education is evident in our credentials and also in the support staff they have assembled to assist them in patient care. We have 18 certified staff members working with our physicians, a percentage significantly higher than most ophthalmology practices across the country.

Our physicians specialize in a range of ophthalmology services, from the special eye care needs of premature infants to basic vision problems, from customized LASIK laser vision correction to the ongoing treatment of diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, the latest techniques in cataract surgery, corneal transplants and much more.

We invite you to take a closer look at all we have to offer, and hope to see you soon in one of our conveniently located offices.

For more information on any of our services, call the office nearest you, or call us toll free at 1-800-826-5223.

The Eye Clinic Doctors

We have assembled a skilled, experienced medical staff at The Eye Clinic to provide the region's highest standard of eye care. Many of our doctors have participated in clinical research studies and been involved in the development of new treatment advances. Several of our doctors specialize in specific areas of eye care, such as cataract surgery, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, corneal conditions, oculoplastics, LASIK laser vision correction, pediatric eye care and low vision disorders, and more, allowing us to provide a full range of comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages.

Ophthalmologists

Jon Yokubaitis, MD, FACS

Originally from Houston, Texas
Received Medical Degree from the University of Texas
Board-certified Ophthalmologist
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
In private practice since 1992
Joined The Eye Clinic in 1992

P. Mark Crawford, Jr., MD

Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana
Medical Degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans
Internship at Brackenridge Hospital Austin, Texas
4 year residency at LSU New Orleans in ophthalmology with a focus on oculoplastics
Board certified ophthalmologist
Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Member of American Academy of Anti-Aging
Private practice at The Eye Clinic since 1998

Virgil Murray, IV, MD

Originally from Bogalusa, Louisiana
Received Medical Degree from LSU School of Medicine
Board certified ophthalmologist
In private practice since 2007
Joined The Eye Clinic in 2007

Charles Thompson, MD

Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana
Received Medical Degree from LSU School of Medicine
Completed Fellowship in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery with the Eye Consultants of Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia
Board certified ophthalmologist
In private practice since 2013
Joined The Eye Clinic in 2013

Margaret Carter, MD

Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana
Received a Medical Degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
In private practice since 2016
Joined The Eye Clinic in 2016

Optometrists

Melvin Gehrig, OD

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Received Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago
In private practice since 1971
Joined The Eye Clinic in 1987

Jeffrey Hankin, OD

Originally from Norwich, Connecticut
Received Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee
In private practice since 1978
Joined The Eye Clinic in 1995

Chad East, OD

Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana
Received Doctor of Optometry Degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee
In private practice since 2007
Joined The Eye Clinic in 2007

Rebecca Kindler, OD

Originally from DeRidder, Louisiana
Received Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry
In private practice since 2014
Joined The Eye Clinic in 2014