About Us

At Looking Out Vision, our name reflects what we believe. We are passionate about helping our patients look out at the world with their best possible vision. Just as importantly, we believe in looking out for the people who trust us with their eye care by treating every patient with kindness, compassion, and respect.

We believe exceptional eye care begins by listening. We take the time to get to know our patients, understand their concerns, and provide personalized recommendations based on their unique needs and lifestyle. Our goal is for every patient to leave not only seeing well, but also knowing they have been genuinely cared for.

Dr. Jacobs grew up in rural Newark, Illinois. She earned her undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Rock Island before graduating from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2002. She then completed a residency in Ocular Disease at the Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Healthcare System in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Outside the practice, Dr. Jacobs is an active member of First United Methodist Church in Morris, where she serves as a leader in junior and senior high youth group and Sunday School. She also serves on the board of I Care International, a local organization that provides eye exams and eyeglasses to people in need throughout Mexico and Central America. Through this work, she has participated in multiple eye care mission clinics in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

In her free time, Dr. Jacobs enjoys gardening, traveling—especially to National Parks—and hiking.

Dr. Phalen grew up in Mendota, Illinois. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and Public Health from Augustana College in Rock Island before graduating summa cum laude from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. While at ICO, she was named to the Dean’s List each semester and served as president of the Tomb and Key Honor Society.

During her clinical training, Dr. Phalen completed rotations throughout the Midwest, including the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Illinois Eye Institute, and Moyes Eye Center. She enjoys practicing full-scope optometry, with particular interests in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease and fitting specialty contact lenses.

Outside the office, Dr. Phalen enjoys traveling, reading, exercising, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to join the Looking Out Vision team and is grateful for the opportunity to give back by serving a small community much like the one where she grew up.