Our Doctors
Medical & Surgical Expertise
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Board-Certified Specialists
Scott J. McKnight, M.D.
Specialties:
General Ophthalmology, Cataract & Lens Implant Surgery, Diabetic Related Eye Disorders, Medical Retina, Eyelid Surgery, and Glaucoma
Scott J McKnight, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in premier no-stitch, no-patch cataract and lens implant surgery. He received his medical degree and completed an internal medicine internship at the University of Nebraska Medical School, in Omaha, Neb. Dr. Scott McKnight enhanced his training with a residency in the ophthalmology department at the University of Missouri - Columbia.
Dr. Scott McKnight is active in the development and research of new implants and techniques for premier cataract surgery. He also trains surgeons from around the world to perform premier cataract surgery. Dr. Scott McKnight started performing refractive surgeries in 1989. He started with radial keratotomy and was then one of the first surgeons in the Kansas City Area to do laser photorefractive surgery. He was also proud to be among the first surgeons in the Kansas City area to offer Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) to his patients.
With the development of new multifocal implants cataract surgery has become a great option the rid people of glasses. Dr. McKnight was actually the first surgeon in the country to place the newest multifocal implant.
McKnight Eye Centers is also proud to offer Crystalens at our office. This technologically advanced implant works with your eye's own muscles to correct vision at many distances. Dr. McKnight's years of refractive surgery combined with his advanced no-stitch, no patch cataract surgery techniques, make him the ideal surgeon to choose for cataract removal in the Kansas City, Missouri area.
Dr. McKnight's office philosophy centers around open communication with his patients.
By listening and understanding each patient's needs he tailors treatment to fit individual lifestyles.
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.”
Anthony Brand, O.D.
Dr. Brand is originally from Omaha, NE. He graduated from the University of Nebraska- Omaha with a bachelor of science in Biotechnology in 2009. Dr. Brand attended the Southern College of Optometry where he graduated in 2013.
Dr. Brand has received training and has clinical experience comprehensive optometry including the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases as well as providing postoperative care.
“Dr. Brand consistently goes above and beyond in his patient care. Even after hours, he is kind, attentive, and makes sure I’m truly taken care of. His dedication is unmatched.”
Neal Eylar, O.D.
Dr. Neal Eylar is a Northeastern Kansas native. He was raised on a farm outside of Troy, Kansas. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas. Subsequently, he attended optometry school at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he met his wife.
He completed internships at the Kansas City VA Hospital as well as Kaneohe Marine Base in Hawaii. Upon graduation from optometry school, he practiced in Augusta, Georgia for five years. Following his time in Georgia, he returned to Overland Park to be closer to family. After ten years working in private practice, he joined McKnight Eye Centers.
Dr. Eylar has extensive experience in comprehensive optometry including the fitting of specialty contact lenses. He is therapeutically certified to diagnose and treat eye diseases, infections, and injuries. His clinical interests include treatment of dry eye and glaucoma.
Dr. Eylar enjoys watching all sports as well as helping coach sports teams for his two children, Brooks and Everly.
"Dr. Eylar takes the fear out of surgery by explaining every step with clarity, patience, and genuine care.”
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.