Clinic Staff

Meet The Doctors and Staff

These doctors have numerous years of experience working directly with people who are living with low vision. Their skill and understanding of optometry enhance the remaining vision and opportunities available to patients.

Natalee Rackus, O.D.
Clinic Director
Optometrist 

Dr. Natalee Rackus graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in 2021. She completed her residency training in Low Vision Rehabilitation and Ocular Disease in 2022. Dr. Rackus began working at Cleveland Sight Center in 2022 and was appointed Director of the Clinic & Store in 2024. Dr. Rackus cherishes collaborating with patients to help them understand their eye condition and then building on that understanding to identify compensatory strategies and assistive devices to help them reclaim their independence and get back to doing the activities they love. She feels it is so rewarding to help patients of all ages recognize their potential despite the changes they have experienced with their vision. Dr. Rackus values working at Cleveland Sight Center, where a team-based and patient-centered approach is utilized to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care and assistance with access to services. 

Lidija Balciunas, O.D.
Clinical Manager
Optometrist

Dr. Lidija Balciunas graduated from the Ohio State University’s College of Optometry in 1987, and has spent the last 25 years of her professional career working with Cleveland Sight Center. She enjoys having the opportunity to work in an agency that provides and makes available comprehensive rehabilitation services to blind and visually impaired persons all under one roof. She feels fortunate that at CSC, there’s access to grant programs and funds allowing us to appropriate the recommended aids, adaptations and services necessary for optimal restoration of function and quality of life. Dr. Balciunas appreciates being involved in the process of partnering with patients to find solutions for increased independence, improved function and general restoration of a sense of well-being to those who are facing sight loss is very satisfying and humbling. “Our patients are remarkable people and they inspire me daily,” she says.

Annalisa Katz Schloss, O.D.
Optometrist

Dr. Annalisa Katz-Schloss graduated from the SUNY College of Optometry, and has been working at CSC since 2007. She appreciates working at Cleveland Sight Center as it affords the opportunity to work as a team with other professionals who are passionate, talented and interested in taking care of blind or low vision patients. She feels grateful to be able to both share ideas as well as learn from her CSC colleagues as “together, we are able to provide comprehensive rehabilitative care to our patients.” Dr. Katz enjoys meeting the patients with their family members and educating all members about the specific eye condition they are struggling with. “Frequently, both patients and their family have questions that I am happy to answer,” she says. Another bonus of working in the realm of low vision is always being exposed to and learning new information about eye diseases and current treatments.

Erin St. Denis, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Erin St. Denis, OTR/L graduated from Miami University and received her Certificate of Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State University in 1996. She started working at Cleveland Sight Center in 2002, providing coverage for Early Intervention and Preschool summer programs. Shortly thereafter, Erin began shadowing CSC’s optometrists and taking continuing education in low vision before joining Clinic and Independent Living Program to provide Occupational Therapy services. Erin specializes in assessing and training patients in the areas of low vision and activities of daily living, including skills with digital magnifiers, CCTV technology and iPhone accessibility for individuals with low vision. She enjoys working hands on with clients and patients of all ages, from infants and toddlers and their families, preschoolers, adults and seniors. Erin’s passion is finding solutions by getting patients and clients the low vision aids and training they need to reach their goals. Erin says, “The most fulfilling part of our work are the moments you help the patient find a solution that restores their ability to do something again for themselves, like being able to read mail. Something that to many may seem incidental can have a tremendous impact on a person’s independence and quality of life!”

Tony Becker
Optician

Tony Becker is a licensed Dispensing Optician in the Clinic. He has been at Cleveland Sight Center since 2017 and has been making/selling eyeglasses for over 30 years. He enjoys working with great coworkers and finds that “the smile or handshake or hug I get when I help a patient with their sight” is the most rewarding aspect of his job.

Tim Paden
Optometric Technician / Apprentice Optician

Tim Paden is an Optometric Technician / Apprentice Optician. He's currently working on becoming a licensed optician. With eight years of experience in the eye industry, Tim loves working with patients to find the best solutions for all their vision needs.

Jessica Suckart
Clinic Case Manager

Jessica Suckart graduated from Cleveland State University with her bachelor's degree in social work and became a licensed Social Worker in 2020. She began working at Cleveland Sight Center in 2021 as a Case Manager and Program Coordinator for the Share the Vision Support Program. Currently, her role includes Clinic Case Manager. Jessica is passionate about providing support and guidance to her clients. She enjoys being part of the Cleveland Sight Center and clinic team. 

Other related services and staff

Jim Hlavaty
Manager of Client Registration

Scott Williams-Riseng, COMS
Orientation ＆ Mobility Instructor