Our Doctors

​​​​​

For more than 35 years, Dr. Kent Baalman has had the privilege of caring for the eye health and vision of Wichita families. He believes that exceptional eye care begins with listening to each patient, building lasting relationships, and providing personalized care using the latest technology and treatment options.
 

Originally from Liberal, Kansas, Dr. Baalman grew up in Wichita, where he graduated from Bishop Carroll High School before attending Wichita State University. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree with honors from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1988.
 

While in optometry school, Dr. Baalman served on the Kansas Optometric Association student board and the Education Committee. He also volunteered with Easter Seals and Misericordia, experiences that strengthened his commitment to serving others with compassion and respect.
 

Dr. Baalman is a member of the Kansas Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association and is board-certified through the American Board of Optometry.
 

When he's not in the office, Dr. Baalman enjoys spending time with his family, boating, fishing, riding motorcycles, appreciating classic cars, and enjoying the outdoors.
 

He considers it an honor to care for multiple generations of Wichita families and is grateful for the trust his patients have placed in him for more than 35 years.
 

Special Interests & Expertise

• Comprehensive eye examinations for all ages
• Dry eye treatment using advanced IPL, radiofrequency (RF), and light-based therapies
• Glaucoma diagnosis and management
• Age-related macular degeneration care, including photobiomodulation
• Specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses
• Myopia management for children
• Cataract and LASIK co-management
• Advanced retinal imaging and diagnostic technology

​​​​​

Dr. Rau is a Wichita native, growing up in a large family. Unbeknownst to her parents, she started to develop myopia at an early age. She’d watch her older sisters play sports in amazement, starstruck at the simplest of athletic interactions. An unfortunate side effect of unknown childhood myopia results in getting hit in the face often when playing sports.

By overcoming her own struggles, Dr. Rau has developed a well of empathy for her patients. She is warm and attentive, actively listening to ensure proper patient care. She vows to give back to the community who raised her by providing premium eyecare to all.

She graduated from Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School before moving to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University, where she achieved her B.S. in Biochemistry. Dr. Rau’s collegiate career culminated in Memphis, Tennessee where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Southern College of Optometry.

Dr. Rau believes exceptional eye care starts with listening. She strives to make every patient feel heard, informed, and confident in their vision and eye health.

When Dr. Rau isn’t at the office, she is spending time with her growing family of three (5 if you include a cat and a tortoise!) She appreciates getting lost in a good book and relishing in her husband’s delectable cooking.