Missouri Eye Consultants - Columbia on Keene

Dr. DeRose is a full-scope optometrist specializing in ocular disease, pediatrics, geriatrics, contacts and specialty lenses, and LASIK co-management. He proudly serves Missouri Eye Consultants patients at both offices in Columbia. When Dr. DeRose meets with a patient, he wants to learn about them and hear how their vision is affecting their lives: that’s key to how he customizes his approach to match patient needs.

Originally from Olean, NY, Dr. DeRose returned to the area to join the staff at Missouri Eye Consultants in 2007. When he’s not taking care of his patients’ eyes, Dr. DeRose enjoys spending time with his wife (a Columbia native) and two daughters, and rooting for Mizzou Athletics.

Education & Experience
Dr. DeRose earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Buffalo, and his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1999. He then completed his residency training at Eye Associates of Nevada, where he specialized in ocular disease as well as refractive and ocular surgery. Before joining Missouri Eye Consultants, Dr. DeRose practiced in Chicago, IL, but ultimately chose to settle in the Show Me State where he enjoys all the wonderful people he gets to treat here.

Awards & Associations
Member, Past President — Missouri Optometric Association
Board Certified — American Board of Optometry
Fellow — American Academy of Optometry
Member — American Optometric Association

A dedicated optometrist who’s been with Missouri Eye Consultants since 2012, Dr. Melissa Liepins-Masek consistently demonstrates her love for the field and goes above and beyond for her patients’ well-being. She provides a wide array of comprehensive and pediatric eye care services, while always making sure her patients are comfortable, understood and involved in their care.

A native of Rockford, IL, Dr. Liepins-Masek has cherished being part of our southern community ever since joining our team. When she’s not improving her patients’ quality of life, she enjoys traveling, watching cooking shows and spending quality time with her husband, two sons and their French bulldog!

Education & Experience
Dr. Liepins-Masek attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for her undergraduate, and went on to earn her Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry, graduating summa cum laude and salutatorian. Throughout her career, Dr. Liepins-Masek has amassed valuable experience helping diverse patients see clearly and maintain eye health. In addition to adult primary care, she boasts great skill and passion for children’s eye care, including specialized pediatric eye exams and myopia management.

Awards & Associations
Member — American Optometric Association
Member — Missouri Optometric Association

A native of Jefferson City, Dr. Bernskoetter is a passionate optometrist who is proud to deliver expert, individualized eye care to his neighbors to improve their quality of life. Since joining us in 1996, he has personalized his services, like myopia management and dry eye treatment, to patients at our Columbia on Nifong, Columbia on Keene, and Ashland locations.

As a longtime member of the community he serves, Dr. Bernskoetter enjoys getting to know every patient he sees and using his expertise to provide them with vision clarity and comfort. When not at the office, he loves spending time with family, working and playing outdoors, and following Mizzou sports and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Education & Experience
Dr. Bernskoetter received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and kept loyal to his Missouri roots by earning his O.D. from the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry. Today, he specializes in ocular disease, refractive surgery co-management, pediatrics, geriatrics, contact lenses, and specialty contacts. In addition to his work at Missouri Eye Consultants, Dr. Bernskoetter has spent years caring for those who served our country by volunteering in the eye clinic at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans hospital in Columbia, MO.

Awards & Associations
Member — American Optometric Association
Member — Missouri Optometric Association
Member — local and state optometry committees
Winner — 1998 Young Optometrist of the Year

Originally from Fulton, Missouri, Dr. Masek joined Missouri Eye Consultants in July 2020. He provides a full range of optometry services, including comprehensive eye exams and contact lens exams and fittings, with a focus on pediatric eye care. He is an exceptional optometrist at our Columbia Keene Street office, our Columbia on Nifong location and our Montgomery City office.

A caring and compassionate eye doctor, Dr. Masek is beloved by his patients for his dedication to their eye health and vision, and he especially loves working with children. When he’s not taking care of his patients, Dr. Masek enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Melissa Liepins-Masek, and their two children. His other interests include playing golf, fishing and cheering on Mizzou athletics, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Education & Experience
Dr. Masek earned his undergraduate degree from Truman State University, where he studied biology and chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, graduating with honors in 2010. Following optometry school, he completed a residency in Chicago, specializing in ocular disease and low vision rehabilitation. Before he joined Missouri Eye Consultants, he worked in Columbia for eight and a half years performing comprehensive eye exams, with an emphasis on pediatric care.

Awards & Associations
Member — American Optometric Association
Member — Missouri Optometric Association