Our Team

Dr. Mark Esarey has dedicated his career to providing personalized, comprehensive eye care while building lasting relationships with patients and families throughout east-central Illinois. He believes exceptional care combines clinical experience, advanced technology, and a genuine commitment to understanding each patient’s individual needs.
 

Originally from Crawford and Lawrence Counties in southeastern Illinois, Dr. Esarey earned his Associate of Arts degree from Vincennes University and his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Indiana University School of Optometry. 
 

Dr. Esarey began practicing in Charleston in 1987 and played an instrumental role in developing the practice that would become Lifetime Eye Care. Over the years, he expanded the practice by acquiring two long-established local optometry offices, helping create a comprehensive eye care center that continues to serve generations of area families. 
 

Throughout his career, Dr. Esarey has remained actively involved in both his profession and the community. He is a past president of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Kiwanis Club, Coles County United Way, Eastern Illinois Optometric Society, and the Illinois Optometric Association. He has also served as a board member of the Fox Ridge State Park Foundation and as chair of the Illinois State Optometric Licensing and Disciplinary Board. 

In recognition of his dedication to the profession, Dr. Esarey was named the 2005 Illinois Optometrist of the Year by the Illinois Optometric Association. He is also a nine-time recipient of the American Optometric Association’s Optometric Recognition Award for his commitment to continuing education and excellence in patient care. 

Outside the office, Dr. Esarey has long been active in the Charleston community, including many years coaching youth sports and supporting local organizations. He also enjoys amateur astronomy, riding his Harley-Davidson, and performing acoustic music as a vocalist and guitarist. 

Dr. Darcy Duzan is dedicated to helping patients protect one of their most valuable gifts—their vision. She believes exceptional eye care begins with listening, educating, and building lasting relationships so patients feel confident in every decision about their eye health. 

Raised in nearby Oakland, Illinois, Dr. Duzan earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from McKendree University before graduating with honors from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 2006. While at Indiana University, she served as an Associate Instructor and was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. 

As a partner at Lifetime Eye Care, Dr. Duzan combines compassionate care with advanced technology to provide comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. She has a special passion for medical optometry, diagnosing and managing glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and other conditions that can threaten sight. 

Dr. Duzan is especially recognized for her work in dry eye disease. She believes patients deserve more than temporary relief and offers advanced treatments—including IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy and Optilift—to address the underlying causes of dry eye and restore long-term comfort. 

She also enjoys fitting specialty contact lenses, including multifocal and rigid gas permeable lenses, and is passionate about helping patients maintain an active lifestyle with the best vision possible. In addition, she has a special interest in low vision rehabilitation, helping individuals maximize their remaining vision and independence through customized devices and rehabilitation strategies. 

Dr. Duzan is committed to continually investing in the latest diagnostic technology and treatment options so patients in east-central Illinois can receive leading-edge eye care close to home. 

Outside the office, Dr. Duzan believes in giving back to the community that has supported her throughout her career. She has served on the Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors, is a past president of the Charleston Rotary Club, and has served on the Coles County Health Department Board of Directors. 

When she isn't caring for patients, Dr. Duzan enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, gardening, cooking, and making memories with family and friends. 

Dr. Derek Hennig is passionate about helping patients achieve their best possible vision through advanced eye care, personalized treatment, and meaningful relationships. He believes exceptional care begins with listening and working together to develop treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and lifestyle.

A Charleston native, Dr. Hennig earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana State University before receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. During optometry school, he graduated as valedictorian of his class and received numerous academic and clinical honors. He was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society and participated in medical mission trips to Haiti and Nicaragua.

Since joining Lifetime Eye Care in 2017, Dr. Hennig has developed a special interest in medical eye care, diagnosing and managing conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, keratoconus, and dry eye disease. He is committed to staying at the forefront of eye care by continually embracing new technologies and evidence-based treatments that improve patients' vision and quality of life.

Dr. Hennig is especially recognized for his expertise in specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses for patients with keratoconus, corneal disease, and other complex vision conditions. He is also passionate about helping patients find lasting relief from dry eye disease through advanced therapies, including OptiLight IPL and OptiLift treatments that address the underlying cause of dry eyes.

Outside of the office, Dr. Hennig is dedicated to serving both his profession and his community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Charleston Area Charitable Foundation and is a past President of the Eastern Illinois Optometric Society. In 2025, he was recognized as one of Coles County's 20 Under 40, honoring his professional accomplishments and community involvement.

Dr. Hennig and his wife, Lauren, are raising their three children- Noah, Clara, and Addie-in Charleston. When he isn't caring for patients, he enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.