Christine Funke, MD

Clinical Expertise & Philosophy of Care

Dr. Christine Funke is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist providing eye care for patients with glaucoma and visually significant cataracts. She specializes in glaucoma surgical care, including minimally invasive glaucoma procedures (MIGS), drug-eluting glaucoma devices, tube shunt implants, and combined cataract–glaucoma procedures. She is especially passionate about providing solutions for drop-free glaucoma care.

Dr. Funke’s clinical philosophy centers on building long-term relationships with patients, particularly those managing lifelong conditions such as glaucoma. Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Because it frequently progresses without early symptoms, Dr. Funke emphasizes the importance of early detection and timely treatment to preserve vision.

“Many patients are unaware they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has already occurred, at which point damage cannot be reversed. When diagnosed early, however, modern treatments can often slow or even halt disease progression, helping patients maintain vision and quality of life.”

Education and Affiliations

Originally from the western suburbs of Chicago, Dr. Funke earned her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Notre Dame. She received her medical degree from Rush Medical College and completed her ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. During residency, she co-founded the University Eye Hospitals Alumni Association and served as a representative for the Women in Ophthalmology Society at the Mid-Year Forum.

She completed her glaucoma fellowship at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, where she received advanced training in the management of complex and advanced glaucoma cases. Throughout her academic and professional career, Dr. Funke has remained actively involved in research and scholarly work. She has presented at numerous professional, national, and international conferences and has authored multiple articles on glaucoma treatment. Her research interests include the effects of exercise and herbal therapies on intraocular pressure and overall vision health, and the use of minimally invasive glaucoma techniques to slow the progression of glaucoma-related vision loss. Dr. Funke is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Glaucoma Society, Women in Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

Curriculum Vitae