Our Optometrists
Dr. Peter Pegolo makes it a policy to ensure that all staff members are up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques to make your visit as comfortable and effective as possible.
As optometric technology changes, it is even more important to select an eye doctor who has all the right qualifications and follows the latest developments in eye care.
Michael Rickels, O.D.
Optometric Specialty Group is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Michael Rickels to our staff. “Dr. Rickels was chosen because he embodies my philosophy where caring and compassion combine with education to provide each person he encounters with the best eye care experience possible,” comments Dr. Pegolo, “and that is even more evident when you learn about his life experiences.” Another reason Dr. Pegolo hand picked Dr. Rickels, “lies in his strong attribute to provide personalized service even after the exam, and that makes me feel very comfortable in allowing him to share in my patients care.”
“Vision is the primary modality in which humans experience the world and I enjoy being a part of a profession that promotes the maximization and preservation of sight. Staying current with the latest research and utilizing state-of-the-art technology enables me to provide the best care for my patients.” -M. Rickels
Dr. Rickels was raised in the American Heartland, Iowa. He is an honors graduate of Iowa State University where he obtained a B.S. in Health and Human Performance. He earned his Optometric Doctorate from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2010. During his academics Dr. Rickels completed several clinical rotations in Delaware, Washington, Florida and Chicago; obtaining specialized training in pathology, management of eye disease, pediatrics, vision therapy and contact lenses. During his graduate program he was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society, earned placement on both the Academic and Clinical Dean’s Lists, and was awarded the ICO Colleague of the Year for 2006-2007. He was also selected to become a research assistant; later a teaching assistant; and participated in VOSH Honduras, a program that provides eye exams and eye glasses for underprivileged families. After graduating he continued on to complete an ocular disease based Primary Care Residency at the Newington VA Hospital where he co-managed patient care with ophthalmologists, primary care and specialty physicians.
In 2011, Dr. Rickels received both his state and national TPA certifications, allowing him to prescribe and administer certain therapeutic pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of disease and/or abnormal conditions of the eye. He is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, the Connecticut Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
Dr. Rickels has made Connecticut his home. In his free time he enjoys hiking, bicycling, playing music, traveling, and has recently begun flying lessons. He also looks forward to visiting his family in Iowa and helping them in the garden.
If you have a question that a staff member cannot answer for you, feel free to ask Dr. Rickels by clicking on this link: email him .
Conveniently located across from ProHealth Physicians.
Peter Pegolo, O.D.
Dr. Peter Pegolo, a native of Connecticut, is the founder of Optometric Specialty Group and has been in private practice in West Hartford since 1996. Dr. Pegolo graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, PA. with a B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology and earned his Doctorate from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, Dr. Pegolo elected to spend another year at the Brockton and West Roxbury Veterans Hospitals in Massachusetts in an ocular disease based residency. He is an adjunct professor to the New England College of Optometry, and has been fortunate enough to help numerous students along their career path in the optometric field.
Dr. Pegolo is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Connecticut Association of Optometrists. He is also a member of the Orthokeratology Academy of America. Dr. Pegolo is a certified WAVE contact lens designer. He has lectured locally and has also consulted for companies related to eyecare. Additionally, he is a state representative for a national insurance company.
Dr. Pegolo enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and two children. He has committed himself to the discipline of Bikram Yoga and spends many hours weekly engaged in that practice. He is an avid fan of college basketball and especially the UCONN Huskies.
If you have a question or concern that a staff member cannot answer for you, feel free to contact Dr. Pegolo by clicking on this link: email me.
