The doctors at Genstler Eye Center are specialized to perform a number of refractive and ophthalmic procedures including cosmetic surgery. We are committed to enhancing individual sight through early diagnosis of eye diseases and conditions. This is achieved by offering the most advanced treatment and services available in a compassionate and caring environment.

 Arla Genstler, MD

Curriculum Vitae

In practice since 1990, Arla Genstler, M.D. has been a part of the Manhattan and Topeka communities since 1994. Her involvement in health care began early in life having spent the first 17 years of her life in East Africa and Singapore where her father served as a medical missionary and Public Health Advisor. During medical school she was very active in mission trips to Mexico and volunteering at the local community free health center.

Dr. Genstler received her medical degree from Loma Linda University in California in 1986. She was accepted to the University of California at Irvine for her Ophthalmology surgical residency. She was appointed and served as Chief Resident during her final year of training. After completing her residency in 1990, she continued her training with a fellowship in correction of astigmatism and nearsightedness through the University of Utah. She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

During the past 13 years, Dr. Genstler has become well known for her excellence in cataract and refractive surgery in Northeast Kansas. Having performed over 10,000 cataract, refractive and laser surgeries, she has touched many lives. Her personable style and commitment to individualized patient care make her a favorite among referring doctors. She has an ongoing commitment to stay “up-to-date” and technologically current. In 2007, she acquired an IntraLase laser, making her the third physician in the state of Kansas to have this technology. “This allows us to perform all-laser no blade LASIK surgery. The technology brings not only more accurate laser vision correction but a huge added safety factor which is very attractive and comforting to patients.” In 2003, she built the current location of Genstler Eye Center. Her building also houses Topeka Surgery Center, a fully Medicare approved surgery center.

When not in the operating room or clinic, Dr. Genstler, is most likely to be found on her ranch in the Flint Hills. An avid art collector, many of her art pieces are on display in her office and surgery center. Dr. Genstler also enjoys history, travel, her two yellow labs and spoiling her three grandchildren

  Gerald Zeavin , MD

Gerald Zeavin, M.D. has been in the practice of ophthalmology since 1988 and joined Genstler Eye Center in 2006. Dr. Zeavin was raised in Falls Church Virginia and completed his undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech. He received his medical degree from the prestigious Georgetown University in Washington DC becoming the 4th generation of physicians in his family. Dr. Zeavin was the Clinical Director of the Chickasaw Indian Health Clinic until 1985 and was a medical officer in the USPHS attaining a rank of 0-3 (equivalent to a captain in the army). He returned to Washington DC and completed his ophthalmology residency in 1988 at the Washington Hospital Center. He joined the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1988 and returned to Oklahoma where he practiced ophthalmology for 17 years at the Medical Arts Clinic in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Dr. Zeavin lives in Topeka in the College Hill area. He has 2 children attending the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Zeavin enjoys fishing, golfing and attending Virginia Tech “Hokie” football games with his dad and brother.

Joseph Philipp, MD

Joseph T. Philipp M.D. has been in practice for over 35 years.  Dr. Philipp served in the United States Air Force from 1967-1979. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and served as the Chief of Ophthalmology Service at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.  Dr. Philipp graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1971 and completed his Ophthalmology residency at Wilford Hall USAF Hospital.

Following his service in the military, Dr. Philipp started his own practice in Manhattan, Kansas.  After 26 years in his own practice, Dr. Philipp decided to join Genstler Eye Center in 2005. Dr. Philipp also serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Health Center in Manhattan, KS, and is a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology and American College of Physician Executives.

Dr. Philipp resides in Manhattan, Kansas with his wife, Sue.  They have two grown children--Jill and Jeremy. When he is out of the office, Dr. Philipp is very involved in his church and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

Jessica N. Mai, OD

Dr. Jessica N. Mai graduated with honors from Washburn University with a bachelor’s degree of inter-disciplinary studies in biology, chemistry and business.  She went on to earn her doctor of optometry degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, graduating with honors and receiving the clinical excellence award and outstanding student ambassador award for her class.   While in optometry school, Dr. Mai served as the president of the American Optometric Student Association and Fellowship of Christian Optometrists.  Dr. Mai has a passion for mission work, and has had the privilege to be a part of three optometric mission trips to underserved areas in Mexico and Honduras.  Before joining Genstler Eye Center, she completed and internship at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, where she received extensive training in ocular disease and pathology.  Dr. Mai is currently a member of the Kansas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Optometry.   

Dr. Mai and her husband, Clayton recently moved to Topeka and they are looking forward to becoming involved in the community.

Amber M. Hanschu, OD

Dr. Amber M. Hanschu, a native Kansan, received a bachelor degree in biology from Kansas State University. She then graduated with honors from the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry.  During her training, Dr. Hanschu enjoyed traveling for optometric mission work to Mexico and Belize. She was also active in extracurricular activities including serving as secretary for the American Optometric Student Association, vice-president of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, and the chair of Sprint for Sight. She completed an internship with the University Eye Center in St. Louis, MO, followed by an externship with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Kansas City, MO, and TLC Laser Eye Center in St. Louis. Dr. Hanschu is currently a member of the Kansas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Optometry. 

In her free time, Dr. Hanschu enjoys running and hiking with her husband and Golden Retriever.