Our History

Founded in 1954 by Dr. Cosmo Paone, Suburban Eye Institute has been a trusted name in eye care for generations. Later led by Dr. Laura Lukaszek, the practice continued to serve the Berkeley Heights community with dedication and compassion.

As of 2025, Suburban Eye Institute enters a new chapter under the ownership of Drs. Vivian Lu and Derek Vuong. As the third owners in the practice’s long-standing history, we are honored to continue its legacy of exceptional optometric care. Our mission is to blend the values of personalized, community-focused service with the latest advancements in eye care technology.

We offer patients convenient access to a wide selection of eyewear next door at Suburban Optik. Our dedicated team of eye care professionals are here to ensure that every patient leaves our office feeling cared for, informed, and confident in their vision.

What sets our practice apart is simple: we strive for quality patient care, incorporating the most current technology, and treating our patients like family. We put patient care and satisfaction above all else. As a patient with the Suburban Eye Institute, you can count on our eye doctors and office staff to go above and beyond for your family. We will take the time needed to answer any questions you may have regarding your eye health, and will never make you feel rushed or uncomfortable.

Meet The Doctors

Dr. Derek Vuong

Owner / Optometrist

Dr. Derek Vuong is a dedicated optometrist with a passion for providing high-quality, personalized eye care. As a Los Angeles native, Dr. Vuong has a Bachelor of Science degree in General Biology from the University of California, Riverside. He then went on to pursue a Doctorate of Optometry degree from Western University of Health Sciences, where he graduated with academic honors. He was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. During his time at Western University, Dr. Vuong was an active member of various organizations, honing his leadership skills and commitment to advancing the field of optometry. Dr. Vuong is particularly interested in expanding his knowledge of private practice ownership, with the goal of offering a personalized, patient-centered experience. He is dedicated to the continuous improvement of his clinical skills and stays up to date with the latest advancements in optometry to provide his patients with the best care possible.

Dr. Vivian Lu

Owner / Optometrist

Dr. Vivian Lu is a devoted optometrist with a passion for helping her patients achieve optimal eye health and vision. Originally from New York City, Dr. Lu went to the University at Buffalo where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology and a minor in Health and Wellness. She then went on to obtain a Doctorate of Optometry Degree from Western University of Health Sciences, where she graduated with academic honors. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. Throughout her optometry education, Dr. Lu was actively involved in various organizations, such as Lions Club and Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. As part of her commitment to providing care to underserved populations, she participated in a clinic trip to Fiji, where she provided essential vision care to those without access to proper healthcare. Her interest in optometry includes, binocular vision, dry eyes, and speciality contacts.

Dr. Brian Mackey

Optometrist

Dr. Brian Mackey holds a Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry and is Board certified to practice in the state of New Jersey. He has been in practice for over two decades and has faithfully been serving the community as an Optometric Physician at Suburban Eye Institute since 2001. His concentration is in contact lenses and corneal refractive therapy.Prior to joining the Suburban family he was Director of Contact Lens at Fisher Swale Nicholson Eye Center in Bourbonnais, IL. He was also a primary care Optometric Physician at Millennium Eye Care in Freehold, New Jersey before finding his optometric home here in Berkeley Heights. With an active listening style, a calm approach to patient care, and keen attention to detail, Dr. Mackey provides comprehensive eye assessments in a relaxed and interactive environment. When not serving his patients, Dr. Mackey can be found traveling with his wife Marla. They also enjoy cheering on their two school age boys at a hockey rink, on the baseball field, or at track and field events.

Dr. Laura Lukaszek

Happily Retired - Optometrist

Dr. Laura Lukaszek is a New Jersey native, who graduated from Albright College with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then went on to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where she graduated with her Master’s in Visual Science, and then went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry in 1990. She graduated with Academic Honors and was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award, and the Bausch & Lomb Contact Lens Excellence Award. Dr. Lukaszek enjoys raising and training Seeing Eye puppies—she has trained 8 Seeing Eye puppies to date. She also likes to camp and travel with her husband and 3 children! Dr. Lukaszek has recently retired after being in practice for over 25 years. We want to thank her for her dedication to the community and we wish her a happy, well-deserved retirement!