The Mattax Neu Prater Story
The Founding
In 1998, four young ophthalmologists had a shared vision: providing state of the art ophthalmic services to Southwest Missouri. These ophthalmologists were Dr. James B. Mattax, Dr. Leo T. Neu III, Dr. Kenneth W. Neu, and Dr. Thomas G. Prater. This was the beginning of what we know today as Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center.
That same year, a local ophthalmologist wanted to retire and sell his practice. These four ophthalmologists saw the opportunity to take what this doctor had built and further develop and expand the practice. In 1999 the facility was purchased and the practice concept began to take shape. An optometrist, Dr. Engleman, also joined the team of founders.
The Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center founders envisioned a world-class facility, serving many communities across the Southwest Missouri region. Patients who once had to travel to St. Louis or Kansas City for surgical treatments now had those treatments available here in Springfield, Missouri.
What are we doing now?
Check out our news and events page to see some of our other notable actions over the years!
Growth & Expansion
As the expansion and redesign of the Springfield facility was being realized, the ophthalmic community began to take notice. Even device manufacturers were interested in what these doctors from Southwest Missouri were building.
Mattax Neu Prater now has 5 facilities: the Springfield main office and Surgery Center, a Lebanon, MO office, a Branson, MO office, a Mountain Grove, MO office, and a Monett, MO office. Only a team of dedicated professionals could bring this level of care to such a vast region of communities. The Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center doctors remain committed to expanding access to our services to the rural communities of Southwest Missouri.
Community Engagement
Some of the Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center doctors serve on numerous boards for local non-profits. Supporting local philanthropies and giving back to the community is a priority for Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, which has contributed to Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center being such a recognized, respected physician group in the community.
In May 2026, Dr. Thomas hosted our first 'Better Vision Event' on-site at our Springfield location. This free community presentation discussed the latest advancements in vision correction treatments. Engaging with our community remains a priority for Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center.
New Doctors
A few decades later, the practice has experienced incredible growth and success. Aside from the four founding doctors, five ophthalmologists and three optometrists have since joined the practice: Dr. Thomas, Dr. Haden, Dr. Nasrazadani, Dr. Young, Dr. Arnold, Dr. Engleman, Dr. Matt Smith, and Dr. Marla Smith. Prior to attending medical school, both Dr. Thomas ,Dr. Young, and Dr. Arnold worked on the Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center team, shadowing the doctors to get a feel for the career. Following their experience at Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, both doctors chose to pursue a career in ophthalmology, a testament to the practice's positive influence on both patient lives and our own staff.
Present & Future
The Mattax Neu Prater team remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for people struggling with visual problems. As technologies and therapies evolve, our commitment to providing quality patient care is evidenced by our dedication to state-of-the-art technology and ongoing education.
In February 2026, Dr. Haden and the Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center team were among the first practices in Southwest Missouri to utilize the iDose TR during an interventional glaucoma procedure. The iDose TR is a novel therapy for treating Open Angle Glaucoma, and our surgeons are thrilled to bring this novel therapy to Springfield and Southwest Missouri.
Want to know more?
Learn about the founders individually
