Eyes wide open Specialists moving to new building to meet ever growing demand

By BECKY BROOKS

Enterprise Editor

clydenews@bizwoh.rr.com

Growth and meeting the needs of its customers has led Family Eye Care Centers to construct a new larger office on West McPherson Highway, according Dr. Gregory Hicks.

"It's really simple," he explained. "Clyde has been spectacular for us."

Hicks said the staff hates to move from South Main Street building, which has been the local eye doctor's office for over a decade.

"Parking is a challenge at times," Hicks said. "We don't have easy access in and out of the front door," he added about having an office with a step. For older clients the step and parking have been issues, he explained.

Family Eye Care Centers, with offices in Sandusky, Huron and Clyde, also has seen significant growth in the local market.

Hicks said there are times, especially after school when there is standing room only in the lobby, which has four or five chairs.

The new office nearly completed on West McPherson Highway next to the Discount Drugmart plaza will have more than double the space.

"We're going to have a selection of eye ware four fold," he said about space being dedicated to the product display.

There will be more and larger eye examination rooms, new equipment and a new computer system, he said. There will also be specialized areas for contact areas.

"I believe better visibility too," he said about having an office located on U.S. 20 with off street, easy access parking.

Hicks, who shares local hours with Dr. Heather DeMoss, said weather permitting the new office would be open by mid-April. The business is also hoping to bring in a new doctor into the practice this summer.

What is more, the new office building will not only house Family Eye Care Centers, but also a new OBGYN, Hicks said.

"I think it's phenomenal how well the residents of Clyde support the local practitioners," he said. "The community puts their trust in us practicing here."

Hicks said he did not have square footage information on hand for the new office, but more information about the new office will be released, as it gets closer to opening. He also said that the office will have a soft opening and the business would hold a grand opening and open house this summer.

"The good news is we own this building," Hicks said, noting the eye doctor's office can take their time relocating.

The doctor said the growth local businesses are seeing in the community is exciting.

"We're excited about the new facility," he said. "Hopefully it's looked upon as a positive..."