Vision Clinic moves
Published 7:14 pm Tuesday, May 27, 2008
By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Niles Vision Clinic has seen its share of moves since its beginning in 1972. The business has called locations at Second Street and Eastgate home.
Now, Niles Vision Clinic has found yet another new home at 9 S. St. Joseph Avenue and optometrist and primary owner Dr. Jeffrey Becraft said he doesn't see any more moves in the business' near future. "This one is enough," he said.
Started in 1972 by Dr. Michel Listenberger, who remains co-owner, Becraft said the business with its four full-time and three part-time employees began operating out of its new location on April 15. Becraft estimated the new facility at just over 3,000 square feet, which he said has provided the staff and patients with a lot more space than their previous location. The new facility holds four exam rooms and Becraft said that they have doubled the amount frames they carry, including name brands.
It took some time for the people at Niles Vision Clinic to decide upon a new location. "We looked at space for about three to four years," Becraft said. "A lot of it was just the balance, the cost and location" had to be conducive to their needs. Now that Listenberger, Becraft and the rest of the staff have found their new home – they can truly focus on their patients -something Becraft credits for their success.
Niles Vision Clinic patients range from Niles to South Bend, St. Joe and even Decatur. "We're one of the only clinics that does Medicaid to help out that population," Becraft said – which brings in customers from some of the surrounding areas.
So what sets Niles Vision Clinic apart from other optometry clinics or retail stores? "I think it goes to our mission statement," Becraft said. "Personalized eye care and quality eye wear." While some retail outlets can focus more on frames and less on the medical aspects of eye care.
We'll see patients for eye infections," Becraft said. "We'll manage glaucoma." Becraft calls it "full scope optical."
"Our focus is more broad for eye care," he said.
Refreshments will be served at Niles Vision Clinic Wednesday, when they hold their official grand opening. Since the move, "We've already seen an increase in patients," Becraft said. And there's more ahead for the business. Becraft and Listenberger are currently working with a company from Grand Rapids on a future website and they'll be adding another optometrist to their team when Dr. Deb Searles begins her work with Niles Vision Clinic two to three days a week.