A part of Henryetta for 35 years is going to be missing after this month.
Dr. Michael Brian, one of the founders of Henryetta Eye Clinic is not going to be peering through his ophthalmoscope after this month.
He said he is retiring from practice but says he is still going to be part of Henryetta.
That retirement is going to be celebrated this Thursday with a reception at the Eye Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dr. Brian said he is looking forward to meeting both current and the former patients that have made up his practice for over three decades.
A native Okmulgee County resident, he said he opened the practice in 1987 at the corner of Fourth and Main. “My first week here I was nervous about starting the practice but I went to lunch with Bob Cunningham,” he recounted. “As we were sitting at the table I had a glass of tea and asked the waitress if I could have some sugar. She gave me a kiss on the cheek and I knew I was in the right spot.
In 1997 he began the partnership with Dr. Jay Lavalley and they built the current clinic at Ninth and Main. “We both had a similar desire to take care of patients first and that has been what we have been doing ever since.”
The practice has grown over the years and now Dr. Hayden Black and Dr. Sara Mullinicks have joined the Eye Center. “They are carrying on the concept of patient care first. It’s not all about the dollar.” He added.
Retirement plans are not decided yet, he said. “I have a four-year-old grandson and I’m going to spend time with him. We are buddies and partners in crime.”
No matter what he plans to do, moving away is not going to be part of it.
“I have enjoyed life here. It has been a blessing. The local businesses and residents are wonderful.”
His partner, Jay Lavalley said he will be missed. “It has been a great partnership. Both of us have learned a lot, not only about optometry but also how to work together to take care of our patients.”