Optometry clinic opens on south side

With over a decade of experience in eye care, a Springfield resident ventured on her own last month to start an optometry clinic.

Jan. 22 was opening day for Vision Gallery 417 LLC, said Dr. Summer Williamson, who became a first-time business owner with its launch. The clinic fills roughly 2,800 square feet at 1961 S. Glenstone Ave. in space formerly occupied by lifestyle goods marketplace and design studio House Counsel, which exited the building last summer. Williamson said House Counsel remains in business as an interior design venture, noting it now operates next door at 1959 S. Glenstone Ave.

Williamson said House Counsel owners Jeannie and Mark Breshears still own the 1961 S. Glenstone Ave. building, adding she signed a five-year lease for an undisclosed rate. She also declined to disclose startup costs.

Vision Gallery 417’s services include adult, senior and pediatric eye exams, emergency eye care for issues such as infections and injuries, and management of ocular diseases including cataracts and glaucoma. It also provides glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses and participates in InfantSEE, a public health program by the American Optometric Association, which provides free eye assessments for infants 6-12 months old.

“A lot of times pediatricians aren’t really the best about telling parents that their babies need to have eye exams,” Williamson said. “Most people don’t know because babies can’t talk, so they would not think to take them to get an eye exam. But it’s a way of catching certain eye diseases, certain things that could go unnoticed for years and years and can affect how an infant even learns to walk or function or learn.”

Williamson said she’s had plenty of experience examining children’s eyes, noting they make up about half of the clients she sees as an optometrist at Jordan Valley Community Health Center. She’s worked at the Springfield-based health care provider for the past eight years and remains employed there part time as she ramps up the clinic’s business. She said her experience in optometry totals around 14 years, including five years of service in the United States Air Force.

The desire to be her own boss was the primary motivator for Williamson to open Vision Gallery 417, which employs three.

“I have kids, who take a lot of my time, and I didn’t really think that I would have time to do this. But it kind of was just, well, either do this or go work for someone else,” Williamson said, noting her search for a building to house the clinic extended back to August 2023. “It took me forever to find a spot that I wanted.

“It’s just a beautiful building. All the windows, all the lighting, it was perfect for an optometrist and very visible.”