It’s been nearly a year-and-a-half since the Michigan Eye Institute (MEI) opened its doors at 53 S. Washington St. in downtown Oxford and their future here looks as clear and bright as one of their satisfied patient’s eyesight.
‘Most people say they’re very happy with our service and the convenience of having a facility here in town,? said MEI Administrator Brian Hayes, himself an Oxford resident for nearly 16 years. ‘Our patient base continues to grow by referrals. We really want to thank the people who have patronized our place and spread the word about us.?
With offices in Oxford, Flint, Fenton and Lapeer, MEI offers a affordable, comprehensive eye care team capable of managing any medical or surgical problem of the eye for patients of all ages.
MEI’s services range from routine eye examinations and optical services to treatment of complicated medical and surgical eye problems. Services include thorough eye examinations, no-stitch cataract surgery, refractive surgery using the VISX Star 4 excimer laser with computer tracking, glaucoma care, diabetic care, macular degeneration care, pediatric eye care, dry eye treatment, eyelid surgery and low vision aids.
To pay for these services, Hayes said MEI accepts most every kind of insurance plan out there including Vision Service Plan, which many teachers and employees at large companies have, and General Motors Pricing. ‘Insurance is usually not a problem for us,? Hayes said.
MEI’s eye care team includes three ophthalmologists and four optometrists, all unparalleled in training and expertise. The Lapeer office is staffed by two opthalmologists who can perform eye surgery at Lapeer Regional Hospital.
The Oxford location is staffed by Optometrist Dr. Ann Marie Kautz, a graduate from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. She has served as a clinical instructor at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, in the Department of Optometry and Vision Science.
Some of the services Dr. Kautz is able to provide on-site at the Oxford location are complete eye examinations, fittings for eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses, laser vision correction screenings and foreign body removal. ‘She can do everything here unless surgery is needed,? Hayes said.
Dr. Kautz is at the Oxford location on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays for appointments. Evening appointments are also available.
MEI’s Oxford facility offers customers a wide selection of eyewear ? including eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses and specialty packages ? for the whole family. ‘Our pricing is competitive and low,? Hayes said of MEI. ‘We tend to not have sales because we don’t inflate our prices to begin with.?
MEI’s doctor’s work hand-in-hand with MEI’s opticians to assure that all eyewear meets their specifications and the patient’s needs. MEI’s in-house laboratory assures quality, reliability, accuracy and rapid turnaround for customers? eyewear.
For those who don’t wish to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, Michigan Eye Institute offers laser vision correction. In a matter of seconds, a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be treated with the state-of-the-art VISX Star 4 excimer laser with computer tracking. Laser vision correction is a very effective, quick and safe outpatient procedure, performed right at the MEI main office in Flint.
Although it has four locations, MEI has shown its commitment to Oxford through its financial support of the Oxford High School Marching Band and participation in the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade and Women’s Expo. MEI is also planning to sponsor an Oxford Recreational Baseball Association little league team. ‘We’re looking to be a fixture in the community,? Hayes said. ‘We plan on being here a long time.?
MEI Oxford’s location is open Monday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m; Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information about MEI call Oxford (248) 236-9379; Flint (810) 733-7111; Fenton (810) 629-7900; and Lapeer (248) 664-5458.