Ophthalmologist treats area patients at Marion clinic
Staff reporter
In smaller communities like Marion, it is sometimes difficult for elderly residents to receive specialized medical services within the community.
Oftentimes family members have to take time off from jobs to provide transportation for parents and other relatives for doctor's appointments and procedures 30 minutes to an hour away.
Not true for Marion County residents.
Dr. Mike Reynolds, a certified ophthalmologist from Emporia, sees patients once a month in an office at Marion Family Physicians clinic.
"St. Luke Hospital approached me a few years ago," said Reynolds. "I was seeing patients from Marion at Herington."
At the time, Reynolds had a satellite office in Herington.
"The majority of my patients are older," said Reynolds. "I do treat some younger diabetic patients."
Wanting to provide eye care for the elderly was the primary reason for offices in additional locations.
"It is so hard for older patients to travel," Reynolds said, "and their kids have to take time to bring their parents to see me in Emporia."
The most common procedures Reynolds performs are cataract surgery with follow-up laser surgery.
He also treats patients for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other optical ailments.
Reynolds' referrals are from family physicians and optometrists which resulted in Reynolds and his business partner, fellow ophthalmologist Wayne Anliker, to open seven satellite offices.
"Optometrists asked me to come to their towns," Reynolds said. He specifically chose smaller communities with limited access to eye-care professionals.
Since becoming an eye doctor and surgeon in 1992, Reynolds has performed more than 1,000 procedures per year.
Hanging his shingle in Marion once a month isn't limiting for Reynolds' patients because he can comfortably examine 20 to 25 patients in a morning.
He enjoys coming to Marion and working with the hospital staff.
"St. Luke Hospital is one of my favorite ORs (operating room) to work," Reynolds said. "They have a highly qualified staff, and are pleasant to work with."
Reynolds said he routinely performs four to 10 surgeries per month at the hospital.
The personable Reynolds said when he started schooling, he actually wanted to be a dentist.
"My adviser at Baker University didn't think dentistry would be challenging enough for me," Reynolds said, "so I went into the medical field and became a surgeon."
"My kids call me an eye dentist," Reynolds said with a smile.
Appointments can be made through the hospital or by calling Reynolds' Emporia office at (800) 794-1209.
