Managing editor
There is such a demand for an optometrist in Marion and the surrounding area that when Dr. Bret Wise first started coming to Marion, twice a month in January, his days were busy.
“I was booked solid — all day,” he said. “So I decided to come here every Monday.”
The Emporia man is working part-time in Marion and part-time in Wichita, as well as assisting in an Emporia optometrist office, which happens to belong to his aunt, Dr. Trisha Dorsey.
He sees patients in the visiting physician offices at Marion Family Physicians building, 537 S. Freeborn, Marion.
Wise originally is from Emporia. He attended Wichita State University, playing basketball, and earned a degree in field chemistry.
He always had an interest in optometry and decided to pursue the four-year program following his undergraduate experience.
In May 2008, he graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn.
Fresh out of college, he is able to provide the most up-to-date information to patients with the newest techniques.
Wise had to successfully complete the four-year course and pass national and state tests to obtain a license to practice optometry in Kansas.
At the Marion office, patients are examined and Wise screens patients for potential eye problems. He also has a selection of eyeglass frames from which patients can choose. Wise also fits contact lenses.
The office accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare.
“This has been a really good opportunity for me,” Wise said, about his experience in Marion. “Everyone has been so nice and accommodating.”