Local optometrist Rob Town has retired after practising in Orillia for more than 40 years.
Town graduated from optometry school at the University of Waterloo in 1985 before moving back to his hometown to purchase Town Eye Care from his father, Fred. The business has been operating in Orillia for more than 70 years.
Town, 64, says Orillia was a great place to carve out a long career, especially as an optometrist.
“It’s a very clean profession,” he said. “You can talk to people, get to know people, you are helping people all of the time, and you aren’t really getting your hands dirty.”
The Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute graduate says the profession was also rewarding.
“There is nothing better than seeing someone with their sight improved,” he said. “It’s really a nice service to provide to your community.”
While exciting situations don’t usually happen on a day-to-day basis for optometrists, there were some special moments for Town that stand out when he reflects on his career.
“When you give glasses to children for the first time and see their smiles when they can see properly for the first time, it’s pretty exciting,” he said. “Solving a big problem or making a difference in someone’s life was always a victory.”
Town Eye Care will continue without Town. It practice, located at 62 Colborne St. E., is now owned by Vision Alliance.
“We wanted to make sure our patients are still being cared for,” he said. “I didn’t want people to think we are closing up and abandoning them.”
Town says patient records are still on file and they should expect the same type of care they are used to.
“I want to say thank you to my patients over the years for supporting me,” he said. “I appreciate the friendship and the loyalty.”
What he will miss the most in retirement is the people he served in the community. However, he is looking forward to his next journey. He plans on playing a lot of golf in retirement, visiting the cottage, and travelling.
Town, has been married to his wife, Andrea, for 40 years. They have four daughters and three grandchildren.
“We will be really enjoying our next chapter,” he said.
In retirement, Town will also continue his work with the Orillia Kiwanis Club, organizing youth T-ball, which he has been doing for 30 years.
“Kids are fun,” he said. “My favourite time with my family is when the kids were five to seven years old. They are developing their personalities, so it’s always a treat coaching and seeing the kids’ skill levels improve through a six-week program.”
