It’s amazing how much can transpire in just one year. Tucked away in the back portion of SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, SSM Health Eye Care services in Waupun might be one of the city’s best kept secrets. “We are so pleased with our first year of service,” according to Shane Smith, vice president of Medical Group Operations for the SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic. “It has been important to us to offer quality eye care services right here in Waupun, including skilled and dedication physicians and staff, as well as having the convenience of hospital services for cataract surgeries and other care.” Just one day shy of its official one-year anniversary, SSM Health Eye Care team members, as well as members of Envision Greater Fond du Lac and Waupun Business Alliance, came together on March 19 to celebrate the many successes of this relatively new service. The 5,400-square-foot area on the lower level of SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital’s two-story addition, offers the services of an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and eye care assistants using advanced diagnostic capabilities. Plans are underway to introduce the services of a retina specialist and pediatric ophthalmologist. Farzana Akter, OD, optometrist, has been serving patients since the clinic’s March 20, 2023 opening. She specializes in function and disorders of the eye, detection of eye disease and some types of eye disease management. As an optometrist, Dr. Akter conducts eye examinations, prescribes corrective contact lenses and glasses, and diagnoses and treats eye diseases and disorders. In fall 2023, Bryce Aul, MD, ophthalmologist, joined the clinic. He specializes in comprehensive eye care and provides examinations, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of eye disorders. Dr. Aul is especially interested in cataract surgery, medical retina, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. “I’ve been lucky enough to have a great group of people to work with, but the best part of my job is getting patients through cataract surgery and helping them regain their sight,” according to Dr. Aul. “It can make a huge difference in quality of life in such a short time and getting to see that progression is immensely satisfying.” Patients have the convenience of receiving eye surgical procedures, like cataract surgery, within the hospital thanks to its direct connection. The clinic space features eight exam rooms, laser/procedure room, optical coherence tomography scan (OCT) room, three provider offices, and contact lens room. The clinic also features an optical shop offering a wide selection of frames (800 to 900) at competitive prices and customer service from our caring team members – including Jessica Rea, optician – who bring extensive optical experience. Staff works with customers to find options, including discounts, if the optical shop is not considered in-network. Frames are accessible for all ages, including infants. Patients are enjoying a new wall of fun, which features frames with unique colors and designs. In mid-2023, SSM Health Eye Care in Waupun welcomed two team members – Morgan Jahn and Lisa Shaver – who were part of SSM Health’s new Ophthalmic Assistant Registered Apprenticeship program – a partnership between the health care organization, Madison College and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. For the first nine months of the program, apprentices receive classroom lessons at Madison College while also participating in paid on-the-job clinical training within SSM Health’s eye care clinics. Clinical training continues for another nine months after classroom-based learning concludes. Once apprentices complete their program, they will be employed as ophthalmic assistants with SSM Health, with a minimum two-year work commitment. Plans are underway to introduce a new service – intravitreal injections. Intravitreal injections are used to administer medications to treat a variety of retinal conditions. Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion are the most common conditions treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs. To schedule an appointment or more information, call 920-324-8030 or visit ssmhealth.com/WaupunEyeCare.
