The opportunity to preserve a legacy and expand an eye-care practice to three offices, including one Downtown, is what brought Drs. Jeffrey Brown and Colleen King to 100 W. Bay St.
The two doctors of optometry established Jax Vision Care P.A. in 2010 with offices on the Northside along Dunn Avenue and in Mandarin along Old St. Augustine Road. They were offered the chance to take over the practice and office of Dr. Peter Liane after he died in December.
Even though the practice has changed in the legal corporate sense, the name "Liane Downtown Eye Associates" remains above the front door.
Brown said Liane had been in practice for so long, children and grandchildren of the late doctor's first patients are now making appointments.
"It's a way for us to continue his legacy as well as to cultivate new relationships," he said.
The signs above the door and on the windows along Laura Street aren't all that has remained the same — Liane's entire staff still works in the office.
"They know our patients and our patients know them," Brown said.
Offering complete eye-care services, including examinations, glasses, contact lenses and emergency care, Downtown has advantages over the suburbs.
There are more than 20,000 people within walking distance of the practice and they work in industries populated by a high percentage of eyeglass wearers.
"We're in the financial center of Downtown and we're close to the courthouse. Most bankers and attorneys wear glasses because they're in the age group and they do a lot of close-up work," Brown said.
Liane Downtown accepts most major medical insurance plans, Medicare and Tricare.
For those who don't have eye-care benefits, the practice offers a discount plan that covers routine eye examinations, glasses and contact lenses.
Brown said spending two days each week in the neighborhood since March has given him a new perspective on Downtown.
"It has opened my eyes to the potential of Downtown. People feel Downtown is waking up," he said.
The practice embraced the Downtown experience by scheduling its grand opening May 1 to coincide with First Wednesday Art Walk.
"It was great. We gave away TPC tickets and a pair of sunglasses and we had live music. We'll do it again," Brown said.
For office hours or to make an appointment for an examination, visit jaxvisioncare.com.
(904) 356-2466
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