Riverview Eye Site Center Settles into New Digs

Although the Eye Site Center has been operating in Riverview since 1995, the office just celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday at its new location at 9433 Balm-Riverview Road in Riverview. 

Dr. Mark S. Luedke, O.D., (doctor of optometry) and his team of opticians and optical specialist were on hand to welcome new patients and meet the community.

"I like to know my customers by name," said Luedke, "We have a lot of repeat customers who have been with us since the inception.  Some of our patients we saw as kids and we are now seeing their kids."

The Eye Site Center formerly was located in the Winn-Dixie shopping plaza at the corner of Boyette Road and U.S. 301. The office moved to the new location Jan. 24 but the staff wanted settle in before hosting their grand opening. 

The original site was owned by Carol Clarkson, optician, and Dr. Luedke came on board to work with Clarkson. After two years of negotiation, Clarkson and Dr. Luedke decided to change ownership with Dr. Luedke taking over the practice. 

"I want to retire soon," chuckled Clarkson. "Selling to Dr. Luedke and just working with him seemed the most logical choice."

One of the staff members, Brenda Gerhard, has worked with Luedke and Clarkson on and off since 1995. 

"The people we meet and work with are great. It is a good environment with low stress," said Gerhard.

When Clarkson first decided to open the business, she was trying to choose between Riverview and Plant City. To help make the decision, she trusted the local postmaster at the time. 

"It was an easy, cheating demographic study" laughed Clarkson. The postmaster told her of the growth Riverview was planning with new shopping centers and homes, so she decided to open here.

Mindy Weisberg of Riverview and her two daughters are happy she chose Riverview 16 years ago. 

"They got to know me right away," stated Weisberg. "With two kids in glasses, we are always needing adjustments. They knew my name and my girls' names very quickly. You are kind of a lifer once you come once."

Another employee, Maria Hinojosa, began working at the office when she turned 16. She had been a patient of Dr. Luedke since she was 6. 

She said Clarkson and Luedke work with her schedule so she can finish her education, which Clarkson says "is most important."

The office has new equipment that is more high tech than the previous location. 

"We donated all the old equipment to the Lion's Club," said Luedke.

With the new equipment, a technician is able to scan a patient's eyes for correction and relay that information electronically to the equipment in the exam room. This helps speed up the appointment and allow more time for personalization.

Luedke and his staff are accepting new patients and various types of insurance. Call the office at 813-671-2020 or visit the website www.eyesitecenter.com.