Gunbarrel Optometry Thrives Under New Ownership

Gunbarrel Optometry is moving into more eye care while still providing the same services it has for the last 23 years.

Under the new ownership of Philip Wren, the office has seen some new faces and other changes since April of last year.

“It’s been going really well,” Wren said. “We’ve had good reception from the existing base and we’ve been working on gaining new patients. It’s been a good transition.”

Office Manager Nikki Pattermann is one of the many new faces customers will see clearly once they get their new glasses or contact lenses.

“We’re coming up on our anniversary this April,” Pattermann said. “A lot of people didn’t know that we have a new doctor. But when they come in for their annual appointments, we’re happy to have them.”

Wren has been an optometrist for 20 years, and focuses on the medical side of eye care.

“The biggest thing so far is expanding offerings for eye care and be medically-based,” Wren said. “I’m excited to become a part of the community. I look forward to seeing anyone and serving them with the highest level of professional care.”

Some of the services provided are routine eye examinations, they manage ocular allergies, dry eyes, cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic eye care.

Gunbarrel Optometry also frequently gets referrals for retinal imaging, a service that is hard to find but is easily done at the office.

“It allows us to see the interior layers of the eyes,” Pattermann said. “We’re able to to a topographical view and also and internal layer view. What’s beneficial with this is that eyes have no symptoms. You could be walking around with starting signs of conditions and not even know it.

“With the retinal imaging, we can get on top of things right away. It’s quick and easy, nothing is getting blown in your eyes.”

Gunbarrel Optometry also sees children, where eye health is important to learning and growing minds.

“The one thing we tell parents is that in school, they only test vision from distances,” Pattermann said. “A lot of children have a hard time focusing in near vision. So they’ll be categorized as poor readers, when in reality they just need reading glasses. They fall through the cracks, we’re able to make sure their focusing muscles can adjust.”

Pattermann said that many other health aspects can be seen through various eye tests. Anything from cancer to diabetes to pregnancy will show up with a simple eye test.

“In my opinion, it is very important to get your eyes checked,” Pattermann said. “It’s the only way to see your vascular system without drawing blood. When they say the eyes are the window to the soul, they really are.”

The office hours for Gunbarrel Optometry are 9:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday hours could be a possibility in the future.

They can be reached for an appointment by calling 303-530-1973.