Woodland Eye Clinic to "reopen" after recent remodel

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

In an effort to reintroduce itself to the community, Woodland Eye Clinic is holding a grand reopening on Tuesday, May 24, from 1-4 p.m., to take care of some business that Covid “put a damper on.” 

On that list is giving a proper sendoff to the retiring Dr. Bruce Landis, who left at the end of 2019, just prior to the pandemic, so an official goodbye was made impractical. A proper welcome for the incoming Dr. Bruce Stebel, who replaced Dr. Landis, was never given either. During this event, it is hoped the community can have a more fitting introduction. So far, said operations manager Casie Pfohl, “the community has really responded well to Dr. Stebel.”

This will also give the Elkader clinic the opportunity to show off its recent remodel, which led to the business closing for five weeks. The remodel, according to Pfohl, was done because staff felt “it was important to invest in the building so we can best serve our community for years to come.” 

The remodel, apart from simply giving the office a “fresh look,” included knocking down a few walls to give the space more of an open concept in the retail area, a new coat of paint, flooring, retail displays, as well as cabinetry and furniture.

“We took the opportunity to create a comfortable environment for both our staff and patients. This has helped with the flow of the office to get patients through more efficiently. I think it also helps our patients feel more at home, and able to see how we help them from start-to-finish,” Pfohl added.

The clinic is looking to update the exterior of the building over the summer months, which will include a new front door, a sidewalk, an ADA accessible ramp in the front and a paint job to liven things up. 

Another addition to the remodel, in a surprise twist, is the return of Dr. Landis in a new capacity as he tackles what Pfohl called his “retirement project.” This project is a low-vision clinic that will be a service provided at the Woodland Clinic. This service is specifically designed for people with permanent vision damage who are beyond the capabilities of regular glasses to manage. The service will provide evaluations and device fittings, all designed to improve the daily lives of those struggling with low vision issues. 

“It’s been going really well and keeps Dr. Landis connected to the community,” Pfohl said. 

Beyond introductions and viewing the remodel, the grand reopening will include a frame sale, raffle drawings (wine basket and free frame giveaway) and snacks and refreshments. 
 

“We are teaming with one of our frame vendors, Europa, and our lens vendor, GS-Rx, to offer a day of event sale. We will also be giving out free large bottles of hand sanitizer to help support the community,” Pfohl explained. 

That continued support has led to great success for Woodland, as has the culture, one that doesn’t lend itself to stuffy doctors and treating patients as account numbers in a machine. Instead, patients should feel as if they’re “walking into a friend’s house to have coffee and a chat.” This culture is tied directly to the small, rural town in which Woodland operates, where they aren’t just a building in the landscape or another brick façade. They’re part of the community. 

“We know you by name, we care about how your family is doing and will have a chat with you while providing you with excellent eye care,” Pfohl said. 

Additionally, the clinic is staffed with doctors who are highly-trained and up-to-date on the latest technologies, exam techniques, vision correction options and disease treatments. Plus, their front desk staff “specifically works to make sure that each patient has a positive experience from the time they enter the doors of our office.” And if you’re looking for frames, Woodland has a selection of around 500 different frame models.