It’s fairly uncommon to have the opportunity to profile a local business that can trace its roots all the way back to the 1970s.
Those deep-seated roots are a source of pride for ophthalmologist Dr. Kimberly Wise, who launched her professional career in 1997 when she joined the practice of Drs. Don Brashear and Jackson Woodward, established in 1976.
Early Days
Dr. Wise recalls the momentous evening that was to set the course of her professional career.
In 1997, after graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (as a distinguished member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society) and finishing her residency at the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City, Wise was invited to attend a dinner with Brashear and his wife to discuss her possible interest in buying the practice.
Wise decided that very night that she wanted to buy his practice and practice with Dr. Woodward—it was a gut decision made with few facts and minimal knowledge about how to run a business.
But for Wise, it was a decision she has never regretted.
Wise and Woodward practiced together for eight years. She and her husband built the office in which they now operate 18 years ago, and Woodward retired about two years later, remaining a dear friend and mentor today.
Dr. Meghan Saumur joined the Wise Eye Associates in 2019. Dr. Saumur graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and undertook her ophthalmology residency at the Baylor College of Medicine.
Building the “A” Team
Wise is proud of the team she has gathered over the years—a team that was selected not only for their expertise and experience, but also for such shared values as love of community, a commitment to caring for patients like family, and enthusiasm.
“I am very proud of the physicians who work for me,” Wise said. “They are knowledgeable, conscientious team players. We try to offer the highest level of medical care without losing what makes the doctor-patient relationship special.”
She added, “Both myself and Dr. Saumur do our own pre-op consultations and follow all our surgical patients throughout their postoperative course.”
Wise Eye Associates also has two optometrists, Drs. Somer Ray and Lindsey Young, both of whom hold advanced certification in medical optometry. Each has extensive experience and works closely with the surgeons for a shared care approach.
“They embrace our practice philosophy and are wonderful to work with,” Wise said.
All team members have strong ties to the area as well. Saumur grew up in Newcastle, Young lives in Blanchard and both Wise and Ray live in Norman.
The Practice
Wise Eye Associates’ patient roster includes many Norman residents as well as residents of the communities situated to the south.
The practice offers routine checkups and contacts, care for diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes, emergency services for injuries and infections, and cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery, in which the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear lens, is an integral part of the practice. Performed as an outpatient procedure, it’s a life changer for many patients, allowing many to regain abilities that poor vision may have stolen over time and in many cases helps them regain their zest for life.
The lens implant choices have expanded since Wise began practicing in 1997.
Insurance will cover a mono-focal implant, which restores clarity but still requires glasses for full functionality. There are now premium lifestyle implants that can correct astigmatism and in some cases lenses that can give a range of focus to eliminate the need for glasses altogether.
Insurance will not cover the extra costs of the premium lens implants, and tests are required to determine eligibility. Not every eye shape is suitable for a premium implant, and patients with certain eye conditions may not benefit from these lenses.
“That is why the consultation with your surgeon is integral to making these decisions,” Wise said. “The math, the optics, the cost and the patient’s desires all culminate in choosing what is best for that individual.”
For the convenience of their patients, a retina specialist visits the practice once a week to provide treatment for conditions such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy and more. Other patients, in need of more specialized services not offered on-site, are referred to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in OKC, where Wise maintains close professional relationships.
Community Service
Both Wise and Saumur make themselves available to other members of the community in need of immediate eye care through Norman Regional Hospital.
“Not all the eye surgeons cover this call for the citizens of Norman, and we work with the hospital and Drs. Razook and Powell to provide that for our community,” she said.
As an OU alumna, Dr. Wise is proud that her practice also provides eye care for OU’s student-athletes.
“Medicine has changed a lot and continues to do so,” Wise noted. “Keeping the personal connection is imperative to good care. Just getting through the phone tree these days can be so frustrating for patients; we try very hard to be accessible and responsive.”
She added, “Long-term patients know how I feel about electronic health records, so they get a chuckle when they see me bringing in my paper chart. I enter what is required by the government into an EHR system after clinic, but I find I can be more focused on the patient when not distracted by the computer while trying to listen to them.”
On a Personal Note
Wise grew up in Oklahoma City and attended Putnam City Schools. She earned her bachelor of science degree in zoology at OU, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Her husband, Tate Wise, is an attorney. They have two daughters, both of whom attended OU.
Wise Eye Associates
2201 McKown Drive
Norman, OK 73072-6601
405.329.5613
Who Does What?
Many people are unclear about the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist. After completion of undergraduate, an optometrist attends optometry school for four years. An ophthalmologist attends four years of medical school obtaining an M.D., followed by another four years of medical surgical training.
For eye care requiring surgery, emergencies and for eye issues requiring advanced care, you will most likely be seen by an ophthalmologist.
“Our practice strives to create a team of doctors to offer the full spectrum of care,” Wise said.
