The largest independently owned optometry practice in southwestern Ontario is expanding into Sarnia-Lambton.
Kniaziew Optometry will open its seventh location in Petrolia next month, with plans to add two more locations across Sarnia-Lambton over the next few years.
VP of Business Development Jordan Kniaziew said they've had plans to come to the area for a while now.
"We were actually seeing a lot of patients at our Wallaceburg location that we're from the Petrolia area, and there was just an overwhelming support at the location in Wallaceburg and a need to come to this area, so that's really what ignited it," he said. "The proximity to our other locations is perfect, and as we look to expand within Sarnia-Lambton, we're going to be looking at the city of Sarnia, coming there, and then some surrounding communities as well to get to three locations so we can have complete coverage for our eye healthcare that we offer to the community."
Kniaziew said they'll be taking over the practice of Dr. Gail Tanner, a longtime colleague of founder Dr. Richard Kniaziew, at 413 Wingfield Street.
"Dr. Tanner is going to stay with our team for the next little while through the transition. It's our goal to continue on her strong tradition in the Petrolia area marketplace and continue to offer that world-class eye healthcare that she has offered her patients."
Kniaziew said they'll also be bringing on some local, new optometrists over the next couple of months.
Kniaziew added that each of their locations are taking a number of steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"We're prescreening all patients before they come in, all of our patients are required to wear masks and we are abiding by all social distancing recommendations. Any eyewear that has been touched is washed immediately after, any of the surfaces that are touched are cleaned immediately after."
Kniaziew Optometry has been serving the residents in and around Leamington, Chatham, Tecumseh, Essex, Blenheim and Wallaceburg over the past 40 years.
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