Not shuttered; Inland Eye Center to remain open

Rumors began circling around town last week that Inland Eye Center in Colfax, located just below the hospital at 1170 W. Fairview, is closing. While the clinic has undergone some changes in operation, it is not closing, said Dr. Jonathan Haymore.

Dr. Haymore has been with the clinic for five years and travels between his practice in Spokane and the clinic in Colfax. He currently spends Monday through Wednesday serving the Colfax community and the rest of the week tending to his patients in Spokane.

“I’ve been busier up in Spokane and so there was some discussion of whether or not it would be better if I just moved up to Spokane,” said Haymore. “But I’ve always liked coming down here, and I’ve enjoyed my time down here. I think there’s a big need for an opthamologist down here.”

Dr. Michael Cunningham, who opened the clinic 25 years ago, retired in December, and Dr. David Kordish, who practiced here, relocated to Spokane.

With those changes came discussion of closing the optical center at the clinic, but not the clinic itself.

“There was the idea that we might have to close the opitical shop, but luckily I was able to convince Rockwood that it’s a good idea to keep it open just for more services for our patients,” said Haymore.

Dr. Haymore has made some changes, including making his schedule longer by arriving earlier and leaving later in order to accommodate as many patients as possible during the three-day span he is here each week. Also, he said, business is better now than ever.

“We’re doing more stuff down here than ever, especially surgically,” said Haymore. “We’re starting to do some glaucoma surgeries down here in addition to cataracts.”

Whitman Hospital has even invested in new eye equipment for Haymore to use for surgeries, including a machine that will aid him in removing cataracts.

Although the center is not closing, Haymore was appreciative of the community concerns over the thought of it closing and even a petition that began to be circulated.

Haymore does not see the center closing in the foreseeable future, noting that it will continue to grow and provide eye care for the Colfax community.

“I love Colfax. It’s a great place. The patients are nice and friendly, and they show up for all their appointments. For me, it’s a nice break from my regular office. We have great people working here, so it’s a nice friendly place.”