Portland Eye Care Sees Change in Ownership

Portland Eye Care, located at 1311 East Bridge Street, has recently undergone a transition in ownership. Dr. Krystal Kempf-Andrews, O.D., has purchased the practice from Dr. Suzanne Maystead, O.D. on March 30.

Dr. Kempf-Andrews said, “I have retained all Dr. Maystead's staff but also hired two employees. I've added an optician and a biller to improve our efficiency and make sure we are providing the best care and service possible. I'm hoping this will enable me to expand our frame selection soon and allow me more time to focus on staff training. I want all my employees feeling very capable to handle more responsibilities as we start with a new electronic health record platform June 11, and also as the practice (hopefully!) grows.”

Originally from Mulliken, Dr. Kempf-Andrews is a Grand Ledge high school graduate. After receiving her Bachelors of Vision Science from Ferris State University, she went on to earn a Doctorate from Michigan College of Optometry.

According to her website bio, Dr. Kempf-Andrews “enjoys working on several committees with the Michigan Optometric Association and participating in the Special Olympics Seeing Eyes vision screenings. She has traveled to Dominica five times for VOSH (Volunteers of Optometry Serving Humanity) eye care missions. Dr. Kempf-Andrews focuses on all aspects of primary eye care, including complex contact lens fittings and InfantSEE exams. When she isn't devoting her time to Portland Eye Care, Dr. Kempf-Andrews works part time with a retinal specialist and is an independent contractor for the Michigan Department of Corrections. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their new son.”

Dr. Kempf-Andrews’ son Harrison is seven months old. Her husband, Benji Andrews, is originally from Grand Ledge and currently works in Carson City as a graphic designer. They reside in Lansing.

When asked about her time operating the practice, Dr. Maystead said, “So many exciting changes in optometry since I opened the doors in 1980. We were not even allowed to dilate eyes at that time. Now we can manage glaucoma, treat infective and inflammatory conditions of the eye, and provide in town pre and post op cataract surgery care. We have the technology to see the layers of the retina which is critical in macular degeneration and diabetic eye care.”

Dr. Maystead has plans to keep busy in her retirement. She said, “I am planning to get re-acquainted with my horse and my piano. Maybe I’ll even do a little cooking! Who knows-every day is a new opportunity.” She also said she will continue to see patients at the clinic one day a week. “I don’t want my long-time patients thinking I left without saying goodbye!”

Dr. Maystead also plans to stay involved with the community. She said, “I am a strong believer in the importance of trying to help people in your own little corner of the world. Hence, the motto of the Portland Community Foundation ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ is very true for me. I have been involved with PCF for over 10 years and am currently co-treasurer. We are planning to remain in the Portland area and I hope to continue working with PCF for many years.

You can learn more about Portland Eye Care at their website, www.portlandeyecare.org. You can also reach them via email at contactus@portlandeyecare.org or phone at 517-647-7515.