By Janae Fear, staff writer
HARRY WRIGHT as he prepares to close his ophthalmology practice after thirty-six years.(Independent Photo/JANAE FEAR)
After thirty-six years of practicing ophthalmology in the Owosso area, Dr. Harry Wright is setting his sights on new things. As of Oct. 30, his ophthalmology practice will be permanently closed. Both the property located on State Rd. across from Meijer and Wright’s home in North Owosso are on the market as he prepares to retire.
Dr. Wright came to Owosso in March of 1979 after purchasing the practice of Dr. Roland Phillips from the state of Michigan. He had previously interviewed with Dr. Phillips while still completing his residency at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Shortly after, Dr. Phillips, his wife and two of their four children were killed in a plane crash near Jackson Hole, Wyo.
The practice was originally located on North Street but within a year of taking over the practice, Wright purchased the former Eveleth School, which was built in 1922. After extensive renovations, he moved his practice there in May of 1981 where it remained for the rest of his career.
“Ophthalmology has evolved so much since I first started my practice back in 1979. Technology like the ultrasound, OCT, has made it a lot easier to catch things earlier,” said Wright. “Another big change is that physicians don’t seem to be interested in having private practices anymore. I understand that because I knew nothing about running a business when I started. They don’t teach that at medical school.” Dr. Wright has managed to sell a lot of his equipment and has plans to donate office furniture to both Volunteers of America and SafeHouse.
Dr. Wright is looking forward to retiring to his home in south Florida. He is the oldest of six children and while he was in medical school, his family moved to Florida from Wisconsin. Most of his family still lives in the Tampa/Orlando area and he is looking forward to spending more time with them including his mother who is now 95 years old.
Dr. Wright is a runner who has run over fifty marathons and although it has been almost ten years since his last race, he plans to get back in racing shape and run another one. He is also planning on doing a lot of relaxing and pursuing his other passion of astronomy, possibly even teaching an astronomy class.
Patients are encouraged to call the office, (989) 725-8158, if they have any questions or would like to get copies of their records.
