Dear Friends,
After 38 wonderful years in optometry, the time has come for me to retire – a milestone that fills me with gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead. Looking back over nearly four decades. I realize that caring for patients has never been about prescribing glasses or contact lenses. It has been about building relationships, sharing life’s milestones, and helping people see the world more clearly, both literally and figuratively!
One of the greatest blessings of my career has been the friendships I have made with so many of you. I have had the privilege of caring for multiple generations of families, watching children grow into adults and welcoming new patients through your referrals and kind words. Your trust, loyalty, and support have meant more to me than I can ever express. Every conversation, every smile, and every opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life has made this career deeply rewarding.
As I begin this next chapter, I look forward to spending more time with family and friends while exploring passions that have patiently waited for me over the years. My plans include traveling with my wife Liz to novel places, catching up on an extraordinarily long reading list, enjoying woodworking projects, painting and creating handmade crafts. While I will certainly miss seeing all of you, I am excited to embrace these new adventures, and the opportunities retirement brings.
Although I am retiring, I am delighted to leave you in the capable hands of Dr. Kirsten Turrisi. Dr. Turrisi has been serving the Greater South Portland community with compassionate, patient-centered eye care and brings with her extensive experience in comprehensive optometry. Her background includes working as a technician, optician, and a finance manager before earning her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, graduating magna cum laude in 2019. She is passionate about educating patients about their eye health and has special interests in glaucoma management, diabetic eye disease and multifocal contact lenses. Most importantly, she shares the same commitment to treating every patient with kindness, respect, and personalized care that you have come to appreciate from me. I know you will appreciate her warmth, knowledge, and dedication.
Thank you for allowing me to be part pf your lives for the past 38 years. It has truly been an honor to care for you and your families. I will cherish the memories, friendships, and experiences we have shared. I leave with full-hearted confidence that your eye care will continue in the excellent hands of Dr. Turrisi. I wish each of you continued good health, clear vision, and happiness for many years to come.
I will miss you!
Mark