Spokane-based Eye Consultants PS has opened a new clinic and is preparing to open a surgery center in Spokane Valley, to expand patient access to cataract and vision care, says owner Jennifer Fillmore.

The practice’s second location opened in August at 15106 E. Sprague, in Spokane Valley, Fillmore says. The planned surgery center, which will be located inside the same building, is anticipated to open this fall, she adds. The ambulatory surgery center will serve patients undergoing procedures that were previously done at Holy Family Hospital.

“The move to our very own surgery center is a big win for patients,” Fillmore says. “The surgery center fees for a locally owned surgery center are much less than a hospital.”

The procedures that will be offered at the surgery center will include cataract surgery, LASIK, refractive lens exchange, and Implantable Collamer Lenses, Fillmore says.

Eye Consultants is owned and operated by Fillmore, and her husband, Dr. Gary Fillmore, an ophthalmologist eye surgeon. The practice was founded in the 1980s, and the Fillmores purchased the business in 2008. The company's first location is on Spokane’s north side, at 9911 N. Nevada. 

The two eye centers staff two pathologists, five optometrists, and a support staff of about 40 employees. A master aesthetician also has recently joined the practice to expand facial aesthetics offerings, such as Intense Pulsed light therapy to treat dry eye disease and improve gland function, Fillmore says.

The decision to expand their practice is rooted in the community need, says Fillmore. Cataracts are a natural part of aging, she explains, and with a wave of seniors aging into their 70s, the demand for cataract surgery has increased.

“The biggest demand has come from baby boomers,” Fillmore says. “They’ve all reached an age where they’re developing cataracts … we’re able to fill that need nicely, the demand is there.”