Robyn Pape, Doctor of Optometry, is a lifelong Meigs County resident. During Robyn’s 19 years as an optometrist, she has worked in private practice offices in Jackson and the Gallipolis areas. In 2005, Dr. Pape joined the Drs. Quinn, Foster & Associates practice in Athens. When the opportunity for Dr. Pape to manage the Middleport Vision Source office became available, Robyn jumped at the opportunity.
Drs. Quinn & Foster approached Robyn with the opportunity of a lifetime, to purchase the Vision Source Meigs Clinic, a little over a year ago. A local lending institution suggested to Robyn that she contact the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. Through working with the SBDC office, Robyn was able to successfully negotiate a purchase price for the practice and obtain funding for the project through a specialized SBA lending program. The SBDC helped to generate financial projections and conduct regional specific demographic information that aided in the negotiation and loan approval process.
Vision Source Meigs Clinic serves patients of all ages who reside predominantly in Meigs and Gallia Counties in Ohio and Mason County in West Virginia. “Since we are in a rural area with limited access to specialists, I see a variety of conditions from normal refractive errors to complex cases of eye infections, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.” – quote Dr. Robyn Pape.
“After nearly 20 years of practicing optometry, I felt more than capable of providing excellent patient care. Owning my own private practice however, was a different story. I wasn’t sure that I was equipped to handle the ownership side of optometry. The SBDC changed all that. They gave me the confidence to realize that I could do it! They were with me every step of the way and are still available at any time when I need advice or help with the ins and outs of running my own business. I am so proud to finally be the owner of my very own private practice! The SBDC has helped me realize this lifelong dream and I cannot thank them enough! I could not have done it without them!” – quote Dr. Robyn Pape.
“Carleen, an SBDC advisor, and myselfare ecstatic that we were able to assist Robyn in achieving her dream of owning her own practice! Our office looks forward to our ongoing relationship with Robyn by providing support and assistance in the future to ensure the practice’s continued sustainability and growth.”, says Lissa Jollick, OU’s SBDC Regional Director.