A Q&A with Longtime Family Vision Center Patient Tom Zawislinski

How long have you been visiting Family Vision Center?

Tom: After finishing college and moving to the Bridgeport area, Laura, the woman I was dating at the time (and who later became my wife!) gave a glowing recommendation and assured me that all of my eye care needs would best be served by Family Vision Center. I immediately made an appointment for an eye exam, and I have been satisfied with their unmatched professionalism and service ever since. That was 38 years ago for me, but Laura and her family have me beat as 50-year patients of Family Vision Center!

Up until his recent retirement, Dr. Gorman was your optometrist. What were your experiences with him?

Tom: In short, second to none! Dr. Gorman has an exceptional bedside manner. He was friendly and personable every single visit and he always explained every portion of the exam in detail, along with what it was meant to accomplish. Additionally, when I had questions about my vision, he took the time necessary to answer all of my questions to my satisfaction, making me feel like I was his only patient of the day.

Who is your Family Vision Center optometrist now that Dr. Gorman has retired, and how has the transition been going so far?

Tom: I now see Dr. Burns. Change can be difficult for anyone. However, Dr. Burns not only provides the same first-rate care as Dr. Gorman, he also has the same quality in his bedside manner, along with the important philosophy of treating patients with respect and dignity. Laura and I truly enjoy working with Dr. Burns as our vision care provider, and we look forward to getting to know him even better.

What do you value most about the practice?

Tom: The one-on-one friendly and courteous service provided by Family Vision Center, and I don’t just mean Dr. Burns. It’s amazing to me how everyone at the practice makes it a priority to interact with all patients to make the experience extremely enjoyable and positive. It’s a quality that is hard to come by, especially in the medical field. I feel lucky to be a part of something so successful and consistent.

Also, my wife Laura and I find the cost of care extremely reasonable and cost-efficient, which is something every patient can appreciate. It’s this reason and all of the afore-mentioned attributes why Family Vision Center has maintained a tremendous business for 50 years!

Why do you visit the practice?

Tom: Laura and I have good reason to trust in the care of Family Vision Center. We visit the practice regularly for glaucoma and cataracts testing, because we are both near-sighted. Additionally, since I have high blood pressure, I receive an internal diagnosis of my eyes with a high intensity camera. The practices’ state-of-the art equipment and dedication to staying on top of the latest industry technology assures me I’m in the best hands.

Over the course of the last 12 years, I’ve encountered some frightening issues that Family Vision Center resolved quickly and precisely. About three years ago, I suddenly started having blurry vision in one eye. I immediately called Family Vision Center and they saw me within three hours of the call. They diagnosed it as a flu-like condition after examining me, and indicated it would correct itself within one to two days. Sure enough, the issue was gone within that timeframe and my fears were put to rest.

The most troubling issue occurred about 12 years ago, when my right eye started exploding with visions of bright, extremely intense, white light. The practice adjusted their schedule to see me immediately, diagnosed it as a detachment of the vitreous and referred me to an ophthalmologist. He indicated that it was a good thing that Family Vision Center sent me to an ophthalmologist and worked to fix the issue. When these sporadic vision issues occur, it’s incredibly reassuring to know Family Vision Center has my back—Laura and I trust Family Vision Center implicitly.

Will you and Laura be lifelong patients of the practice, and if so, why?

Tom: Our personal philosophy has always been, “if something works, you do NOT fix it.” After being patients of Family Vision Center for 38 to 50 years with nothing but positive experiences, why would we go anywhere else? So yes, I would venture to say that we are indeed lifelong patients of Family Vision Center, and proud of it.