When a trusted friend referred Judy Usilton to Family Vision Center over 30 years ago, she booked an appointment and prepared herself for the typical, mundane doctor visit most have come to expect. In addition to the referral, that same friend introduced her to Family Vision Center Founder Dr. Michael Gorman as “Mike.” Now 30 years later, Judy goes out of her way to make her appointments with Mike and considers the practice far from typical and mundane.

A longtime Trumbull resident, Judy started as a patient in the Bridgeport office and has since moved to the Stratford office. She recalls an immediate connection with Dr. Gorman and the practice based on their ability to keep up with her quick wit and sense of humor.

“I liked Mike instantly,” remembers Judy. “He has a wonderful personality and loves to joke around, and that’s exactly how I am. Mike and his staff have always been so professional, but once I crack a joke, they all love to the join the fun. That’s what keeps me going back year after year. Not only do I receive exceptional patient care, but they also care for me beyond that.”

When Judy went to book her most recent appointment early this year, she learned the news of Dr. Gorman’s retirement. She was thrilled for him, but not quite ready to say goodbye. When she was told he still visits the office and fills in on occasion, she rearranged her schedule so she could hold out for an appointment with him. Already delighted the staff had gone above and beyond to coordinate her schedule with Dr. Gorman’s, she realized the morning of the appointment just how accommodating the Family Vision Center team really was. When Judy went to start her car to head to the appointment, it wouldn’t start. After trying everything she could, she called the office and told them what had happened and that she would be unable to make her appointment.

“The staff was sympathetic and then worked tirelessly to rebook me with Mike the very next day”, said Judy. “You don’t get that level of service in this industry very much anymore. I was prepared to have to wait another month to be seen, but they took it on themselves to do better than that.”

Judy’s daughter has been wearing glasses since age seven from an astigmatism and would also be a 30 year patient had she not relocated to the Boston area several years ago. It comes as no surprise to Judy that Family Vision Center is celebrating 50 years in business. She values her visits to the practice and appreciates how everyone goes out of their way to chat with her and create a comfortable and pleasurable environment. She considers herself a lifelong patient and, in Judy’s words, “as long as they are there, I’ll be there.”