Watonga was saddened when local optometrist Dr. Tim Nelson retired from practice. But like a cloud with a silver lining, there is good news for the displaced patients.
Dr. Cameron Sikes, an optometrist practicing in Kingfisher, is planning to see patients in Watonga one day a week.
Sikes has been an optometrist for eight years, working most recently with Dr. Gerald Mc-Mullen and taking over that office when Mc-Mullen retired in 2022. Prior to that, Sikes worked with Indian Health Services at Shawnee.
Originally from Muskogee, Sikes married a girl from Kingfisher and the couple settled there in 2021.
Recently he began seeing quite a few of Nelson’s former patients and noticed there was a need for services in Watonga. He learned Dr. Susan Lee was accommodating as many patients as possible, but there was still a gap between physician availability and patient need.
He spoke with Dr. Nelson, who invited Sikes to come to Watonga and look at his former offices.
“He (Dr. Nelson) wants his patients taken care of,” Sikes said. “He’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever talked to!”
Plans are for Sikes to be at the Watonga office on Thursdays beginning in early August.
Sikes will offer the same services as did Nelson; eye exams, contact lenses, screenings for glaucoma and care for glaucoma and diabetic eye patients.
“It’s everything you have come to know from Dr. Tim, just with a new face,” Sikes said.
Sikes can be reached at his Kingfisher office by calling (405) 375-3128.