In 1981, Dr. Tim Nelson joined the practice of his father, optometrist Coot Nelson, in Watonga. The elder Nelson had begun the practice in 1947, shortly after his days as a heroic bomber pilot in WWII.
Now, 43 years after hanging out his shingle, Tim Nelson is closing his practice. He will continue to treat patients in the Department of Corrections custody.
Nelson said he will see patients until the end of January, and his clients can come by or contact the office for their records through the end of February.
“We want them to come in and get their records for that continuum of care, and whatever we can do to help them, we’ll be glad to do that,” Nelson said.
Nelson said sale of the business is a possibility, but if it does not sell, the office would close.
“This town has been good to me,” he said. “It has been a pleasure, and my patients have become my friends. I hate to let them go.”