Park keeps an eye on Sharon
By Kate Sullivan Foley / correspondent
Wed Mar 25, 2009, 02:20 PM EDT
From left, frame stylist, Tahira Sajid, and Miri Park, O.D. pose for photos in their new business, South East Eye Family Vision Center in Sharon.
SHARON - Miri Park has lived in Sharon and been an active member of the community for the past 14 years.
When she was ready to open a business, it only made sense that she take on the challenge where she is most comfortable - in Sharon.
On March 2, Park opened South East Eye Family Vision Center on Pond Street.
"My goal was to open a small family friendly practice that is convenient for parents and their children and provides the highest quality services," said Park.
An optometrist, Park earned her bachelors of science in biology at SUNY at Stonybrook and her Doctorate of Optometry at SUNY State College of Optometry. She completed her residency with a concentration on geriatrics and ocular disease at a Veteran's hospital in New York.
Before moving to Sharon in 1996, Park owned and operated a practice in Queens, New York.
When she started her family, Park practiced part-time at several full-service optometric practices in Boston and locally. She continued working while raising her four children. She also dedicated her time to the Sharon community, including as Co-Chair of the Sharon Middle School PTO and in other roles on various committees.
Last year she realized she was ready to get back in the eye-care field full time. Her children, Samantha, 15, Jordyn, 13, Jesse, 9 and Taylor, 7 were old enough, she said, the prospect of running a practice seemed both feasible and enjoyable, she said.
"Because I will be in town, I felt that I could manage both the kids and the practice," said Park.
Her husband, Gene Kim, was supportive of the decision. Kim is the President of the Sharon Lacrosse Association.
By the end of last summer, before the downfall of the economy, Park started her plan to open a practice. She had a partner who selected the Pond Street location for the new practice. As the economy worsened, the partner pulled out.
"Opening a business is always a gamble - but I decided to continue and go through with it," said Park.
Her plan, she said, is to be conservative, keep overhead very low and see what happens.
The practice is full service, including comprehensive eye exams and fitting of contact lenses. Also, a selection of eyeglasses is available.
"I take care of everything in one location," explained Park, 47.
Patients are seen by appointment and walk-ins are also welcomed.
So far, Park said things are going well. She is happy to be seeing so many familiar faces and is looking forward to seeing many more, she said.
"I really love the community," said Park. "I have seen so many parents and children over the years already - I want this opportunity to continue those relationships in this practice."
South East Eye Family Vision Center is located at 71 Pond Street. The practice is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays noon to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Park will work with patients to schedule appointments during off-hours. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-784-4SEE (4733).
More about
Dr. Miri Park
Dr. Park in the Boston Globe and Sharon Advocate.
An article written by Dr. Park in the Sharon Advocate.
Dr. Park featured in Women in Optometry November 2010 in the Review of Optometry