By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
An optometrist from Colby has taken over the practice of Dr. Kendall Krug of Hays. Krug spent 32 of his 37 years as an optometrist practicing in Hays.
Dr. Mark Wahlmeier, 49, took over the practice as of Aug. 1.
Wahlmeier received his eye training form the University of Missouri St. Louis School of Optometry, graduating in 2000. He is licensed to practice in Kansas.
He most recently worked at Vision Source of Colby, Goodland, Burlington, Atwood and St. Francis.
Krug was a low-vision specialist. Wahlmeier works in general optometry, including the treatment of glaucoma and cataracts.
Wahlmeier and his wife, Amanda, both graduated from Fort Hays State University, two of their children have graduated from FHSU and one child is attending FHSU. Their fourth child is still in high school.
"We thought with most of the family down this way, this might be a good transition to look at," he said. "We wanted to get closer to our kids and family that is back here."
The family also enjoys weekends at Wilson Lake, and Hays is closer to that favorite leisure spot.
Wahlmeier said he looks forward to becoming active in the community. He is a past member of the Thomas County Community Foundation and Rotary.
Wahlmeier will be transferring Krug's patients to his care, as well as accepting new patients.
He will continue to operate from Krug's former location at 2203 Canterbury, but under the new name Vision Source of Hays. Krug's staff has stayed on with the new doctor.
The clinic is in the process of getting credentialed for both Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare.
Hours at the clinic will be 8 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
The Wahlmeiers have added 500 new frames to their inventory since taking over the practice.
Vision Source's optician will be the Wahlmeier's daughter, Kellyn Eck, who just graduated from Fort Hays State University.
"I'm just excited to make this transition," Wahlmeier said. "I've been practicing for 22 years, and I feel like I have another 20 before I look to that next stage. I'm happy to be around family and join the Hays community."
In a letter to patients, Krug said he plans to spend more time with his children and continue to provide vision impairment services for the Kansas State School for the Blind for students in the western half of the state.
"I would like to thank Dr. Krug for the opportunity," Wahlmeier said. "He has had some very big shoes to fill. He has been a staple of the community for a long, long time. I feel very honored to try to help out. We will do our best to fill the legacy that he had."