Charleston ophthalmology practice joining Sarah Bush Lincoln, moving to Mattoon
MATTOON — Ophthalmologist Ryan Pine 's Charleston practice has joined Sarah Bush Lincoln and will relocate to the building that currently houses the SBL Mattoon Walk-In Clinic, which is moving to the Emerald Acres Sports Connection fieldhouse.
Sarah Bush Lincoln reported that it has acquired Pine's practice and will move it to 200 Dettro Drive in Mattoon at the end of the year. The new clinic will be called SBL Pine Eye Center. The Walk-In Clinic is moving to the sports complex's fieldhouse this fall.
SBL President and CEO Kim Uphoff said in a news release this is the first ophthalmology practice SBL has owned, and she believes it will enhance the continuum of care for area residents.
"We have worked closely with Dr. Pine for many years and are fortunate to have this caliber of eye care in our community," Uphoff said. "We hope to grow the practice by recruiting other eye specialists to complement Dr. Pine's practice."
Pine said the acquisition will enable him and his staff to improve access to care and will help ensure long-term viability of excellent ophthalmology care.
"It is difficult to operate a private practice today, and under the leadership of Sarah Bush Lincoln, we will be able to recruit additional ophthalmologists and eye specialists typically not found in smaller communities," Pine said. "We're excited for this next chapter."
Pine will continue to perform all of his surgical cases in the SBL Surgery Center on the Health Center's campus.
SBL reported that medical records and appointments will be transferred to the new facility, so patients should experience a seamless appointment after the first of the year. Minor renovations are expected in the new facility to help streamline the practice.
