Dr. Robert Roush graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry in 1943. After a tour of duty in the United States Navy as a Pharmacist Mate, he had a brief association with Dr.Emmil Farris in Marion, Indiana. In 1945, he chose to start a solo practice in Kendallville, which was located in the second story of the Keller building. This is now known as the Northeastern Center. In 1956 the practice was moved to 117 W. Rush Street.

In 1973 the Rush Street office was expanded to accommodate the addition of his son, Dr. Richard S. Roush, to the practice. Dr. Richard graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1970, and before returning to Kendallville, served a three-year Army tour in Germany.

A second office was started in Albion in 1973 at 106 W. Main Street. Dr. Richard was the practicing optometrist in this office until his retirement in August, 2004. In July 2005 we closed the Albion downtown office and moved to our new facility at 815 Trail Ridge Road. This office is open Tuesday through Saturday morning.

Dr. R. Alan Roush also graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry and, following a residency assignment at the Veterans Hospital in West Virginia with a concentration in ocular disease and The Eye Clinic, Indianapolis with a concentration in primary care, joined the Kendallville practice full-time in July, 1979.

After gradually phasing out of the practice, Dr. Robert Roush chose total retirement in 1987. After enjoying many years of retirement in Florida and Columbus, IN, Dr. Robert died on July 13, 2012 at the age of 93.

Also in 1987, both offices underwent major renovation. This major renovation and constant equipment upgrading are tangible signs of our family’s commitment to provide current, comprehensive and compassionate vision care as defined in our office philosophy statement.

In June, 2004 Dr. Matthew S. Will was added to our staff as an associate when Dr. Richard retired. Dr. Will attended Indiana University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Optometry. His residency rotations included the University Eye clinic & Community Eye Clinic with concentration on primary and pediatric eye care; The Mexico Dept. of Infants and Family Eye Clinic; Guanajuato, Mexico; with concentration on management of diabetic and hypertensive eye disease and glaucoma; and Eye Care Consultants; Evansville, IN. Pre. And Post. Surgical management of cataracts and glaucoma. He works in all three Drs. Roush and Will locations.

In May 2010 Dr. Elizabeth Roush (Lichlyter) was added to our staff as an associate. Dr. Elizabeth attended Indiana University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Optometry. Her residency rotations included the University Eye clinic & Quantico Naval Health Clinic with concentration on primary and pediatric eye care; The Mexico Dept. of Infants and Family Eye Clinic; Guanajuato, Mexico; with concentration on management of diabetic and hypertensive eye disease and glaucoma; and John Kenyon Eye Institute; Louisville, KY. Pre. And Post. Surgical management of cataracts and glaucoma. She works in all Drs. Roush and Will offices and as a medical optometrist at the Grossnickle Eye Center.

In May 2010 Dr. Craig Lichlyter was added to our staff as an associate. Dr. Craig attended Indiana University where he received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry. His residency rotations included the University Eye clinic and Pensacola Naval Health Clinic with concentration on primary and pediatric eye care; The Mexico Dept. of Infants and Family Eye Clinic; Guanajuato, Mexico; with concentration on management of diabetic and hypertensive eye disease and glaucoma; and Hudson Valley VA Hospital; Montrose, NY. with focus on diabetic eye disease, cataracts and glaucoma management.

A third office was started in Ligonier at 809 Lincolnway South. The new clinic location was opened after an acquisition of the long-term practice of Dr. Geoff Hemmick. This office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (evening hours), Friday and alternating Saturday mornings. The Ligonier office is closed on Thursdays.

Dr. Geoff Hemmick, originally from Gas City, Indiana is a graduate of Indiana University school of Optometry. He has practiced in Ligonier for over 35 years. Dr. Hemmick is actively involved in the Ligonier Rotary Club and Ligonier United Methodist Church. He is an active participant in optometry mission work spanning the globe. Dr. Hemmick retired in October 2013.