Gengenbachs receive award

By Brooke Pankonin
Grant Tribune Sentinel
    Drs. Tori and Eric Gengenbach of Grant recently received the 2017 Long-Term Graduate Award from the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) in Memphis, Tennessee. The couple operates First Insight Eyecare, with locations in Grant, Imperial, Ogallala and North Platte.
Eric said they were nominated to apply for the award in 2015 by David McBride, executive director of the Nebraska Optometric Association. They did not receive the award that year, but were encouraged to apply again.
    This is the second time a husband-wife team has received the award.
    The Long-Term Graduate Award is one of three given annually by the Hayes Center to identify and reward successful practices, recognize achievements of SCO graduates, and foster joint relationships that benefit SCO’s alumni and current optometry students. It’s presented to an outstanding alum who graduated in the past eight to 11 years.
As a requirement of receiving the reward, Gengenbachs gave a 20-minute presentation to the college’s third year business class.
    “The presentation was a PowerPoint on our backgrounds and how we developed the business aspect of our practice,” Eric said.
    The award comes with $5,000 and honors young alumni at different stages of their optometric career. The recipients must demonstrate success in implementing the private practice principles emphasized by the Hayes Center’s mission to encourage practice success, including strategic planning, budgeting, overhead control and profitability.
    “Drs. Victoria and Eric Gengenbach demonstrate exemplary professionalism and expertise in operating their practices,” said Dr. Lisa Rossmeyer Wade, director of the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence. “They serve as models for our current students, who will soon graduate and begin their careers. With their accomplishments in the optometry community, we’re proud to have them represent SCO’s strong alumni network across the country.”
    The couple purchased First Insight Eyecare in 2010 from Dr. Tim Meyer, which included locations in Grant, Imperial and Ogallala. They expanded to North Platte in Sept. 2015.
    Other 2017 Practice of Excellence Award recipients are Dr. Spencer Luke, class of 2011, who received the Mid-term Graduate Award, and Dr. Matthew Aaker, class of 2013, who received the Recent Graduate Award.