October 26, 2018

Wolfe Eye Clinic Announces Donation to Assist Hometown Rebuild

Wolfe Eye Clinic announced a donation of $50,000 to the community of Marshalltown to help those affected by the recent tornado, and to assist in rebuilding the community they have called “home” for nearly 100 years. Wolfe Eye Clinic’s Board of Directors agreed to donate $30,000 to Community Foundation of Marshall County – Rebuild Marshalltown Fund for long-term rebuilding efforts and $20,000 to Mid-Iowa Community Action for the immediate needs of families severely affected by the devastation.

According to the Community Foundation Executive Director, Dylan Does, over 800 residences and businesses have been affected—more than 270 with major damage, and 45 residences and businesses destroyed.

“Wolfe Eye Clinic is proud of its long history in Marshalltown. The very first Wolfe Eye Clinic was founded in Marshalltown, and it still serves as the headquarters today. The Marshalltown Community has always encouraged and supported Wolfe Eye Clinic, and the clinic is proud on the eve of its 100th birthday to be able to give back to our community in this time of need and rebuilding,” said Dr. James Davison of Wolfe Eye Clinic and 39-year Marshalltown resident.

Wolfe Eye Clinic was established 99 years ago in Marshalltown when in 1919 Otis R. Wolfe M.D. moved his specialty ophthalmology practice to Marshalltown, reportedly because it was located along a busy railroad line in a central location in the state. Early on, Dr. Wolfe’s son’s, Otis and Russell, both ophthalmologists, and son Henry, an optometrist, joined him in practice. Together, they became one of the first clinics in the country to practice an integrated model of delivering medical and surgical eye care in which ophthalmologists and optometrists throughout the state worked shoulder to shoulder together. As the organization developed over the years, many ophthalmology firsts and innovations have occurred in Marshalltown.

“In addition to the 13 ophthalmologists who see patients in Marshalltown, the administrative services for the entire organization continues to be located here because of its centralized network location and the strong, experienced, high-quality local workforce,” said Kevin Swartz, Chief Executive Officer for Wolfe Eye Clinic. “Our physicians are proud to be able to bring an unparalleled breadth of subspecialty eye care to the community, including cornea, retina, pediatric, glaucoma, and oculoplastics.”

Those interested in donating to the Rebuild Marshalltown Fund can give online at https://dmf.iphiview.com or checks can be mailed to:
The Community Foundation of Marshall County
11 N. First Ave., Marshalltown, IA. 50158

Those interested in donating to the Mid-Iowa Community Action can give online at https://micaonline.org/ or checks can be dropped off or mailed to:
Marshalltown Family Tornado Relief
c/o Fiscal Department
1001 S. 18th Ave., Marshalltown, IA 50158