New doctor joins eye practice

A new doctor has been added to the Gillespie Eye Care team.

Dr. Galen Schmidt has joined the eye care firm in Grand Coulee after some 30 years in private practice.

Schmidt, and his wife, Pam, who is originally from the Omak area, come to the area from Spokane.

The doctor is well versed in treatment and management of eye diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eyes and diabetic retinopathy.

Originally from Cozad, Nebraska, Schmidt served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. He has his doctor of optometry degree from Indiana University.

He opened the Whitman Family Vision Center in Colfax, where he raised his family, then sold the practice in 2000 and continued to work with other doctors.

Gillespie Eye Care officials stated that Oct. 19-22 and Oct. 26-29, they encourage parents to bring their children into the office for a free goodie bag as well as a chance to win a free pair of glasses in a Halloween raffle.