Sight is one of the most complex and critical of our five senses. Considering the importance of our vision, it is understandable how significant our choice is of who cares for our eye health. Thurston County residents are fortunate to have some of the most highly trained ophthalmologists in the country, as well as a renowned optometric team at Clarus Eye Centre, known simply as Clarus.
Clarus is designed in three expert areas. Clarus Eye Centre provides comprehensive eye care for the whole family and all ages. At Clarus Optical, the skillful opticians can assist you in finding the right fit and look among the largest selection of eyewear in the South Sound region. Clarus Laser & Surgery Centre is the premiere surgery center in our area where fellowship trained ophthalmologists perform cataract and glaucoma surgeries and corneal transplants.
Clarus can care for all your vision needs from routine eye care to surgery. Dr. Jay Rudd is Thurston County’s first board-certified cornea specialist and one of the few fellowship-trained refractive surgeons in all of the United States.
“Clarus is the only physician-owned eye care center of its size. We have a varied number of specialties that provide a diversity of care. Our optometrists provide outstanding routine eye care with specialists in the very next room if a consultation is needed,” explains Rudd.
“All doctors at Clarus collaborate, which is such a neat and unique system for eye care in our area,” continues Rudd. “We have routine care with the optometrists connected to the ophthalmologists if specialty care is needed. Our focus is on the care of our patients’ vision and eye health for a lifetime.”
Clarus has five medical doctors (ophthalmologists) and four doctors of optometry (optometrists). Clarus recently introduced two new optometrists to meet the growing need for routine eye care in its DuPont and Lacey clinics. Routine eye exams are the best way to keep eyes healthy and maintain good vision.
Dr. Brian Finley, also recently joined Clarus. Finley served as a medical officer in the United States Army. During his service, he created a vision rehabilitation clinic for wounded soldiers returning from war with traumatic brain injury ocular disorders.
“We have 80 staff at Clarus, some of whom are long term. The patients love to come back to see the same staff. Everyone loves to be here,” shares Patricia Baldwin, Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE).
“Clarus is the largest in Thurston County serving the most areas of specialties,” adds Baldwin. “Not only that, but we are very involved in the community. Our patients love to see us at community events and to provide them additional access to Clarus. Our staff enjoy the community outreach and educating people about vision and eye health.”
Clarus is highly respected for the team’s volunteerism. In fact, nearly every month of the year, Clarus Optical participates in different community activities and benefits. They present the importance of routine eye care and wearing the correct type of eyewear to protect vision for life.
Clarus believes strongly in giving back to the community. “Clarus is a wonderful place to work when the doctor owners support giving back to our community. We live in such a great place and all of us at Clarus feel passionate about giving back to make it even better,” remarks Dr. Rudd.
One of the most noteworthy community events hosted by Clarus is the Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show and Cancer Benefit. Held on the first Saturday of August, Clarus just wrapped up its sixth consecutive year of raising money for the American Cancer Society and partnering with the Blood Mobile and National Bone Marrow Registry.
Each year the Clarus team sponsors a family who has been affected by cancer. In its inaugural year Clarus sponsored a family fighting breast cancer. Most recently, the Clarus team sponsored a young boy, known fondly as Captain Tristan, diagnosed with a neuroblastoma. Clarus leads a team of local businesses who donate items and help with the event.
Clarus, founded in 1971, has been providing comprehensive eye care and surgery services to thousands of patients throughout Southwest Washington for over 40 years. Dr. Rudd comments that in addition to Clarus’ outstanding service, highly experienced doctors, and community involvement, there is an additional constant—”December 31 is always humming!” Dr. Rudd assured me that Clarus always has availability for same day exams for routine care, however it is a better idea to make your appointments now rather than waiting to use your end of year benefits such as flex accounts and health savings accounts on the last day of the year.
To learn more about Clarus visit Clarus Eye Centre.
Lacey Office
345 College Street SE, Suite C
Lacey, WA 98503-101
360-456-3200
