MECA began in downtown Memphis in 1968 amidst the sound of glass being broken on Front Street in connection with the riots after Martin Luther King’s tragedy.  Historically, we began, and it seems that history remains a strong presence with us.

After the first successful intraocular lens implants in this city together with small incision cataract surgery, the practice grew, and it was determined that support was needed.  Dr. Gettelfinger joined Dr. Jerre Freeman in 1976.  This was in connection to a historic trip to China where contacts were made that have helped shape us as we in turn help shape and share with others.  Dr. Joseph Weiss, a former medical missionary/ophthalmologist joined us in 1980 as our practice continued to flourish and grow.  Briefly, we had Dr. Herb Friesen, another medical missionary/ophthalmologist, join us.  At that time, our staff numbered approximately 30 persons.

After designing two or three ambulatory surgery center approaches, we committed in 1984 to our present location on Poplar Avenue in East Memphis.  We built the first freestanding ambulatory ophthalmic surgery center in Tennessee.  It proved from day one, until now, to be a magnificent addition and blessing to our practice, our patients, and to our community.  Just to the health care system, we feel we saved our community and our nation somewhere between $30 and $40,000,000 over the first decade we were here.  The savings in time and discomfort and the positive emotional support it has given continues in a significant way.   

Dr. Joseph Scott, a prominent Memphis ophthalmologist, moved his practice with us in 1985.  Dr. William Murrah, a semi-retired ophthalmologist, worked with us for years.  Dr. Edwina Campbell, a renown optometrist from Memphis, who joined us in 1975 as the first OD – MD connection in Tennessee, decided to retire to a beautiful home in Midtown Memphis rather than travel the long way to East Memphis.

Over the years, we have evolved and enhanced our capabilities.  We performed the first laser vision correction surgery in our area in the early to middle 1990’s while continuing to add outstanding physicians and staff.  Dr. Hal Wright, Dr. James Freeman, Dr. David Irvine, and Dr. John Freeman have brought their own strengths and skills, so that our staff now numbers some 60 strong.

 We entered this century with over three decades of personal experience, and we promise Memphis and Mid-America that we plan to be around for decades to come.