Download a goodbye and thank you from Dr. Julie

Dear Patients and Friends,
It is with mixed emotions that I have said goodbye, for now, to the Kansas City area.
It has been a very difficult decision to leave the Eyecare Associates of Lee's Summit family (ECLS). I can't
begin to express the appreciation I have for all of my patients and want to thank you for letting me take
part in your eye health care. You all have truly made a difference in my life on a daily basis. From the
very young (5 days old) to the very young at heart, every patient encounter was unique and interesting
and I thank you for that. I know I am leaving you all in great hands- the Doctors and Staff at Eye Care
Associates of Lee's Summit are wonderful!
My husband and I have relocated to the Rio Grande Valley area in South Texas. I have stepped out of
private practice for now and have accepted an Associate Dean position with the College of Health Affairs
at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. I am working with new program development and
accreditation, and am part of the team that will evaluate the need and expansion of additional health
related programs. It is an exciting time in the Valley, as this is a brand new University set up by the
University of Texas Systems. The Rio Grande Valley is an historically underserved area in health care.
They are in need of health care in all areas including Eye Care, Diabetic care, PA's, OT's, Speech and
Hearing, Clinical Scientists, Pharmacy and Physical Therapy. They have just started their inaugural class
at the new College of Medicine and have Biomedical Scientists doing research in Diabetic retinopathy
and ocular disease along with other residencies and research.
I haven't stepped out of Eye Care altogether, but am in the process of acquiring my Texas Optometry
License. I will continue to hold my license in both Missouri and Kansas, and may eventually be back in
the region. For now though, my husband and I feel that the service we can provide in the development
of the University is important and can impact lives in a different way. I will continue to stay updated and
current in pediatrics, dry eye disease (OSD), contact lenses, diabetes, pathology and primary care.
Please keep us in your thoughts as we begin this new journey. And know that I think about and miss
each of you every day. You have truly made a difference in my life, and I hope to have helped to make a
difference in yours as well. Thank you for the opportunity to work with all of you over the past 14 years.
I feel so blessed to have been a part of your lives.
Sincerely,
Dr. Julie Anderson