UMass Memorial Eye Center Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On Tuesday, March 15, Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at UMass Memorial Health and UMass Chan Medical School, and President, UMass Memorial Medical Group, welcomed almost 100 guests to the UMass Memorial Eye Center’s grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration. This day represented a dream come true for those who began planning just over two years ago.

Eric Dickson, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, UMass Memorial Health, and Dr. Schaal performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting after brief remarks.

“When Dr. Schaal came to me with her vision, I gave her a homework assignment. Today, as we stand here in this beautiful clinic, it’s clear she gets an “A”,” said Dr. Dickson.   “This is a special place not just because of the looks, but because of all the people on the Eye Center team who I know will take wonderful care of our patients,” he continued.

Dr. Schaal echoed Dr. Dickson’s sentiments and was thrilled to be together and see people in 3D (in person). “It was a labor of love and a team of amazing people that pulled this off in spite of COVID and many other obstacles,” said Dr. Schaal. She summed up what the day meant to her with a special poem, (see the PDF) titled Today by Billy Collins, that she shared with guests in the form of a printed bookmark.

UMass Memorial leadership, friends of the Eye Center, Eye Center caregivers, construction project management team members and many more were present for this milestone event. It was a beautiful and sunny day to showcase this beautiful new space. From the shiny new technology, large, bright and airy waiting areas, exam rooms outfitted with large monitors for viewing diagnostic imaging, and the gorgeous artwork from local artists, every detail was perfect.

The UMass Memorial Eye Center team looks forward to providing the highest quality care to our community in this clinic designed to ensure the smoothest delivery of patient care.

Photos by Matt Wright & Krasimir Tolev