Interview with Dr. Rod Fair, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My father, Dr. Ron Fair, purchased a practice in Brighton in 1959 and worked until age 80, retiring about four years ago. He and I worked together for almost three decades. I grew up in Brighton and, after returning from school in 1983, began practice with my father here in Brighton. Early on, my mother, Patty, was also very involved with the practice, working as a receptionist and bookkeeper. My wife, Monica, now does the bookkeeping and my daughter Katrina is going to University of Colorado and helps us in the summertime. My son, Grant, helps with building maintenance and he will be attending Arizona State in Tempe.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are seeing third- and fourth-generation families who are our friends and neighbors. When people come in, we see them as family rather than patients. Our goal is to exceed expectations and make this the very best eye examination experience anyone can possibly have. We have very interesting and advanced equipment that helps people feel that they have received the very highest technology evaluation with personal care. We take the time to do things right.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I see every kind of person imaginable and all of them are interesting. Some by nature of their eye problems, some by their work, others by their life experiences or their family history. Everyone has a unique story and I like to find out about that. From a vision standpoint, 95 percent of people leave us better off than when they came in. There are diseases which are not treatable, but not many. Helping people see better is very rewarding.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Government and insurance companies — the constant piling on of regulations and the decreasing reimbursements make doing business very challenging.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Dr. Cheryl Baker joined Brighton Eye Associates after Dr. Ron Fair retired four years ago. I met Dr. Baker at a meeting on a Saturday at lunch and she started working on Monday. I had shoulder surgery after she had been in the office one week and then I was out of the office for a month. She did great and we have been together ever since. She is like the little sister I never had. We very much enjoy working together and she is an excellent clinician who has the same philosophy of taking the time to get it right and she treats every person with respect.
Profile
Business: Brighton Eye Associates
Address: 1001 E. Bridge St., Brighton
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Founded: 1959
Contact: 303-659-3030,
Employees: 8
