I worked at Eyeworks as an extern under Dr. Higley in the summer of 2019. That was my first rotation as a 4th year student, so I arrived considerably green and inexperienced. Despite this, that rotation became my most productive quarter and nearly all of my aptitude in primary care, private practice optometry can be attributed to Dr. Higley and his staff. The clinical aspect of the office is streamlined to provide efficient care with little waiting by patients. All machinery and equipment is modern and easily accessible, allowing any necessary ancillary testing to be done without issue for any tougher cases. The patient base itself was always cordial and pleasant, and many would speak highly of Dr. Higley the moment he left the room. The business side of the office is run in the same efficient manner with routine meetings that prevent any overlooked errors from lingering. The optical is an appropriate mix of moderate to high-end frames; this boutique approach was always something I recognized as necessary to provide services not available to online shoppers. I continue to apply many of the business principles I learned from Dr. Higley at my current position, especially the removal of vision plans. This is a step that I feel betters the profession as a whole, but is not one that many optometrists often have the courage to take. Keene itself is a beautiful New England community, with everything you would expect from southern New Hampshire/Vermont. My career has since drifted away from that area, but my time there continues to have a profound influence on the success I have enjoyed thus far. Dr. Benjamin Smith, OD SUNY College of Optometry ‘20 Malara Eyecare and Eyewear Gallery, Syracuse NY