Hardeman County Vision Center Rebuilds, Returns to Market Street
From the ashes comes a brand new Hardeman County Vision Center building, and Dr. Elizabeth Ligon celebrated surrounded by supportive family and friends at a ribbon cutting and open house that were held on Monday, September, 23, 2024. Dr. Ligon expressed her commitment to the community in just one statement, “I wasn’t going to give up that easily!”
On Sunday, March 12, 2023, the Hardeman County Vision Center building was destroyed by a fire. Dr. Ligon had worked at the business since 2015 and later purchased it in May 2021. Instead of closing the business completely and moving it out of the area, Dr. Ligon made the decision to remain in Bolivar and relocate to a temporary location to continue serving her patients. In the midst of the fire loss, Dr. Ligon has recognized a blessing from the experience. Dr. Ligon has been amazed at the amount of support she has received from the Hardeman County community since the fire to rebuilding.
“We have so many people depending on us that have been here to support us. It is definitely good to have a supportive community and of course a supportive staff. My staff has been a big help with a lot of things,” said Dr. Ligon. “Lots of different people in the community have helped me out so much, especially for not being or living in the area. It actually kind of really helped me with getting to know more folks in the area. It is important to be involved in the community.”
The Hardeman County Vision Center reopened for business in its brand new building on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Although the new building is similar in design to the previous building, patients can expect to walk into a vision center that better reflects how Dr. Ligon wants her patients to feel while being served.
“I didn’t want it to feel like a sterile environment, like regular doctors’ offices,” said Dr Ligon. “I want it to be kind of more homey feeling and want people to come in and feel somewhat relaxed.”
Some things that have not changed are the variety of eyes services offered by the center for patients ages three to adult. Some of the services include comprehensive eye exams, glasses fitting, contact lenses, diagnoses and glaucoma treatment, monitoring of patients with macular degeneration, checking for diabetic retinopathy, and more.
“We maintained our large optical dispensary area where we sell, dispense, and prepare glasses. That big, nice room has lots of windows and vaulted ceilings and I am excited to show everybody that. We wanted a nice open area for people to be able to try on glasses,” said Dr. Ligon, who noted the importance of vision care and the need for those services in the area. “Obviously, I am biased, but everyone knows how important their vision is. The next closest place to get your eyes checked is 30 plus minutes away.”
Her desire is to continue to serve the Hardeman County community and its surrounding areas. Dr. Ligon stayed and rebuilt, so she can continue serving the community.
The Hardeman County Vision Center is located at 725 West Market Street, Bolivar, Tennessee 38008. The hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 8:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pictures courtesy of the Hardeman County Chamber of Commerce.
Read more local news by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by following Hatchie Press on Facebook and Subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
