After a 32-year partnership, the Eye Clinic’s Selmer location permanently closed on Septempber 26 when Dr. Jamie Smith — along with his long-time assistants, Linda Lott and Lola Doyle — all retired.

“I feel so blessed that I’ve been able to practice medicine so long,” said Dr. Jamie, a board-certified optometrist. “I’m also so grateful to have worked with Linda and Lola for 50 years. They’re so dedicated and committed to our patients.”

Dr. Jamie, who turned 80 years old in May, grew up in Selmer and returned to practice there after serving for two years as an optometrist in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Jamie received his doctorate degree in optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. He completed his undergraduate work at Union University and University of Memphis.

Dr. Jamie, who has been affiliated with the Eye Clinic since 1992, encourages his patients to continue to receive comprehensive eye care at one of the Eye Clinic’s locations in Henderson or Jackson.

“Dr. Jamie has been an excellent eye care provider and a fixture of the Selmer community for decades,” said Dr. Sean Neel, the Eye Clinic’s managing partner. “We will miss him, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

Dr. Jamie and his wife, Sherry, have two children, Holly and John; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Dr. Jamie, who started practicing medicine 56 years ago, says it has been “an honor and a privilege to provide eye care to my patients in Selmer, McNairy County and surrounding counties.”

The nearest Eye Clinic location to Selmer is at 138 South Washington Avenue in Henderson where Dr. Adam Phelps treats patients. The Eye Clinic also has locations at 668 Skyline Drive and 1340 Union University Drive in Jackson.

The Eye Clinic is a full-service eye care group, offering the latest surgical procedures, comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fitting, along with full-service optical shops.

(PHOTO: Dr. Jamie Smith)