Artisan Eyeworks

Optometrists launch practice with help from SBDC

Kimberly and Michael Hoyt were optometrists at the Medical Eye Center in Medford for many years before deciding to open their own practice.

The doctors launched Ashland’s Artisan Eyeworks, which provides basic vision exams, complex diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, among other services. The Hoyts strive to see few patients daily in order to spend more time with each individual.

Before opening Artisan Eyeworks, the Hoyts received help from the SBDC. In 2014, Kimberly and Michael were introduced to the SBDC while attending the Rogue Valley Business Resource Forum, Kimberly said. The doctors started attending monthly SBDC presentations and began working with an adviser, who provided comprehensive services.

Their adviser assisted in writing a marketing plan and gave advice on media buying in the Rogue Valley. The SBDC also helped the Hoyts obtain a business loan to help grow Artisan Eyeworks.

“We were able to go into business with confidence as a result of the assistance the SOU SBDC office provided us as we were working on the logistics of opening a business,” Kimberly said.