Left to Right: Dr. Mark Nelson MD, Dr. Darin Closson OD, Dr. Mark Torres MD, Dr. Matt Bushley MD

The clinic’s staff has nearly 40 years of combined experience in Lasik, said Ken Emerson, one of the directors and a full-time certified VISX (the company that makes the laser) engineer. Emerson is one of two certified engineers at the practice, which he says is one of the distinguishing advantages because most Lasik clinics rely on outside technicians who must be called in. Emerson worked as an engineer for VISX Inc. and has traveled around the world since 1997 to install and maintain lasers for physicians.

The four Harbor Lasik physicians have performed more than 10,000 procedures combined, Emerson said. The clinic offers laser vision correction for near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and for people who wear reading glasses, along with eye exams and eye glasses/contact lenses. “If it has anything to do with the eyes, we have it covered,” he said.

Planning for the practice has been in the works for more than a year. Emerson met the other director, Craig Wickstrom, through their previous jobs. Wickstrom, who is the business manager for Harbor Lasik, worked in the ophthalmology field for many years. The four physicians are: Dr. Mark Nelson, retinal specialist; Dr. Matt Bushley and Dr. Mark Torres, corneal specialists; and Dr. Darin Closson, ophthalmologist.

“What sets us apart, number one, is you don’t have to go to the big city like Seattle to get the latest technology,” Emerson said, adding that their prices are very affordable and they will match competitor’s prices.

The Peninsula area has had the need for Lasik services because currently many people drive over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and to Seattle, Emerson said. The practice also expects to get clients from the Kitsap area.

“We brought the technology here (to Gig Harbor),” he said. “Our phones are ringing a lot.”

To reach Harbor Lasik, call (253) 857-4477.